GET IN TOUCH

Reach Out in the
Spirit of Dhamma

Reach out to Siri Vajiraramaya Temple for inquiries, Dhamma activities, visits,
and community services.

PLAN YOUR PILGRIMAGE

Your Way to the Temple

Opening Time : 6:00 AM — 10:00 PM

Vajira Road, Vajirarama, Colombo 04, Sri Lanka.

BEFORE YOU COME

Visiting With Respect

Visitor Guidelines

Help us preserve the peaceful atmosphere and sacred heritage of Siri Vajiraramaya. Welcome to our temple we welcome visitors from all backgrounds who wish to learn about Buddhism, explore the temple's history, or participate in its religious activities.
To help maintain a respectful environment please observe the following guidelines.

Appropriate DressVisitors are encouraged to wear modest, respectful clothing.
•⁠ ⁠Choose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
•⁠ ⁠Avoid revealing clothing.
•⁠ ⁠Follow any additional dress requirements communicated for specific religious ceremonies.
•⁠ ⁠Remove footwear when entering areas where this is customary or indicated by signs.

Respectful Conduct
•⁠ ⁠Speak quietly and avoid unnecessary noise.
•⁠ ⁠Maintain a respectful attitude during religious observances.
•⁠ ⁠Follow instructions from temple staff and volunteers.
•⁠ ⁠Avoid disturbing monks, devotees, or people engaged in meditation.
•⁠ ⁠Keep the temple grounds clean.
•⁠ ⁠Treat religious objects, statues, and buildings with respect.

Photography and RecordingPhotography policies may vary by location and event.
•⁠ ⁠Look for signs indicating photography restrictions.
•⁠ ⁠Ask permission before photographing monks or individual devotees.
•⁠ ⁠Avoid flash photography during religious observances.
•⁠ ⁠Do not record private religious activities without permission.
•⁠ ⁠Obtain authorization before conducting commercial photography or video production.

Mobile Phones
•⁠ ⁠Silence your phone before entering areas used for worship or meditation.
•⁠ ⁠Avoid phone calls during religious ceremonies.
•⁠ ⁠Keep audio and video playback muted unless explicitly permitted.

Interacting with Buddhist MonksVisitors are encouraged to approach monks respectfully.
•⁠ ⁠Wait for an appropriate moment before beginning a conversation.
•⁠ ⁠Speak politely and keep questions relevant to the setting.
•⁠ ⁠If you wish to discuss Dhamma or request guidance, ask whether a suitable time is available.
•⁠ ⁠Follow local customs regarding greetings and physical contact.Customs can vary, so when uncertain, politely ask a temple representative for guidance.

Protecting the Sacred EnvironmentPlease help preserve the temple for future generations.
•⁠ ⁠Dispose of waste responsibly.
•⁠ ⁠Do not damage plants, structures, or historical objects.
•⁠ ⁠Follow restrictions on food, drink, and access to designated areas.
•⁠ ⁠Supervise children throughout your vis

QUESTIONS

Good to Know Before You Visit

GENERAL

Q : Where is Siri Vajiraramaya located?

A : Siri Vajiraramaya is located at No. 14, Vajira Road, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 04, Sri Lanka.You can find directions through the map on our Plan Your Visit page.

Q : When was Siri Vajiraramaya established?

A : Siri Vajiraramaya was founded in 1901 by Most Venerable Pelene Siri Vajiragnana Maha Nayaka Thero.The temple was formally declared a State Sacred Site on 6 September 2009.

Q : What are the temple’s opening hours?

A : The existing official website lists general temple hours as 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Please confirm these hours with the administration before your visit, particularly if you are travelling from overseas or attending a special programme.

Q : Is the temple open to non-Buddhists?

A : People interested in Buddhist heritage and teachings may enquire about visiting arrangements regardless of their religious background.All visitors are expected to respect the temple’s religious customs and guidelines.

Q : Is there an entrance fee?

A : Please contact the temple administration to confirm whether any particular programme, service, or organised visit has an associated charge.Visitors should not assume that an entrance fee applies.

Q : Do I need to make a reservation before visiting?

A : For an ordinary visit, please check the published visiting information.For organised groups, educational visits, research activities, or special arrangements, contacting the administration in advance is recommended.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Q : Can I attend a Dhamma sermon?

A : Check the Noticeboard for upcoming Dhamma sermons and other publicly announced religious programmes.Programme times and participation arrangements may vary.

Q : Does the temple conduct Poya Day programmes?

A : The temple’s existing website identifies Poya Day programmes among its religious activities. Check the current Noticeboard for dates, times, and programme details.

Q : Can I participate in meditation?

A : The temple’s website lists meditation-related activities among its services. Contact the administration to enquire about current sessions, eligibility, schedules, and registration requirements.

Q : Can I meet a Buddhist monk during my visit?

A : Meetings depend on the availability of the relevant monk and the temple’s schedule.Please contact the administration in advance if you wish to arrange a discussion, request guidance, or conduct an interview.

DHAMMA SCHOOL

Q : What is the Siri Vajiraramaya Dhamma School?

A : The Dhamma School provides Buddhist education and activities intended to develop students’ understanding of Buddhist teachings, moral values, and social responsibility. The school has a history extending back to 1918.

Q : How can I enrol my child in the Dhamma School?

A : Please visit the Dhamma School section of this website for current enrolment information.For details about eligibility, registration dates, required documents, and available classes, contact the Dhamma School office.

Q : Can I arrange an educational visit for a school or university group?

A : Educational groups are encouraged to contact the administration in advance to discuss the purpose of the visit, proposed dates, group size, and any arrangements that may be required.

PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE

Q : Can I read Buddhist books online?

A : Visit the Publications section to explore available digital resources.Where electronic versions have been made available for public distribution, the website should provide options to read or download them.

Q : Can I watch Dhamma sermons online?

A : Yes. Visit the Dhamma Deshana section to explore the sermons published on the temple’s official digital channels.

Q : Can I access historical photographs and records?

A : Explore the History, Gallery, and 125th Anniversary sections for historical information and archival material made available by the temple.

OVERSEAS VISITORS

Q : Can international visitors visit the temple?

A : International visitors can enquire about visiting arrangements and explore the temple’s Buddhist heritage. Please review the visitor guidelines and confirm any specific requirements before travelling.

Q : Is information available in English?

A : The redesigned website is intended to provide information in Sinhala and English.The availability of translations for individual publications, programmes, and historical documents may vary.

Q : Are English-speaking guides available?

A : Please contact the administration to enquire about English-speaking assistance or guided visits. Availability should be confirmed before making travel arrangements.

Q : Can overseas visitors arrange group or research visits?

A : Yes, they may contact the administration to enquire about possible arrangements.Please provide your proposed date, group size, purpose of the visit, preferred language, and any specific requirements.

CONTACT & PRACTICAL

Q : How can I contact the temple?

A : You can contact the administration using the telephone numbers and email address listed on the Contact & Administration page.

Q : Whom should I contact about Dhamma School matters?

A : The existing official website lists a separate contact for the Dhamma School. Please refer to the contact directory below.

Q : What should I do if I need special assistance?

A : Please contact the administration before your visit to discuss your requirements.The team can advise you on available arrangements.

GET IN TOUCH

Reach Out in the Spirit of Dhamma

CONTACT INFO

SOCIETY OFFICE

KARYA SADHAKA SAMITHIYA (OFFICE)

VAJIRARAMA DHAMMA SCHOOL (OFFICE)