In a remarkable turn of events, Manisha Indivari Wickramasinghe, a retired Major of the Sri Lanka Army, has bid farewell to her military career and embarked on a new journey as a Buddhist nun. Taking up residence at the Aranya Senasana in Wellavaya Bulugala, Moneragala, she now goes by the name bhikkuni Dhamma Nirodha.

The decision to become a nun comes after an illustrious career in the armed forces, during which Miss Kanchana, as she was previously known, achieved groundbreaking milestones. Not only did she serve as a Major in the Sri Lanka Army, but she also held the prestigious title of being the first female officer to master the art of freestyle parachute jumping, a daring feat that had earned her accolades and admiration.

Throughout her military tenure, Retired Major Manisha executed an astonishing 490 skydives, showcasing unparalleled courage and skill with parachutes. Her talent and dedication were not confined to the national stage alone; she represented Sri Lanka with great pride in world parachute competitions held in England, Germany, and Doha, where she fearlessly leaped from the skies to the earth below.

Now, she has decided to dedicate her life to spiritual pursuits and has found her calling in Buddhism. Under the guidance and tutelage of Vimukti Ratna Galauda Hene Vishuddhi Ratana and Baddegama Jinasara, the esteemed founders of Bulugala Aranya Senasana in Rathupaskatiye, she embraces a path of wisdom, compassion, and self-discovery.

Speaking about her decision to transition from a decorated military career to a life of monastic practice, bhikkuni Dhamma Nirodha expressed her gratitude for the experiences and opportunities she had during her service in the army. She looks back on her time in the skies with fondness, acknowledging the sense of honor and pride she felt representing her beloved homeland on the international stage.