After his primary education Loku Bandara was ordained as a novice Buddhist monk Samanera Bhikku, on 10 June 1957 at the age of 13 years under the tutelage of Most Ven.

After the higher ordination he was entrusted with the Thewawa ceremony of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, which is a highly respected task among the Buddhist monks.

Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala thera's performance of duties to the satisfaction, lead to his appointment as a Senior Member of the "Karaka Sanga Sabha" of the chapter on 5 January 1990, at the age of 45.

He was appointed to the prestigious position of Anunayake Thera (Deputy Chief Prelate) of the Malwatta chapter on May 13, 1992, when Ven.

After serving as the Anu Nayaka of Malwatta chapter for 12 years, Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera was elevated to the position of Mahanayake Thera (Chief Prelate) of the Malwatta Chapter of Siyam Nikaya on 20 June 2004 by the Karaka Sanga Sabha, after the death of Most Ven.