Today, we remember and honour a true unsung hero 
A humble soul who dedicated his entire life to serving the Sri Lankan community, both in Sri Lanka and here in the UK. He quietly changed countless lives, building homes for the poor, supporting schools, helping families in need, and bringing hope to so many forgotten corners of our society.
He was a devoted Buddhist who worked tirelessly to spread the Dhamma in the UK at a time when it was little known here. As a founding member and generous supporter of two of the main Buddhist temples in the country, especially Manchester and Birmingham, his vision and commitment laid the foundations for so many of us to practise our faith far from home.
His devotion didn’t stop at the borders of the UK. He turned his compassion into even greater service back home in Sri Lanka. At a time when our motherland was suffering through the hardships of war, he quietly gave his own money to protect and preserve Buddhist temples in many rural villages, helping rebuild and sustain them when they were most vulnerable. Without asking for help or seeking praise, he shouldered this responsibility alone, safeguarding our Buddhist heritage for future generations. For this, we owe him deep gratitude and heartfelt respect.
Many do not know that his love for his country extended into its political sphere too. At a crucial time in Sri Lanka’s history, he played a key role in supporting the early formation of the Jathika Hela Urumaya political movement, standing alongside respected figures such as Patali Champika Ranawaka and Udaya Gammanpila. From the UK, he quietly offered his personal support and resources to help build a platform for voices he believed would protect the nation’s identity and heritage. Sadly, this contribution too has gone largely unrecognised, but it remains an important part of his enduring legacy that someone know better (Kuma Dissanayake, Janaka Alahapperuma) must remember and honour.
All too often, good people who do immense work and make invaluable contributions for their country, their community, and their people go unnoticed with time. May we not forget such souls, and may we remember to honour them in word and deed.
I’m sure not many are aware of this remarkable person, so I would like to introduce Dr. Ranathunga, a true pillar of our community and one of the key people behind the early days of the Manchester Temple. I sincerely hope the current administration and the community remember him with gratitude and hold a special Dhamma event to share merits for his invaluable contributions to the temple, to Sri Lanka, and to our Sasana.
May his legacy of kindness, compassion, and service inspire us all to care for each other more, to lift those who have less, and to protect and nurture the Buddha Sasana wherever we are.
May the immeasurable merits he has gathered through his noble deeds guide him to the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
May Dr. Ranathunga attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana. 
