Athula Dassana Multi Cultural Buddhist Community Centre celebrates 66th Sri Lankan Independence Day in UK

Athula Dassana Multicultural Buddhist Community Centre had successfully organised celebration of 66^th Sri Lankan Independence Day at the Lampton School, Hounslow on Saturday 01^st February 2014. This is the second year the celebration took place and the event was organised with a theme of “The Lion”.

The event was one of the most successful events organised by the Athula Dassana Multicultural Buddhist Community Centre with a large number gathering, representing Most Venerable Mahasanga, invitees and devotees of the Athula Dassana Buddhist Temple. The chief guest of the event was His Excellency Dr. Chris Nonis, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

H.E. Dr. Chris Nonis Highlighted the importance of celebrating Independence Day and his speech reminded us the history of gaining our freedom. He also reminded the importance of remembering leaders, soldiers and citizens of the country who had shed their blood and lives to gain our freedom.

Ven. Wanduramba Kassapa Chief Incumbent and President of Athula Dassana Multicultural Buddhist Community Centre briefly disclosed the purpose of the event. The main focus was to educate younger generation about their mother land, focusing on the historical aspects whilst allowing children to experience and learn about the culture. It is important for this to happen as children who are born in the UK or have come to live in the UK do not always get a sense of Sri Lankan Culture in their everyday lives rather than when at home, therefore by celebrating this day, it allows us to educate children and for them to experience the importance of Sri Lankan culture.

The other invitees present at the event was Most Reverend Dediyawela Wimala Thero, Letchworth Buddhist Temple, Reverend Konwewe Ariyarathne Thero, London Buddhist Temple, Reverend Aheliyagoda Dhammapala Thero, Thames Buddhist Temple, Reverend Panamure Thapassi Thero, Enfield Abayarama Vidharshana Meditation Centre, Reverend Homagama Kondangha Thero, Kavidhaja Mediation Centre, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Hon. Ms. Seema Malhothra Member of Parliament, Mr. Sachin Guptha Mayor Of Hounslow, Miss. Lakmini Shah, Councillor, East Ham.

Mr. Sunil Kariyakarawana, Buddhist Advisor, Ministry of Defence, UK, Mr. Indunil Wijekone, Sri Lankan Airlines, UK, Mr. Nalin Perera, Tourist Board, UK.

Hon. Ms. Seema Malhothra had appreciated the effort by Athula Dassana Multicultural Buddhist Community Centre in bringing Sri Lankan culture and tradition to the Sri Lankan community living in a foreign country. Whilst the Mayor of Hounslow, Mr. Sachin Guptha had remarked that Hounslow is a multi-ethnic and multicultural borough and he was always impressed by the culture and the values of Sri Lankan community living in his borough.

Following officials represented the Sri Lankan High Commission in UK, Mr.Sepala Rathnayake Minister Councillor, Mr. M.K.H.Herath Chief Secretary, Dr. Kokila Waidhyarathne Minister Education,

Mr. Prasad Rosa represented LycaFly was our main sponsor for the event.

There were a large numbers of business community and devotees also present as invitees to the event. Dr. Nishane Bajramovic, Managing Director, Estetica Dental Clinic, Mr. Tharin Konstan, Owner, White Bear Restaurant, Mr. Nishantha Pathirana, Chairperson, Ipswitch, Sri Lanka Ekamuthuwa, Mr. Ranga Ranasinghage, Managing Director, TSL Exchange, Mr. Wasantha Pathirane, Mr Bandara Wekadapola.

The compares of the evening were Mr.Chanuka Samarakoon, Mrs. Maheshi Kokila and Mr. Vijitha Alwis.

Mr. Roshan Lutes and his team from Saro dancing Academy and students of Athula Dassana Dhamma School enriched the event with traditional cultural dances and performance.

Prepared by
S.V. Lakshman

Watch more pictures on event highlights:  http://www.facebook.com/srilankanspuwath