To celebrate the the 3rd anniversary of HE Maithripala Sirisena's victory on 8th of January 2015, which led to a social economic and political revolution in Sri Lanka, a special Puja was organised in London by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party UK Branch.
Evening Puja was held at the Sri Saddatissa International Buddhist Centre in Kingsbury. Head of the Vihara, Chief Sanghanayaka of Great Britain Aggamahapanditha Most Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi, MBE, Nayaka Thera and all the resident monks at the Vihara, as well as Lasantha Perera, Hon. President of the SLFP UK Branch, Namal Perera, Hon. Secretary of the SLFP UK Branch, Nimal Silva, Chief Organiser SLFP UK Branch and many members, their families and friends attended the Puja.
Ven. Dr. Handupelpola Mahinda Nayaka Thera in his Anusasana said that " arranging a Puja remembering the services rendered by the President and blessing him, the government and the people of Sri Lanka is a good thing. Devo Vassatu Kalena, Sassa samapatti Hetu Cha, Pito Bhavatu Loko Cha, Raja Bhavatu Dhammiko.
May rain fall in time, may crops be bountiful, may the people be prosperous and the ruler righteous."
After the Puja Gilampasa for the monks and light snacks and refreshments for all the others were served. Meeting the people gathered President of the SLFP UK Branch Lasantha Perera said that " when President Maithripala Sirisena won the Presidential election on 8th January 2015, the country was in a debt trap. There was a danger of imposing sanctions internationally based on human rights. It is during the last three years that the countries which were not favourable to Sri Lanka, began to follow friendly process to Sri Lanka. The Government has ensured the supremacy of the law, media freedom and the space for people to live freely. It is during the present government that for the first time a process to compile a constitution suitable to the country was launched by getting the views of the public and parliament. While the work on the constitution is coming close to an end, the government prepares to honour the pledges given to the people. It has made plans to make a reality of eradicating poverty by a methodology where economic benefits flow to everyone with the aim of making the country rich by the year 2025."
Photographs by Tissa Madawela
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