Highlights
Public Service
All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC):
The flagship of Jagath’s public service is his longstanding association with the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC), one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most respected civil society organisations. He served as President of the ACBC for three consecutive terms from 2006 to 2014, and again from 2018 to 2021. During his tenure, the organisation experienced a remarkable revival. Jagath’s exemplary, disciplined, and skilful leadership brought renewed energy and stability to the Congress, strengthening its role in promoting Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture while elevating its stature as a respected national institution.
Key initiatives during his tenure can be summarized in bullet form for clarity:
- Revival of Publications:Re-launched the historic “Bauddhaloka Sangarawa” Buddhist journal (founded in 1956) after it had been defunct for over a decade
- Cultural Events: Following in the footsteps of his mother, who first initiated the Vesak festival at the ACBC headquarters, Jagath continued and expanded this tradition, transforming what was once a quiet season into a vibrant and widely celebrated event. He also organised island-wide devotional programmes, including a mass Buddhist Walk promoting a morally disciplined society.Community Identity: Introduced a Buddhist Identity badge for devotees, strengthening laypeople’s connection to their faith across the country.
- Heritage Protection:Resolved legal disputes over temple lands donated to the ACBC, safeguarding these assets for future generations.
- Jagath developed and strengthened 18 children’s homes and several elder care homes across the country, enhancing the ACBC’s impact on vulnerable communities and reinforcing its mission of compassionate service.
He played a key role in the development and preservation of several archaeological sites, helping to protect Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and promote cultural awareness.
Highlights
Philanthropy & Social Impact
Bauddhaloka Foundation: At the heart of Jagath’s recent philanthropic work is the Bauddhaloka Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation he founded and chairs. Established in 2020, the foundation is a continuation of Jagath’s lifelong commitment to religious and social service. Its core mission is to preserve Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage, support education, and assist those in need.
Notably, the foundation produced a world heritage documentary on the Panadurawadaya debate, a landmark event in Sri Lanka’s religious history that gained global recognition. Another major initiative includes the restoration of 1,000 ancient puskola poth (palm-leaf manuscripts), preserving priceless historical records for future generations and safeguarding the nation’s cultural treasures.
Under Jagath’s leadership, the Bauddhaloka Foundation has initiated numerous impactful projects—renovating ancient temples, funding archaeological research, and awarding scholarships for Buddhist studies. It also actively engages in welfare initiatives such as housing for the underprivileged and disaster relief, reflecting Jagath’s compassionate and inclusive vision.
Highlights
Sports Contributions
Jagath has consistently ensured that the family’s businesses and resources are used to support the development of sports in Sri Lanka. His guidance and business acumen indirectly benefited Sri Lanka Cricket, especially during periods when his family held key leadership roles within the sport. By maintaining the betting business arm under his name, Jagath enabled the family to navigate conflict-of-interest regulations in international cricket—demonstrating both his strategic thinking and commitment to supporting his brother’s contributions to the game.
In addition to cricket, Jagath has played a significant role in the advancement of school rugby across the country. He has extended financial and logistical support to school-level tournaments and teams, recognising the importance of grassroots development in shaping future athletes. His efforts have helped raise the standard and visibility of rugby in Sri Lanka’s school sports landscape.
Group of Companies
