From the forest to the global village
About Us
Our story
From the forest to the global village
Our journey has been a total success story. It began years ago in a deep, quiet forest monastery. The concept that would become UMV was designed by our spiritual teacher and founder, Ven. Udairiyagama Dhammajiva Maha Thero, who spent over 40 years mastering Buddhist meditation as a forest monk. He had attained higher levels of practice and wanted to share it across the world.
How do you take something complex and make it accessible to everyone? Satipasala — "mindfulness school" — was the first initiative in this endeavour. Our founder structured a mechanism to share this wisdom in a way that was simple, interactive, and joyful. What started as a small local program to share authentic mindfulness practice quickly gained national and international recognition. Today, that movement — the Universal Mindfulness Village (UMV) — has begun its global expansion, proving that inner peace is truly beyond all borders.
Vision
To see a spiritually empowered nation and universe driving the human race towards contentment.
Mission
Our mission is to inculcate mindfulness into the heart and soul of every person, driving the human race toward true contentment. We provide a holistic solution to human challenges by awakening you to the present moment.
Founder
Ven. Udairiyagama Dhammajiva Maha Thero
"Mindfulness is a universal practice that is not limited to culture, language, or religion. Having dedicated over 40 years to mastering meditation, I have seen that mindfulness transforms lives, strengthens families, and guides societies toward compassion and balance. Our vision is simple: to see mindfulness flourish in every home, school, workplace and nation. We are the International Messenger for Mindfulness, bringing this ancient wisdom to the modern world."
Leadership
The Team
Advisor
Mr. Ranjan Walpola
Mindfulness is a true way of living that allows individuals and societies to discover their fullest potential. I strongly believe in the preventative approach, which is why UMV aims to bring mindfulness out of traditional boundaries and into education, professional environments, governance, and community development.
Chairman
Dr. Yogabandu Rajakaruna
The world faces critical challenges such as stress, conflict, and imbalance, making sustainable solutions rooted in mindfulness vital. I am committed to carrying the UMV vision forward with professionalism and global standards, bridging ancient wisdom with modern needs.
Secretary / Director
Ms. Vindhya Warakagoda
Treasurer / Director
Mr. Chatura Hewamallika
Director, Media
Mr. Kushan Sameera
Research & Development
Dr. Sanath Mahawithanage
International Coordinator