Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhita Maha Thero, president and founder of Sri Bodhiraja Foundation and the Sri Bodhiraja Viharaya, Embilipitiyia, Sri Lanka, is an internationally acclaimed Buddhist scholar, environmentalist, humanitarian, and social activist who has devoted his life to fostering peace and culture, strengthening society’s harmony and stability, and supporting the development of humanity and world peace. Ordained as a monk at 11 years of age, Ven. Sobhita often represents the voice of the people, leading non-violent protests. He has represented Sri Lanka at international inter-religious peace conferences, the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Montserrat/Barcelona, Spain, and the International Conference on Women’s Rights in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He was appointed United Nations environmental education advisor for Cambodia. 

Ven. Sobhita’s passion for the unity of Sri Lankans, protection of the environment, forests, elephants, and indigenous peoples has brought him international respect, along with his deep knowledge and teachings of the Buddhist philosophy and dharma.