Reverend Sumana Thero receiving the Long Service Award (35 years) at the Singapore Prison Service Volunteers Awards Ceremony in 2022.
For over 37 years, Reverend Sumana Thero has brought comfort, guidance and spiritual light to inmates across Singapore’s prisons.
Reverend Sumana Thero, a Buddhist monk, has dedicated much of his life to volunteering with the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) — a mission he hopes to continue for as long as he lives in Singapore. Now 75 years old, he has been a steady presence in the prison system for over 37 years, offering spiritual guidance through the Singapore Buddhist Federation (SBF).
In the early days of his volunteer work, Ven Sumana, then a monk at Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple in Bendemeer, was invited to offer emotional and spiritual support to inmates in several prisons including Sembawang, Selarang and Tanah Merah. While some in the temple community felt he was spreading himself too thin, he remained steadfast, believing deeply in his calling to guide and uplift troubled youth.
Born in Sri Lanka and trained in law, Reverend Sumana was moved by the social challenges he had witnessed back home, especially the struggles faced by the poor. His education and spiritual grounding became tools he could offer in service of those society often overlooks.
Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Reverend Sumana committed himself fully to his volunteer work. In earlier days, when life moved at a slower pace, he would make weekly rounds to four or five different prisons. Yet even with this rhythm, challenges soon arose. One of the first was language — although fluent in English, he found it difficult to connect with many inmates who spoke Mandarin. Determined to bridge that gap, he travelled to Taiwan to attend a special three-year course for foreigners, learning both basic Mandarin and Dharma (teachings of the Buddha).
When asked what continues to fuel his commitment, Reverend Sumana reflects on his early experiences in Sri Lanka. “Back in Sri Lanka, I saw many poor people suffer. They couldn’t afford legal help, and many young people and mothers with children were left with no support,” he shares. “Lawyers needed to make a living, so not many offered their services for free.”
Having studied and practised law before moving to Singapore, he understood the legal system — and its limitations. Eventually, he chose a different path: One where he could give without expecting anything in return. Through his work with SPS, he found a sense of meaning and fulfilment, knowing he was contributing to the betterment of others’ lives.
Reverend Sumana believes that to be a volunteer with the SPS, one must embody compassion, kindness and a non-judgemental mindset. He points out that even though he is a religious volunteer, he not only offers religious teachings but also guides inmates on universal values and how to live harmoniously in society.
He always tries to put himself in the shoes of each individual, taking into account their personal values and abilities, and never imposes or causes harm. Often, he simply listens. “I sit and talk to them, and try to find out what they’re missing in their lives. Eventually, they begin to trust me and open up.” He holds their secrets with deep respect, practising strict confidentiality.
But the work is not without emotional cost. Reverend Sumana shares that volunteering with the SPS requires inner strength and resilience, as he has personally faced difficult moments while supporting inmates. “I’ve been present with inmates during their final moments before capital punishment,” he says softly. “Those moments stay with you.”
Yet, he sees hope even in the darkest places. From his years of service, Reverend Sumana has come to view Singapore as a country with a fair and just judicial system. “Inmates learn a lot in prison, and many have the potential to change,” he explains. “Up till today, I’ve never seen an evil person — only people who need guidance and support to follow the norms of society.”
This belief fuels his dedication to continue serving with the SPS for as long as he is able. He believes that religion can be a powerful path to change — and every inmate has the freedom to follow the faith that speaks to them.
Reverend Sumana observes that times have changed significantly, especially when it comes to community involvement. He believes that the habit of volunteering must first be nurtured at home — but today, both students and parents are often distracted, either by the pressures of school and work, or by their mobile devices. As a result, many may overlook the world around them and remain unaware of important issues in society.
Still, he remains encouraged by those who continue to show interest in giving back. For those who do visit temples or religious centres, he urges them to attend talks and get involved in community activities.
“As a monk, I may share something good with five people — but even if only one of them learns from it, that’s enough,” he says. “Religious guidance isn’t just about religion — it’s a source of strength and support in facing life’s challenges. That’s why it’s recognised and valued in the prison system.”
To Reverend Sumana, Buddhism is not a religion, but a way of life — one that anyone can follow to discover wisdom and clarity. “All religions eventually lead to the same path. Only the words we use are different,” he reflects.
His impact lives on through the ex-inmates who continue to visit him — some even two decades after their release. Many now stand beside him as volunteers at temple events such as Vesak Day.
His message to aspiring volunteers is simple: “It’s okay to sacrifice some things in life if it means saving others, helping them see a better future.”
He adds that when he first started, religious volunteers were few and far between. Today, those who wish to serve can do so through various organisations such as the Buddhist Fellowship, The Hindu Centre (THC), Christian Counselling Services (CCS), and Family and Inmates Throughcare Assistance Haven.
His unwavering commitment to volunteerism has produced a ripple effect, inspiring ex-convicts under his guidance to volunteer for the community in return. With quiet determination, Reverend Sumana remains a guiding light in the prison system — and a role model for younger generations seeking to lead meaningful lives in service of others.
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