Religious Observances Held Across the United Kingdom in Honour of Victims of Cyclone Ditwah

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom invited Sri Lankan religious institutions across the UK to hold observances on 6 December 2026 in memory of the victims of Cyclone Ditwah and to offer prayers for healing and the recovery of affected communities. Observances were held at Buddhist temples such as London Buddhist Vihara, Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara (organised by the Ranwala Foundation), Athula Dassana International Buddhist Temple, Thames Buddhist Vihara, Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara, and Jethavana Buddhist Viharaya, as well as at other religious institutions including Ealing Hindu Temple, Sri Lankan Catholic Chaplaincy and the Sri Lanka Muslim Cultural Centre (SLMCC), Harrow, (in association with the Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisations COSMOS UK). High Commission representatives joined some of these events to convey solidarity and support, while numerous other temples, mosques, churches, and religious centres across the UK conducted their own observances during the weekend.

High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera, attending the programme at London Buddhist Vihara reiterated President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s appeal to overseas Sri Lankans to contribute to Sri Lanka’s rebuilding efforts. He urged the Sri Lankan community and well-wishers in the UK to continue to support the nation through generous contributions.
The High Commission expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all religious leaders, religious institutions and community members for organising the religious observances. These interfaith activities demonstrated the unity, compassion, and resilience of Sri Lankans in the UK, and reflected collective support for the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka

 

High Commission of Sri Lanka in London

08/12/2025