The Sri Lanka High Commission in London hosted a series of events to commemorate Vesak. The celebrations spanned from May 24 to 27 2024, bringing together the Sri Lankan community and Buddhists from across the United Kingdom in a spirit of reflection, learning, and unity.
The Vesak commemorations commenced on May 24 with a trilingual Dhamma Discourse delivered by Reverend Dr. Morawaka Dhammarakkhitha Thero, the Buddhist Chaplain of Strathclyde University, Glasgow. The discourse was conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, ensuring that the timeless teachings of the Buddha reached a diverse audience. The session was attended by the Ambassador of Nepal as well as dignitaries from other Diplomatic representations in the UK, and representatives from invited organizations. The event also featured a Dansala organized by the UK branches of past pupils associations of prominent Buddhist schools in Sri Lanka – Ananda College, Dharmaraja College, Musaeus College, Mahamaya Girls’ College, and Nalanda College.
On May 25 and 26, the Vesak zone organized by Bright TV Channel, UK in collaboration with the Sri Lankan High Commission, was held at the High Commission's premises and open to the public. This vibrant event featured enactments of the Buddha’s life, Bakthi Gee recitals, dances, pandols, lanterns, children's art, and a remarkable, intricate and large Vesak lantern made of ice. A large gathering of the Mahasangha, led by Ven. Dr. Vitharandeniya Kassapa Thero, the Chief Incumbent of Buddhist Maha Vihara, Birmingham, and Patron of Bright TV, attended the event. Members of the Sri Lankan diaspora across the UK and well-wishers also participated in the festivities.
The commemorations culminated on May 27 with a solemn almsgiving ceremony, graced by the Chief Sanganayake of Great Britain and Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Thero. He was joined by Nayaka Theros from approximately twenty Buddhist viharas across the United Kingdom, showcasing the Sri Lanka High Commission's commitment to engaging with the Sri Lankan community and Buddhist practitioners across the UK, extending beyond London.
On 26 May, High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama, attended as the Chief Guest at the Vesak program organized by the London Buddhist Vihara, the oldest Theravada Buddhist temple in the UK. He inaugurated the event by hoisting the Buddhist flag.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
03 June 2024
