Ramakrishna Mission, Batticaloa – Centenary Celebrations (1925–2025)
The Ramakrishna Mission in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, reached a historic milestone in 2025, celebrating 100 years of dedicated service to the island. The mission’s journey began in 1926 when Swami Vipulananda, a visionary monk, established 26 schools across Sri Lanka, laying the foundation for its significant contributions to education and social welfare.
Commencement of Celebrations
The centenary celebrations officially commenced on February 16, 2025, with a series of events honoring the mission’s rich legacy. A major highlight was the mission’s expansion to the up-country Indian Tamil community, marked by the inauguration of the Shivananda Welfare Center at Kotagala. This initiative offers a wide range of educational, cultural, and healthcare services, including:
- Computer education
- Yoga, music, and dance classes
- Special coaching and tailoring programs
- A bookstore and medical services
- Sunday religious schools
- A prayer hall dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda
Consecration & Public Gatherings
The prayer hall consecration and welfare center inauguration took place on February 10, 2025, presided over by Rev. Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, Vice President of the Ramakrishna Mission. He also released a souvenir and booklet on the life and teachings of the Holy Trio, and distributed photographs and pamphlets on Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings. Over 3,000 people attended the event, receiving prasad as part of the celebrations.
A grand procession in Kotagala marked the mission’s formal entry into the up-country region, with over 4,000 people enthusiastically participating.
Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj’s Visit to Batticaloa
On February 14, 2025, Rev. Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, Vice-President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math visited Batticaloa, where he was welcomed by a procession of over 1,500 people, stretching from Clock Tower to the Ashrama.
On February 16, the official centenary inauguration took place, during which Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj:
- Released books on Swami Vipulananda’s life and teachings
- Launched pictorial stories for children and a Bhajan (devotional songs) book
- Presided over a special Bhajan session in honor of the mission
- Visited the Sarada Girls’ Home run by the mission
Further Inaugurations & Processions
On February 17, Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj visited Shivananda Vidyalaya, paying homage to the spot where Swami Vijnanananda had once stayed. Later, he proceeded to the Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Welfare Center in Karaitivu, where he was welcomed by over 1,000 people in a grand procession.
During his visit, Revered Maharaj:
- Inaugurated a new computer center
- Opened the Sarada Bhavan Monk’s Quarters
A Year-Long Celebration
These events mark the beginning of a year-long centenary celebration, commemorating the Ramakrishna Mission’s 100 years of selfless service in Sri Lanka. The mission continues to transform lives through education, spirituality, and welfare initiatives, carrying forward the legacy of Swami Vipulananda and reinforcing its enduring impact on society.
