those meetings was to make the public aware of the correct rules of Sinhala grammar and to conduct drama and music programs in Sinhala. In a short period of time, several branches have been established such as Southwestern Hela Hawula and Matara Hela Hawula. Arrangements were made to hold the first meeting of the Southwest Hela Hawula on December 13, 1941, at Ambalangoda. Although thugs were sent by the British that day to kill Kumaratunga Munidasa, however, the attacks were successfully repulsed. By the beginning of the 1960s, the Hela Hawula was the strongest force in the country in terms of the Sinhala language and literature. At that time the 'Hela Havula' had branches not only in Ahangama, Unawatuna, Rathgama, Galle, Kalutara and Kandy but also in schools such as Mahinda College in Galle and S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia. After the death of Munidasa on 18 June 1949, Jayantha Weerasekera became its acting chairman. He held these posts until his death on June 18, 1949. Then the great poet Raipiyel Tennakoon took the responsibility of leading the Hela Hawula where he held the position until his death on 8 March 1965. On 8 March 1965, Amarasiri Gunawadu assumed duties as the third Chairman of the 'Hela Havula'. Under his leadership for completed 25 years, he held its Silver Celebrations for two days at Rex House, Borella and Ananda College, Colombo. After the death of Amarasiri Gunawadu on July 8, 1977, Ven. Kodagoda Gnanaloka Thero became the chairperson. The 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Hela Hawule have been held at the Colombo Public Library under the leadership of Ven. Warakagoda Silruwan Thero who became the Chairman after the demise of Gnanaloka Thero. In December 1991, A. D. Chandrareskara became the sixth Chairman. During this period 'Hela Hawula' has been recognized as a statutory body by the adoption of the Hela Hawula Establishment Act No. 38 in the Parliament of Sri Lanka Act No. 1992. Thereafter, Arisen Ahubudu, Anandapiya Kudathihi and Amarasiri Ponnamperuma have been the Chairman of the 'Hela Havula' respectively. From November 2012 to date, Sri Nath Ganewatta is the Chairman. The movement advocates the replacement of Sanskritic words with Hela (native) versions. It was incorporated in 1985. Besides founder members, other prominent members included: Notable members Kumaratunga Munidasa (founding member) Sri Charles de Silva (teacher, Linguist, author) Jayantha Weerasekera (journalist) Raipiyel Tennakoon (poet) Amarasiri Gunawadu (poet) Sunil Shantha (musician)