New High Commissioner Visits London Buddhist Vihara

Photographs by Tissa Madawela

Prior to assuming duties the newly appointed Sri Lanka High Commissioner Mrs. Amari Wijewardana, visited the London Buddhist Vihara on Monday the 8th August to receive the Blessings of the Noble Triple Gem. Acting High Commissioner Sugeeshwara Gunaratna and Minister Councillor for Education and Culture Manoj Warnapala accompanied her.

Head of the Vihara, Chief Sangha Nayaka Of Great Britain Most Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera and all the resident monks chanted Seth Pirith to bless the visitors. Ven. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera in his Anusaasana said that the very close association between the Vihara and the Sri Lanka High Commission goes back a long time. He remembered with gratitude the generous assistance received to accomplish the day to day activities of the Vihara from the High Commission during the time not many Sri Lankan Buddhists were living in London. "Even today the Sangika Dana for the temple on the first day of every month is offered by the mission" he said.

He further said that as a devout Buddhist and a well known philanthropist who has a great desire to promote the welfare of others, Mrs. Wijewardana is most suited to serve our country in such a very important location as the UK.

Dr. Lucky Panagoda and Sudantha Abeykoon were present representing the Vihara Management Committee.