Venerable Pandit Eluvapola Gnanaratane was born in November 11, 1946 in Sri Lanka. Bhante became ordained as a bhikku in October 10, 1956 at Lokananda Pirivena in Kuliyapitiya Sri Lanka and received his Upasampada(Higher ordination) in July 1967 at the Kelaniya Nadee Udkakkepa Semma Maalakaya in Sri Lanka.

Venerable Gnanarathane continued his higher studies at the Kelaniya University in Sri Lanka. During his time there, he earned a Pundit Degree in Oriental Languages, a Diploma in Buddhism, and a Master’s in Buddhism. After his studies at the Kelaniya University, he further earned a Diploma in Education from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and a Diploma in Japanese Language from University of Thisho Uni, in Tokyo, Japan.

After completing his studies, he served the community as a teacher for many years in various educational institutions in Sri Lanka including Kuliyapitiya Central School, Ratmale Central School in Sri Lanka. Other than the educational service, he also served as the Chief Prelate at various temples around Sri Lanka.

Venerable Gnanaratane moved to USA in 2002. During his time in USA, he served at the Washigton Buddhist Vihara in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara before accepting an invitation from an Austin Sri Lankan Buddhist family to become the Abbot at Austing Buddhist Center in 2007. Since then, Venerable Gnanaratane served the Austin community in guiding and teaching the words of Lord Buddha.