Global Connections & International Recognition
Venerable Bhikkhunī Kurunegala Dhammadinnā has established meaningful global connections through her dedicated service to the Theravāda Bhikkhunī Saṅgha and her lifelong commitment to preserving, practicing, and promoting the Buddha Sāsana throughout the world.
As the Founder and Vice President of Dhamma Center USA and Secretary of the Sri Lankan Bhikkhunī Association, she has contributed to strengthening international Buddhist communities by supporting the revival of the Theravāda Bhikkhunī lineage, facilitating higher ordinations, guiding women entering monastic life, empowering Anagārikās, and creating opportunities for women from different countries to experience the path of renunciation and Dhamma practice.
Through her leadership and service, she has supported the Theravāda Bhikkhunī lineage, coordinated ordination and higher ordination ceremonies in the USA and Sri Lanka with Most Venerable Peliyagoda Sudharshana Mahā Therī, conducted and coordinated Dhamma discussions in the USA, UK, Italy, Switzerland, France, Greece, and Australia, and organized online Zoom Dhamma discussions with Venerable Karandulena Dhammagaveshi Thero. Through Dhamma Center USA, she continues to create spiritual opportunities and share the Buddha’s teachings with communities around the world.
2026 – Thailand: Outstanding Women in Buddhism Award 2026
Venerable Bhikkhunī Kurunegala Dhammadinnā Honored with the Outstanding Women in Buddhism Award 2026
Venerable Bhikkhunī Kurunegala Dhammadinnā has been honored as an Outstanding Woman in Buddhism 2026 at the 25th Anniversary Outstanding Women in Buddhism Awards Ceremony, held in recognition of United Nations International Women’s Day in Thailand.
This prestigious international award recognizes Buddhist women who have made significant contributions to the preservation, practice, and propagation of the Buddha’s teachings while inspiring compassion, wisdom, and spiritual growth within communities around the world.
Representing USA–Sri Lanka, Venerable Bhikkhunī Dhammadinnā received this distinguished recognition for her dedicated service to the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, her commitment to supporting the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, and her efforts in establishing and developing the Theravāda Bhikkhunī lineage, coordinating ordination and higher ordination ceremonies in the USA and Sri Lanka.
She has also contributed by conducting and coordinating Dhamma discussions, sharing the Buddha’s pure teachings around the world, and creating spiritual opportunities through Dhamma Center USA.
The award was presented under the guidance and leadership of the Outstanding Women in Buddhism Awards Committee, an international platform that has honored distinguished Buddhist women leaders for over two decades.
Venerable Bhikkhunī Dhammadinnā was selected by an international committee of Buddhist monastics and scholars in recognition of her exceptional contributions, including bringing Buddhism to the West, creating opportunities for women from overseas to experience monastic life, empowering Anagārikās, supporting aspiring Bhikkhunīs, and coordinating Bhikkhunī higher ordinations.
This recognition reflects her compassionate leadership, dedication, and lifelong commitment to the continuation and flourishing of the Theravāda Bhikkhunī tradition.
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