Chief Incumbent – Central Queensland Buddhist Monastery and Meditation Centre (CQBMMC)

Venerable Polgahawela Subavitha Thero is a devoted Buddhist monk since 2006 and meditation teacher with extensive training in Buddhist ethics, Pali language, and meditation practices. He completed his monastic education in Buddhist Code of Conduct and Pali Language at Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Polgahawela, Sri Lanka (2006–2014), where he also received comprehensive training in the practical aspects of meditation. His meditation practice was further deepened through training at Nissarana Vanaya, Meethirigala (2014–2016), one of Sri Lanka’s most respected meditation monasteries.

Throughout his monastic journey, Venerable Subavitha Thero has served as a teacher and spiritual guide, conducting Dhamma discussions, offering meditation guidance, and delivering sermons based on ancient Buddhist scriptures. He has led teaching programs on Buddhist ethics for novice monks and lay practitioners, while also guiding rituals, chanting sessions, and Dhamma talks that foster morality, mindfulness, and harmonious living. His international service includes Dhamma programs at Thames Buddhist Vihara in South Croydon, United Kingdom (2023), where he shared insights on meditation and Buddhist philosophy.

Since September 2024, Venerable Subavitha Thero has served as the Chief Incumbent of the Central Queensland Buddhist Monastery and Meditation Centre (CQBMMC), a fully affiliated branch of the Bhaddeka Vihari Buddhist Monastery in Ripplebrook, Victoria. Under his compassionate leadership, CQBMMC has become a thriving spiritual hub for the growing Buddhist community in Mackay. He also serves the Buddhist communities in Rockhampton, Townsville, and Cairns, providing guidance and religious services to areas of Central Queensland that do not have any other Sri Lankan Buddhist monastery.

Through meditation programs, Dhamma sermons, counselling sessions, and community outreach, Venerable Subavitha Thero continues to inspire peace, mindfulness, and unity among both the Sri Lankan and wider Australian communities. His presence in Central Queensland is vital for sustaining Buddhist religious activities and offering spiritual support to communities that would otherwise have limited access to a Sri Lankan Buddhist monastery.