Young Sri Lankan Social Media Content Creator Brings the Dhamma to a New Generation
by Dharma News Desk, The Buddhist Channel, 22 Oct 2026
Seeduwa, Sri Lanka -- At just 16 years old, Udarsha Udakara, a school student from Seeduwa, Sri Lanka, is quietly building a digital ministry of his own, using social media, AI-assisted video, and digital artwork to share Theravada Buddhist teachings with young audiences in Sri Lanka and around the world.
An example of Udarsha Udakara's high quality digital work on YouTube (in Sinhala language)
Speaking to The Buddhist Channel, Udarsha explained that his journey began about four years ago, when he noticed how much time people, especially young people, spend on social media watching entertaining content. He realized that the same platforms could carry something far more meaningful.
"I began sharing Buddhist quotes, Dhamma messages, and related posts regularly, hoping that people who came across my content might take a moment to listen, reflect, and learn something valuable," Udarsha said.
What started as a simple effort has since grown into a substantial body of work. Udarsha now creates Buddhist-themed AI videos, digital artwork, Dhamma messages, and devotional content, including a Dhatu Vandana Gatha video that has received more than 500,000 views on TikTok. Several of his other videos, he says, have reached millions of views. His TikTok profile (@udarsha.udakara) has attracted a growing community of followers who appreciate his work.
Learning with Respect and Care
Udarsha is careful to emphasize that he is still learning. He studies the Dhamma independently through reading and research, but whenever he has questions or needs clarification, he seeks guidance from Buddhist monks.
"I believe it is important to continue learning and to approach the Buddha's teachings with respect and care," he said.
His school education also includes Buddhist teachings, which he supplements with his own study and research. Udarsha describes Dhamma-giving as a deeply meaningful act of generosity in Buddhism, one that brings him happiness each time his content helps someone encounter a Buddhist teaching.
A Mission to Reconnect Young People
Udarsha's greatest goal, he says, is to help younger generations reconnect with the Buddha's teachings. He feels that many young people face difficulties in life and may not always know where to turn for guidance.
"I hope to introduce them to the wisdom of the Dhamma and show how its teachings can encourage positive choices, compassion, mindfulness, and a more meaningful life," Udarsha told us.
He also hopes to make the Dhamma accessible to international audiences through modern digital platforms, and he is preparing more devotional gathas and Buddhist songs for YouTube in the future. His motivation, he says, comes from his faith in the Buddha's teachings and a sincere wish to encourage mindfulness, compassion, kindness, wisdom, and inner peace.
For Udarsha, the work is more than online content. "It is an opportunity to use my creativity and modern technology in the service of the Buddha's teachings and to inspire people to cultivate peaceful and compassionate hearts," he said.
He remains committed to the dream he began pursuing years ago, and, with a growing following and a clear sense of purpose, Udarsha Udakara is well on his way.
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