A.S. Balasooriya (Aluthgama Sumanadasa Balasooriya), born on December 6, 1940, in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, is a profound spiritual teacher, philosopher, poet, writer, and educational reformer. Over the course of his life, he has profoundly impacted countless individuals through his teachings on consciousness, awakening, and human transformation. With a mission to elevate human consciousness, his work seamlessly integrates spirituality, education, and psychology.

Raised in a culturally rich and deeply spiritual environment, A.S. Balasooriya demonstrated an early curiosity about life’s deeper truths. His primary education spanned multiple schools in Tamil and Sinhala mediums, providing him with exposure to diverse communities. As a young adult, he pursued studies in Pali and Sanskrit, driven by a desire to immerse himself in Buddhist scriptures and ancient teachings.

During his time in Bandarawela, he encountered mystical teachers who guided him into advanced spiritual practices. Under the mentorship of a mystic monk, he mastered exercises in meditation and yogic practices that heightened his understanding of consciousness and spiritual energy. These transformative experiences became the cornerstone of his spiritual philosophy, which emphasizes uncovering the essence of humanity through self-awareness and mindfulness.

As an educator, A.S. Balasooriya revolutionized traditional approaches to learning by emphasizing values-based education, non-violence, and spiritual growth. He introduced innovative programs such as the Children’s Righteous Society, which cultivated moral and ethical awareness in young minds, and Peace Education, a pioneering framework adopted in Sri Lanka and India to promote harmony and conflict resolution. He also created leadership development programs and rehabilitation initiatives for prisoners, transforming lives through mindfulness, literacy, and spiritual education.

A.S. Balasooriya’s spiritual philosophy revolves around the idea that the essence of humanity is an inner treasure waiting to be uncovered. He defined spirituality as the profound expression of qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and peace, which naturally radiate outward when the inner self is awakened. His book, Psychology of Spiritual Development, explores this concept, focusing on how spiritual potential can be nurtured in children and adults alike.