PPA Visakha (UK)sponsors opening day of Anagarika Dharmapala Exhibition and Celebrations at the London Buddhist Vihara. 

I was proud to be a Visakhian   when PPA Visakha sponsored the opening ceremony of the Anagarika Dharmapala Exhibition and Celebrations  at the London Buddhist Vihara on September 14th 2014. Anagarika Dharmapala was a great Buddhist  who worked tirelessly for the many since his teenage years. He also founded the London Buddhist Vihara in 1926.
The Exhibition was well planned by the Anagarika Dharmapala Celebration Committee and included a  pictorial depictation of the life of the Anagarika and also included books and letters written by him.
Chitra Perera , on behalf of the PPA Visakha, very successfully coordinated the sponsor day from start to finish with the help of Visakhians  and friends. The décor was impeccable .She had selected white and yellow for the beautiful table cloths and flowers ensuring a  pure and serene theme  befitting a Buddhist temple.The entrance to the temple was adorned with floating candles  and several white flower arrangements.In the main hall was the traditional brass lamp decorated with masses of white chrysanthemums  displaying the artistic talents of Visakhians , their friends and family.
The exhibition was opened by the Mayor of Ealing MR Tej Ram Baghra who first garlanded a statue of Anagarika Dharmapala and then cut a ribbon to open the exhibition.
VenerableBogoda Seelawimala Thera(Hrad of the London Buddhist Vihara and Chief Sanga Nayaka of Great Britain)  and the Mayor of Ealing addressed the gathering.On behalf of the sponsors. Chitra made a very impressive speech and recalled with gratitude how  past head monks including Venerable Hammalawe Saddhatissa  Thera and Venerable Medagama Vajiragnana  Thera had strived hard to improve the premises. At the same time they continued with  the work to propagate Buddhism in the West. This they did with help from Anagarika Dharmapala Trust and supporters of the Vihara.
The day ended with a film show.Light refreshments and tea were served.I overheard people say ' Well done Visakhians' .It was nice to see a well attended ceremony with  past pupils and teachers  and above all our Patron Mrs Lakshmi De Zoysa  MBE as always supporting religious events.It was a result of team work which had paid dividends. Memories of this special day will last for a long time
.
This was indeed a grand finale as a tribute to a great man.

A Visakhian.