The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London organized an alms giving and a Dansela (open house) to celebrate Vesak and the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi on 20th May 2011 at the High Commission premises.
Chief Incumbent of London Buddhist Vihara Ven Bogoda Seelavimala, Chief Incumbent of Thames Buddhist Vihara Ven Pahalegama Somarathana, Chief Incumbent of Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara Ven Galayaye Piyadassi together with the Head Priests and other resident priests from Birmingham Maha Vihara in Birmingham, Jethavana Buddhist Vihara in Birmingham, Redbridge Buddhist Vihara in Ilford, Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa in Watford, Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya in Letchworth, Lumbini Vihara in East Ham attended the Daana and invoked blessings on H. E. the President and the people of Sri Lanka.
The Minister of Irrigation and Water Management, Nimal Siripala de Silva, who is in London on an official visit attended the event. Addressing the gathering the Minister stated that he was pleased to see Sri Lankans living in the UK participating in national and international celebrations to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi. Acting High Commissioner, P. M. Amza stated that the High Commission attached great importance to cultural diplomacy. He said that in the context of coordinating religious activities with all Buddhist temples and other religious institutions in the UK and to liaise with Missions of other Buddhist countries in London particularly with a view to take action against the usage of Buddha image for commercial purposes, a separate Cultural Division has been set up in the High Commission.
Minister Nimal Sirpala de Silva inaugurated the Dansela which was attended by Sri Lankans and British nationals including those living in the neighbourhood of the High Commission.
The High Commission premises were colourfully decorated with Vesak lanterns, Buddhist flags and decorations.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
21st May 2011
