Walisinghe Harischandra

Brahmachari Walisinghe Harischandra (Sinhala:බ්‍රහ්මචාරී වලිසිංහ හරිශ්චන්ද්‍ර; 9 July 1876 – 13 September 1913 ) was a social reformer, historian, author and revivalist of Sri Lankan Buddhism. He was a follower of Anagarika Dharmapala, who gave leadership to the Buddhist revivalist movement, after the lead given by Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. Walisinghe Harischandra is also regarded as the saviour of the citadel of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura.

Biography Walisinghe Harischandra was born to the family of Walisinghe Hendrick de Silva and Pehandi Marthnanda de Silva Gunasekera in Negombo on 9 July 1876. After the school education, he attended the Ceylon Law College. He did a great service for the restoration of ancient Buddhist shrines in Anuradhapura and Mihintale.

Survey of writings Walisinghe Harischandra wrote and published a considerable number of books. Most of his books were written in English and Sinhala languages. Description of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Great Story of King Dutugemunu, Lumbini, Mahabodhi, The Significance of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Life of King Devanampiyatissa are some examples for his written work. In his book The Sacred City of Anuradhapura, he included a section titled The Best Way to See the Ruins, to guide the newcomers to the city.