The 141st birth anniversary fell on September 17 of Bhikkhu Sri Deavamitta Dharmapala, known in the annals of Buddhist history as Anagarika Dharmapala. His life and character had been a source of wonder and inspiration to Buddhists throughout the world for the last 141 years as he was an indefatigable servant of the Buddha.
Throughout the territories under Dutch occupation in Ceylon Buddhists had been compelled to declare themselves Christians and during the period of British rule, the law was enforced for seventy years, being abrogated only in 1884 when on behalf of the Buddhists of Ceylon, Col. Olcott made representations to Secretary of State for the Colonies in London.
