Large, 100 hectare, forest monastery 30 kms E of Colombo. The most reknown meditation centre in Sri Lanka. Belongs to the Galduwa tradition. About 20 resident monks. The present meditation teacher, Ven.Dhammajiva, speaks excellent English and has meditated for a long time under Sayadaw U Pandita. He mostly teaches Mahasi method. Ven. DhammaraDsi also speaks good English and teaches Samatha meditation. It has a good English section in the library. Strict standards of Discipline and little talking. Dense low-country jungle on a hill. Humid and hot climate. Good support and food for Sri Lankan standards. Sometimes some noise from the nearby village. The Dharmayatana (see the Galduwa list below) is on the hill next to Nissarana Vanaya, a 25 minute walk away. From Colombo take a Kirindivela Bus at Central Bus stand in Pættah, the bus leaves close to the Bodhi tree outside the station. In Kirindiwælla, ask for a bus to Ranwalla or Wedagama, get off at Meetirigala (25 min. walk from bus-stop to monastery.) (Don’t take the bus to Ameetirigala which is further away. If coming from the Ratanapura side one can take a bus to Ameetirigala from Awissawella and ask the driver to stop at the Meetirigala junction. It is about 40 mins. walk from there. If coming from Kandy, take Colombo bus and get off at Nitambuwa, then go to Kirindiwela, etc.)