Rev. Maitipe Wimalasara Thera is the founder president of the Kansas Buddhist Vihara.
He was born in 1959 in Sri Lanka, and received full higher ordination in 1981. He is a disciple of the late Most Venerable Dr. Mapalagama Wipulasara Maha Thera of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena, Mt. Lavinia, Sri Lanka. In 1986 after completing his monastic education he left for India to further his higher education and join the Maha Bodhi Society.
During his missionary life in India he completed his bachelors and masters in the Banaras Hindu University in the field of Pali and Buddhist Studies.
He served in the Maha Bodhi Society in Calcutta, Saranath and Buddha Gaya.
He was the Chief Incumbent of the Maha Bodhi Society at Buddha Gaya. He served briefly in the Singapore Buddhist Mission as a resident monk. He was the Chief Editor of Sambodhi academic journal and the founder General Secretary of the International Buddhist Council of Buddha Gaya. His special interest is, working towards inter religious harmony and peace. He has traveled extensively and participated in numerous international seminars and work shops.
He is currently residing at the Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles and helping to promote the sublime teachings of the Buddha by participating and organizing religious and cultural events in the West.
