DAYA ALWIS REMEMBERED

A three month's Memorial Pinkama was held at the London Buddhist Vihara to remember and pass Merits to the veteran stage, cinema and television personality Daya Alwis.
The Dana Pinkama was organised by Daya's son Sapumal Alwis, his family and many of his friends in London.
Head of the London Buddhist Vihara Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain Most Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Thera, all the resident monks, Ven. Dr. Kabalawe Sirisumana Thera from Lumbini Vihara, Ven. Ahaliyagoda Dhammapala Thera and Ven. Rambodagama Narada Thera from Thames Buddhist Vihara attended the Pinkama.
Ven. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera in an Anusasana said that the late Daya Alwis was not a stranger to the Vihara. "When ever he was in London he always visited the Vihara. When he visited London for the filming of his first television programme the Muhurath was held at the temple to receive the Blessings of the Noble Triple Gem. Some of the scenes were also filmed at the Vihara premisses. Daya Alwis was a very popular teacher and a artist in Sri Lanka. As an actor, scriptwriter, and a director in the field of stage drama, film and television he has contributed a great deal for the development of the performing arts in Sri Lanka. His untimely demise was a great loss. " Nayaka Thera said.
Ven. Dr. Kabalewe Sirisumana Thera referring to the importance of the paying respect by organising the Dhana by children to a father, said that "the Buddha took steps to build up a matriarchal society. In most places, the Buddha spoke of the mother as the first and foremost, placing the father in second. The idea behind is not to underestimate the value of the father but because the mother's attachment to her offspring is much more than the father. For example, the instances such as Matha Pithu Upattanan, Mata PettiHaran Chanthu, Mata Pitha Disa Pubba, Samanan Matha Pita and Yo Mataranva Pitaranva can be cited."