Nawam Poya Day at London Buddhist Vihara

A full day religious programme was held at the London Buddhist Vihara on Saturday 3rd February 2018 to commemorate the Nawam Poya Day. A large number of devotees observed Ata Sil, Observance of Eight Precepts, and took part in religious activities such as Seela, Samadhi, Barana, Listen to Dhamma sermons and discussions. Head of the Vihara Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero, all the resident monks and Dr Upali Abeysiri took part in conducting the programmes.

A special " Pan Vadeema" was held to remember and offer merits to Venerable, Professor Bellanwila Wimalarathana Nayaka Thero who passed away on the same day morning in Colombo. Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero in an Anusasanaa said that " Ven. Wimalarathana Nayaka Thero's demise is a great loss to everyone in Sri Lanka. He has counted more than 60 years as a Bhukku, worked tirelessly to spread the Dhamma not only in Sri Lanka but in many foreign lands too. For a long time, he was a good friend and a regular visitor to the London Buddhist Vihara and took part in many of the Vihara activities. In Sri Lanka, he has worked towards enhancing the ethnic harmony and reconciliation. Ven. Wimalarathana Nayaka Thero will be greatly missed by everyone. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana"

Ven. Professor Bellanwila Wimalarathana Nayaka Thero was the deputy incumbent of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Vihara and President of the Bellanwila Community Development Foundation. He also held the post of Anunayaka of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dhamma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siyam Nikaya.

Ven. Seelawimala Nayaka Thero paid Punyanumodana to everyone who helped in organising this year's Nawam Poya Day programme.

Photographs by Tissa Madawela