farewell to Ven. Chandrajothi Nayaka Thera - Thames Buddhist Viha

Thames Buddhist Vihara devotees bid farewell to Ven. Chandrajothi Nayaka Thera

The devotees and members of Thames Meditation Society held a special ceremony on Sunday 16th March 2014, with the Sunday Dhamma School Drum Troupe dressed in ceremonial attire in attendance, to bid farewell to Ven. Chandrajothi Nayaka Thera, who is due to return soon to his 'Pirivena', Monastic Educational Institute, in Kothmale, Sri-Lanka, to resume duties as its Principal.

In a well conducted programme packed with speeches by the clergy, laity, children, adults, singing by pupils, parents and teachers of the Sunday Dhamma School, interspersed with children dancing (choreographed by Nitha Rohini Paliyhawadana), reciting poems and presenting several mementoes/souvenirs, devotees paid tribute to the Venerable Nayaka Thera, in recognition of the services rendered during the past two years, by attending to their spiritual, cultural, social and educational needs, as the acting Head of the Thames Buddhist Vihara.

The pupils, parents and teachers of the Sunday Dhamma School sang a special devotional song dedicated to Ven. Chandrajothi Thera, with lyrics coined by resident Venerable Eheliyagoda Dhammapala Thera, to music by Jagath Jayathilake, Nanda Sandagiri and Gamini Abeyawardena.

Mementos and souvenirs were presented to Ven. Chandrajothi Nayaka Thera, by Thames Meditation Society, British Sri-Lanka Forum (Janaka Alahaperuma), Young Dayakas (Lakmal Premachandra) and parents/teachers of the Sunday Dhamma School, and Special souvenir by Chanaka Rodrigo.

The Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Chief Sanga Nayaka Thera, accompanied by Ven. Hemasiri Thera, praised the yeoman's service rendered to the Buddhist community by this brave, dedicated and committed Venerable, who had the courage to take over the running of the Thames Buddhist Vihara, at a most difficult time in its history and thanked for his invaluable contributions as a member of the Sanga Council of Great Britain. The Head of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya, Ven. Akurala Samitha Nayaka Thera, detailed the close co-operation between the two Institutions and commented on the need to take the message of the Buddha to the wider public, teaching meditation, undertaking counselling etc., and outlined interesting examples of the work he was currently involved in. He wished Venerable Chandrajothi Thera good health and success to serve the community for a long time to come.

The Srilankan High Commissioner Dr. Chris Nonis, accompanied by Minister Councillors Sepala Ratnayaka and H.M.K. Herath, paid his respects and thanked the Venerable for maintaining a close relationship with the High Commission, his valiant efforts in bringing the community to work together in a spirit of mutual understanding and stressed the need to go that extra mile to respect others and to treat the inherent diversity in Srilankan community, as a valuable gift as well as a source of strength. Other adult speakers included the Chairman of the Dayaka Committee of the London Buddhist Vihara, Dr. Lucky Panagoda and Lakmal Premachandra, who spoke on behalf of the young devotees of the Vihara. Short speeches were made by Pupils Nisala Paliyhawadana (Sinhala), Niduki Ama Botheju (English), Samadhi Arachchilage and Pubudu Herath (Poem in Sinhala). Jagath Jayathileke entertained the audience, singing a very popular song, appropriate for the occasion.

Ven.Chandrajothi Nayaka Thera in his speech, while being immensely grateful for the sentiments expressed begged forgiveness for shortcomings that may have occurred during the two years and expressed his immense gratitude to those who helped him. His efforts he said always met with success, not because of his ability, but because of the excellent qualities of the President, Members of the Committee and the generosity of the devotees, who were always there to help and support and who also kept the resident Venerables, supplied with essentials at all times. He took great care to emphasise that he owed a massive debt of gratitude to Ven. Pahalagama Somaratana Nayaka Thera, without whose help, he would never be able to come to England to serve the devotees of Thames Buddhist Vihara.

In his vote of thanks, Venerable Kohukumbure Siridhamma Thera, expressed heart-felt appreciation and gratitude to everyone who attended the ceremony and in particular the Heads of London Buddhist Vihara, Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya, resident Venerables, Srilankan High Commissioner, Minister Councillors, Chairman of London Buddhist Vihara Dayaka Committee, President and Members of Thames Meditation Society, pupils, parents and teachers of Sunday Dhamma School, vocalist, those who supplied music, presented mementos, photographers, sound engineers and numerous others who helped to make the ceremony an outstanding success.
President of Thames Meditation Society Dr. Herath Kularatne, who welcomed everyone, at the outset of the ceremony, conducted the programme which stretched well into late evening. Everyone was invited to a sumptuous and typical Srilankan evening meal, supplied by the Society.