An event to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi and Vesak 2011 was held at the Sri Lanka High Commission premises in Canberra on 17th May 2011. A large Vesak lantern with a cluster of small lanterns made by the staff of the High Commission was declared opened by the Acting High Commissioner. The illumination of the lantern was followed by a religious sermon conducted by the Maha Sangha. A large crowd representing Sri Lankan expatriates and Australian nationals participated in the event.
In order to highlight and illustrate the Buddhist Concept of “Dana”, the giving of charity for the welfare of others, a Dansala or free lunch for the public was organized by the Staff of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra on 21st May 2011 as the second event to commemorate the 2600th Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi .
The Dansala was ceremonially opened by visiting Parliamentarian Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, M.P. A sermon and an alms giving to the Maha Sangha was also a part of the event. A large number of Buddhist devotees, Diplomats, members of the Sri Lankan community and Australian nationals participated enthusiastically in the event and were treated to vegetarian Sri Lankan cuisine at the Dansala.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra
27th May, 2011
