New Year Celebration at Heathrow Athula Dassana International Buddhist Temple – 13th April 2013

Sri Lankan New Year Celebration organised by the Athula Dassana International Buddhist Temple was held at the Hounslow Lampton School, Lampton Avenue, Hounslow, TW3 4EP on  13th April 2013. Venerable Wanduramba Kassapa , Head of the Centre welcomed the gathering followed by a lecture based on Sinhala & Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka.

New Year games took part under the guidance of Mr Bandara Wekadapola with the help of committee members of the temple. There had around 50 games which were relate with the New Year. Not only for the younger generation and also had games for any age limits.  Every ones enjoyed participating in the Traditional Sri Lankan New year games such as breaking the clay pot in blindfold, sack race, blowing balloons, pillow fights, guessing the amount of  seeds in a Papaya, were very popular with the games on the day. And also many adult games were also held at the place for participate of the crowd.

The Chief Guest of the opening ceremony H. E. Dr. Chris Nonis, Sri Lanka High Commissioner for United Kingdom & Ireland lighted the traditional oil lamp. Mr. Chaminda Kularathna, Minister Counsellor & Immigration of Sri Lankan High Commissioner,  Mr. H . M. K. Herath Head of the Educational and Cultural Division and among the other guests were Mr. Nalin Perera Promotion Officer of Sri Lanka Tourist board, Mr. Dhammika Muthukuda of Bank of Ceylon, Solicitor Miss Soorya Samarasinge. After lighting of the traditional Oil lamp prizes were handed to the winners by the guests also participated on this occasion.

H.E the High commissioner addressed the gathering and he was pleased that within this short period of time a young high priest of the UK Ven Wanduramba Kassapa could be able to organise a successful New Year festival for the Children and Elders in this Country. He was very much appreciate of this event and given many thanks for the organising committee of the temple.

The prize giving ceremony and cultural show started at 5.00 PM, all the guest were bought to the Audience hall whilst the ceremonial dancing was being played.

The Athula Dassana International Buddhist Temple Dancing group” Saro”, Roshan Lute leads with his group was presented items of highlighted the New Year of Sri Lanka. And also The children of Dhamma school, they were also joined several events of this programme.  H. E. Dr. Chris Nonis, Sri Lanka High Commissioner and all participants very much appreciate about the music and dancing abilities of dhamma school children’s.

All the people who were here had a chance to buy an all Sri Lankan foods such as Kaum, Kokis, Mun Kaum, and other sweets… ect.

The main sponsors of the event were Mass Global Shipping Company, Estetica Dental Clinic,  Colombo Exchange, Constantine Associates and the Company of Lycafly .They were gave us to great support for success that event.

For the New Year Celebrating Festival, more than 900 visitors came to enjoy with Sri Lankan events and also taste the Sri Lankan foods.

Maheshi Kokila, Shanuka Samarakoon, Sugath Senavirathne, Thisara Priyantha, Indunil Wijayathunga and Vijitha Alvis were the commentators of the festival since Morning. Sound management done by Amal Edirasooriya, Photography and Video By Mr Wicrama, Kasun De Silva, Nuwan Ariyawansa,  Advertising & Computer Design By Dishan Nanayakkara.

Finally, Ven Wanduramba Kassapa Thero Wish to Happy, Healthy and Prosperous and peaceful New Year to all.