The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome organized the second series of "Buddhism in Dialogue – Sri Lanka Meets Italy" in collaboration with the Italian Buddhist Union at the Associazione per la Meditazione di Consapevolezza Vipassanā in Rome on 16 June 2024.
The programme was conducted in the Italian language. The Italian followers of Buddhism and the Italian language-speaking Sri Lankans, especially the second generation of the Sri Lankan community were invited to the event. President of the European Buddhist Council Stefano Davide Bettera graced the event.
In his welcome remarks, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome Ratnasingam Kohularangan highlighted the importance of celebrating Vesak for the spiritual elevation of followers of Buddhism and invited the participants to visit Sri Lanka to witness on how Buddhism is being practiced in its true sense in Sri Lanka.
The programme consisted of observing five precepts, a moment of meditation and reflection conducted by Head Teacher of the Associazione per la Meditazione di Consapevolezza Vipassanā Neva Papachristou.
A procession comprising Buddha pooja was organized with the participation of the Buddhist monks and other dignitaries. The procession captivated the participants and the foreigners around.
During the event, religious observances were conducted by Chief Incumbent of Sri Bodhi Viharaya in Rome Ven. Bandirippuwe Vineethathissa Thero. Dhamma sermons were conducted in Italian language by Ven. Liyanwala Uditha Thero and two Italian monks,Ven. Meththananda Thero and Ven. Dario Doshin Thero. Ven. Kalawane Mahanama Thero of Nugegoda Nalandaramaya and Chief Incumbent of Pagoda Bhikshu Viwekaramaya Ven. Bandarawela Nanda Thero also attended the event.
Sri Lankan traditional dances were performed by the Sri Lankan students of Viterbo, Maheshi Dancing Academy adding colours to the event. All the participants were served with Sri Lankan cuisine and refreshments.
The programme provided the opportunity to strengthen the link between the Buddhist followers and the Sri Lankan Buddhist monks in Italy and the Vipassanā centre.
In addition, the Embassy organized another event to celebrate Vesak, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan community on 23 May 2024 at the Embassy premises. During the event, Ven. Wilachchiye Dhammavijaya Thero and Ven. Welangapola Dhammajothi Thero conducted the religious observances.
Ven. Dario Doshin Thero of Centro Zen l’Arco delivered a dhamma sermon in Italian and English languages. In addition, Ven. Wilachchiye Dhammavijaya Thero presented a poetic dhamma sermon. The students of the Heladiwa Thaksalawa and the members of the “Empower Her” Association presented Buddhist devotional songs.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Rome
20 June2024
