Buddhist Nuns of Mahamevnawa — 30/90p Longdon Pl, Sri Lanka

A Buddhist nuns' monastery in Colombo, branch of Sri Lanka's Mahamevnawa order

The Buddhist Nuns of Mahamevnawa is a branch of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, which Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero founded in Sri Lanka in 1999. Its stated purpose is to spread the original teachings of the Buddha, presented in modern language that is easy to understand. The monastery describes itself as a welcoming place for everyone to investigate true happiness through Dhamma and meditation. The nuns' community sits within a much larger family. The pages count more than 800 monks, more than 150 nuns and thousands of lay disciples across Mahamevnawa monasteries, with over 60 branches in Sri Lanka and abroad, including Canada, the United States, England, Germany, Australia, India and Dubai. The Colombo nuns are based at No. 30/90p, Longdon Place, Colombo 7. The rhythm of the place follows the lunar calendar. On every Poya (full-moon) day, a retreat runs from 8 am to 4 pm at Sithumina Hall on Mugalan Road, Colombo 06. Lay participants keep the eight Uposatha precepts, listen to Dhamma, meditate, offer dana and gilanpasa, take part in Kiripindu puja and join the evening Vandana. Adults are taught in Sinhala and children in English, and the retreat is free. Children have their own program at Longdon Place every Sunday from 3 to 4 pm, for ages 7 to 16, taught in English. Registration is required. Children learn qualities such as honesty, respect, loving-kindness and compassion, practice meditation, and offer flowers before the Buddha statue and Arahant relics. The nuns say all activities are free and supported by donations from people in Colombo. Online and in-person options extend the schedule, including Meditate with a Nun, Online Sutta Study, and classes for children in paritta chanting and Dhamma school.

Traditions: Theravada Buddhism, Dhamma teaching, Meditation, Eight Precepts (Uposatha sila), Sutta study, Paritta chanting

Programs: Poya Day Sil Program, Poya-Day Buddhist Retreat for Adults, Poya-Day Buddhist Retreat for Kids, Children's Dhamma Program (in person), Meditate with a Nun (in person), (Online) Meditate with a Nun, Online Sutta Study, Online Dhamma School for Kids