Rideekanda,
a place for meditation
Buddhist Forest Monastery
A serene mountain top in Yatawatta, Matale District, Sri Lanka
About the Monastery
Rideekanda — “Silver Hill” — is a Buddhist meditation training centre set on a serene mountain top in Yatawatta, Matale. Its mild climate, year-round clement weather, and forested calm offer practitioners tranquility of mind and body.
Since the inception of Theravāda Buddhism in Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda in the 3rd century BCE, the knowledge and traditions established by Lord Buddha were passed down orally as the order of monks flourished in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura.
The famine caused by a severe drought — the Bæminitiyā sāya — during King Walagamba’s reign prompted the learned monks to commit the orally kept scriptures to writing, producing the first-ever written Tripiṭaka. Rising from that same noble order, dedicated to preserving true Buddhism, reside the monks of this monastery.
The monastery offers a profound and pragmatic path to comprehend the noble truths revealed in Buddhism, developed through extensive study of the Tripiṭaka put into years of practice.
Our specialty is a goal-oriented training methodology designed to guide each practitioner to a definite understanding of Buddhist wisdom — a systematic, progressive exposition of philosophy with a personalised recommendation of meditation subjects, Kammaṭṭhāna.
Our meditation programs include residential retreats and online instructional programs designed for serious seekers of Nibbāna — the ultimate release from all suffering.
Committed to conserving ancient tradition, our residential monks continue the preparation of robes, the kaṭhina ceremonies, and the custom of the alms round (piṇḍapāta) as they were practised in ancient times.
The Journey
Built over eight years,
together
Over the past eight years, Rideekanda Monastery has undergone remarkable development, transforming into a serene sanctuary for meditation and spiritual growth — a journey of challenges and triumphs led by Ven. Homagama Rewatha Thero, whose dedication has guided the construction from the very beginning.
This progress would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the village community, meditation practitioners, and generous donors who have supported the monastery's vision — together turning a vision into reality.
Beginning in 2017, the construction and expansion has included numerous projects to enhance the facilities for meditation and residential retreats. Today the monastery continues to grow, standing as a testament to collaboration and to the enduring support of all who believe in its mission.
Our Teachers
Our programs are designed and led by teachers with years of dedicated practice in the remote forests of Sri Pada, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa — carrying the noble teaching from this hillside to communities in Sri Lanka and abroad.
Meditation Teacher · Abbot
Royal Paṇḍita Ven.
Anuradhapura Ariyajeewa Thero
Chief Incumbent — Gold Coast Buddhist Centre, Australia · Sri Abhayaramaya Purana Tampita Viharaya, Kurunegala · Rideekanda Forest Monastery, Matale
The Most Venerable Royal Paṇḍita Anuradhapura Ariyajeewa Thero is the founder of the Ehipassiko International Meditation Center, begun more than ten years ago as the Ariya Chitta Viveka Senasuna.
He was higher-ordained at Asgiriya Maha Viharaya under the preceptorship of the Most Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Dhammadassi Maha Thero, Anu Nāyaka of the Siyam Nikāya, Asgiri Chapter. After his monastic education he completed the Rajakeeya Paṇḍita examination to become a scholarly monk.
With command of Sinhala, Pāli, and Sanskrit, he is a fine exponent of the Dhamma, delivering sermons in a lucid style. Having studied the Pāli Canon for years, the Venerable Thero gathered myriad experiences while living in the forests of Sri Pada, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa for nearly five years. Through the meditation experience gained in forest living, he became a meditation master, guiding practitioners in the techniques that lead toward enlightenment.
All his efforts are to deliver the pure and undefiled noble teaching of the Buddha — and to show that emancipation is practically attainable. He presently lives in Australia, serving the noble Dhamma at the Gold Coast Buddhist Centre while pursuing his PhD studies.
Meditation Teacher · Administrator
Ven. Homagama
Rewatha Thero
Administrator — Rideekanda Forest Monastery, Matale · Siri Jayabodhi Maha Viharaya, Kalalgoda · Siri Jayabodhi Viharaya, Lunugala
With nearly a decade of meditation practice and experience, Venerable Homagama Rewatha Thero has devoted his life to exploring the depths of the mind, perception, and meditation. He was higher-ordained under the Supreme Saṅgha Council of the Siam Maha Nikāya, Kotte Chapter, and was guided and trained by Venerable Alakolagala Ghanarathana Thero and Venerable Anuradhapura Ariyajeewa Thero.
At Rideekanda Forest Monastery he conducts weekly, monthly, and residential meditation retreats for both local and international practitioners, teaching traditional Buddhist techniques designed to foster spiritual growth and mental well-being. He also organises temporary ordination programs, offering participants the chance to immerse themselves in monastic culture and practice.
A scholar with a background in Computer Science and Information Technology, he uniquely combines technical expertise with profound Buddhist wisdom — bridging ancient philosophy with contemporary scientific perspectives, and engaging audiences from engineering and scientific backgrounds in a way that is relatable and impactful.
Visiting the Monastery
You are
welcome here
We welcome Buddhist monks, nuns, and lay dhamma seekers visiting the monastery to fulfil any of the following. Because the monastery is reached by a difficult forest road, we kindly ask that you contact us before any visit.
Join a meditation program
Join any scheduled program in our timetable. Registration is required before the starting date — please reach out through Book Your Stay to reserve a place.
A short sitting
Visit for a short meditation session limited to a single day, or even a few hours. We recommend contacting us before such a visit.
Meet an instructor
Visit the monastery to meet our meditation instructors by appointment, to seek guidance on your path of practice.
Offer alms
Offer alms to the monks and lay residents at the monastery. A date must be booked beforehand for this purpose.
Volunteer your labour
Offer your help with construction projects, events, and general cleaning activities — please inform us first so we can prepare.
Before you come
The path is remote and the monastery quiet. A message ahead of time lets us welcome you well and keep the practice of those in residence undisturbed.
Food & Dāna Offering
Sharing a meal
with the saṅgha
Food for the residential monks and meditation trainees is generally prepared and offered at the monastery. You may provide food on a pre-scheduled day when no training program is being conducted.
Because the monastery is difficult to access by road, we generally collect all food provisions before a training program begins. The monastery has every facility and appliance needed to cook and prepare food, which you are welcome to use.
Walk the noble path
in good company
Our mission is to preserve true Buddhism for the individual, social, and spiritual well-being of all. Reach out to plan a retreat, an appointment, or a visit.