Ven. Dr. Godagama Mangala Thero is a senior Sri Lankan Theravāda Buddhist monk, educator, scholar, and leader known for his contributions to Buddhist education, literature, and international engagement. He was born in 1957 in Godagama, Kegalle District, Sri Lanka and entered the Buddhist monastic order in 1971 at the Asgiri Mahaviharaya.

He received traditional monastic education at Sangaraja Pirivena (Malwatta Viharaya) and Sri Ghaneswara Pirivena, and later pursued higher secular studies, becoming a graduate of the University of Peradeniya. He earned a Master’s degree from the Sri Lanka Pali and Buddhist University and a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from the University of Peradeniya in 1999.

Ven. Dr. Mangala Thero began his professional career as a teacher and later served as Principal of Sri Sumangala College in Kandy. He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Buddhashravaka Bhiksu University (University of Buddhist Studies), Anuradhapura from 2003 to 2006, where he helped shape higher Buddhist education in Sri Lanka.

Following his term as vice-chancellor, he focused on expanding Buddhist education by founding Sri Chandananda Buddhist College, emphasizing the education of both monastics and laypersons in Buddhist philosophy and values.

Ven. Dr. Mangala Thero has worked internationally with Buddhist leaders and organizations in countries including China, Korea, Japan, and Thailand, earning recognition for his contributions to Buddhist literature and cross-cultural engagement. He has compiled and edited publications on Buddhism and written numerous articles on Buddhism, education, and sociology.

Locally, he has served in leadership roles such as senior committee member of the Asgiriya Mahaviharaya Karaka Sangha Sabha, Registrar and Head of the Chandananda International Buddhist Research Institute, and patron of the International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) in Pallekele.

Overall, Ven. Dr. Godagama Mangala Thero is recognized for his scholarly achievements, academic leadership, foundation of Buddhist educational institutions, and contributions to promoting Buddhist learning both within Sri Lanka and internationally.