150th birth anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala, arrival of deputy mayor Bishnu Gurung

150th birth anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala, the founder of the London Buddhist Vihara.

London Buddhist Vihara which is believed to be the first Buddhist establishment in Europe, organised numerous programmes to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala, the founder of the London Buddhist Vihara. A week long series of meritorious deeds started with the chanting of All Night Pirith chanting on 17th September 2014 under the direction of Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayake Thero, head of the Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayake for Britain.

The week long programme consisted of an exhibition to educate the public about the life and works of Dharmapala and a public meeting also held at Hammersmith town hall with the participation of other faith leaders and dignitaries.

Amongst the other things which attracted the attention of many was the arrival of deputy mayor, councillor Bishnu Gurung and the oration he made was so appealing.The deputy mayor is a Buddhist himself and originally come from Nepal where the Birth place of Lord Buddha. He praised the services rendering by London Buddhist Vihara to propagate Buddhism in the Europe and the deputy mayor further said that we all must be indebted to Dhamapala for his dedication to uplift Buddhism in India at a time when it was at its verge of extinction. This function was presided over by Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayake Thero, Head of the Vihara,Venerable Thawalama Bandula Thero, resident monk and Konwewe Ariyarathana,resident monk of the Vihara.Mr Srilal Dias, the president of Janahanda foundatio in Hounslow coordinated the arrival the deputy mayor and other councillors representing Hounslow council. and
Co-Secretary Mr Saman Priyantha and Mr Nimish Wikramasinhe

By Sugath Senevirathna - janahanda uk