Vijayananda Temple

Vijayananda Temple holds a prominent place in the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka during the colonial period. It is renowned as the location where Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, a key figure in the Theosophical Society, publicly adopted the Five Precepts, marking his conversion to Buddhism. Following this event, Olcott spearheaded the establishment of Buddhist schools modeled after missionary schools, providing educational opportunities for Buddhist communities. The temple itself is relatively modest in appearance but houses valuable memorabilia and documents related to Olcott, including a handwritten letter. It serves as an important site for historians, scholars, and those interested in contemporary Sri Lankan Buddhism.