German Dharmaduta Society (in Sri Lanka)

Founded in 1952 by Asoka Weeraratna to propagate Buddhism and establish the Buddha Sasana in Germany and other Western countries, like Arahant Mahinda did it in Sri Lanka 2300 years ago. The GDS sponsored the first Buddhist Mission to Germany in 1957, and continues to send monks to reside and conduct Dharmaduta work at the Berlin Buddhist Vihara in Germany. The GDS administers the Berlin Vihara which was founded in 1957 by Asoka Weeraratna ( later known as Mitirigala Dhammanisanthi Thero ).