The Sri Sumangala Vidyawathansa Honorary Title is conferred upon a distinguished alumnus of Vidyodaya Pirivena, a member of the clergy, or an individual who has rendered outstanding service to Sri Lanka in the fields of national development, society, religion, or education. This prestigious title is conferred annually in commemoration of the death anniversary of the Most Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera, the founder of Vidyodaya Pirivena in 1873.
This year, marking the 115th death anniversary of the Most Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera, the alumni of Vidyodaya Pirivena, together with its Board of Education, conferred this honorary title upon Prof. Sampath Amaratunge. The title was ceremoniously conferred upon him on 29 April 2026 at Vidyodaya Pirivena.
Prof. Sampath Amaratunge is the former Chairman of the University Grants Commission, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and currently serves as the Deputy President and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of CINEC Campus, Malabe.
This honour was conferred in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contributions to Sri Lanka in the spheres of national service, society, religion, and education, as well as for the enduring relationship he has maintained with Vidyodaya Pirivena, serving as a vital link between the Pirivena and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Prof. Amaratunge was previously conferred a similar honour, the Vidyodaya Dharma Shasthra Vibhushanaa, by Vidyodaya Pirivena in 2018. He was also the recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, awarded by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan in 2021, which is generally regarded as the highest honour ordinarily conferred on a foreign national.
