In October 2006, Ven. M. Upali Thero moved from Kanduboda and established a new centre named Rathmalkanda Hermitage in Ella in the central hills, famous for its cool dry climate.

Situated in a beautiful setting & nestled amidst the lush tea bushes, coniferous pine wood and green rolling hills, it is a veritable paradise offers a mystical and serene atmosphere for the meditator. The mist clad Namunukula mountain range adds to the beauty of the panoramic view.

Ratmalkanda  Meditation Centre offers instructions on Vipassana Meditation in the traditions of Ven Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma.The centre is under the direction of  Rev. M. Upali  Thero,  a pupil of Ven. Sumathipala Thera.

Rev. Upali has 30 years of experience in the practice of VIPASSANA MEDITATION and was the former Head of the Kanduboda  Meditation Centre. He was a former science teacher and a visiting lecturer of Buddhist philosophy at the Kelaniya University in 1999.

The land for the hermitage was donated by Mrs. Sudharma Ratwatte Kuruppu and family of Colombo.