Born as Dharmadasa on 24 December 1913 or 1914 in
Ampitiya, Kandy, he received his early education at St. Mary's College, Kandy. Raised by devoutly Buddhist parents, he was sent to a Dhamma school at Alukgolla Raja Maha Viharaya to deepen his understanding of
Buddhism. At the age of 22, on 4 May 1936, he ordained as a Buddhist monk and underwent higher ordination at Udakukkhepa Seema Malakaya in
Kelaniya on 30 July 1936. He furthered his studies at the hermitage affiliated with the
University of Peradeniya under the guidance of
Madihe Pannaseeha Thera. His knowledge of Buddhism was also nurtured by
Palane Vajiragnana Thera and
Ahangama Sri Pragnaloka Maha Thera. In 1948, he assumed the role of Principal at Vajirarama Dhamma School. Venerable Rahula Maha Thera extended his teachings to undergraduates in Sinhala and Tamil at the University of Peradeniya and played a role in establishing a Buddhist temple within the university campus. He counted monks such as
Maharagama Dhammasiri Thera,
Gangodawila Soma Thera and
Thirikunamale Ananda Thera among his students. In 1958, he co-founded the Maharagama Bhikku Training Centre alongside his mentor, Madihe Pannaseeha Thera. == Death ==