Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayake Thero holds position of president Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka since August 2000, Chief Sangha Nayake of Japan, Chief Incumbent of Agrasravaka Maha Vihara, Colombo, Sri Lanka and Chetiyagiri Vihara Sanchi India. He is the founder of Lankaji Temple in Japan, the first Theravada temple in Japan, and holds the position of Chief Incumbent. He is the founder chairman of Yoshida Foundation, Sri Lanka, and established 20 nursery schools in Sri Lanka, one International School. He was the founder and General Council member of Sanchi University of Buddhist and Indic Studies, Sanchi India. He was born on 5th January 1950 in a remote village of Sri Lanka Banagala in Matara district. Mr. J.L.D Jayasena and Mrs. Ampagud Premawathi Liyange were the happy parents of the Upatissa who completed his primary education at Banagala Primary School.

He was selected for sasana duty at the age of 12 with the advice of Ven. Seelarathana Nayake Thero who was his uncle and chief incumbent of Banagala Vihara. He was deputed by Mahabodhi Society to Sarnath India to study Dhamma under Ven. Metiwalla Sangharathana Maha Thero was one of the disciples of Anagarika Dharmapala. Mahabodhi Society The presidentship of the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka for Ven. BanagalaUpatissaNayake Thero was the start of a glorious period for the society. He had to regain lost glory of society and overcome financial situation. His first priority was to approach well- wisher and philanthropist of the country to bring the society from the grip of empty wallet.

The year 2000 was the period of chaos and agony in Sri Lanka because of escalating civil war. The prolonged battle had destroyed and ruined the basic fabrics of the country and the land of Buddha with doctrine of Karuna and Metta had forgotten the morality and harmony. With others likeminded people, he shares his mental anguish and pain on violence and destruction. Very often he was asked by international community that what happened to essential Buddhist doctrine of compassion, kindness and morality in Sri Lanka. He had no answer except being ashamed. Many leaders and spiritual fraternity adopted cautious approach and refrained from any initiative fearing their life.