LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA CELEBRATES HISTORIC CENTENARY

The London Buddhist Vihara, the oldest Theravada Buddhist monastery in the Western world, celebrated its Centenary on 6 June 2026, marking 100 years of dedicated service to the promotion of the Buddha’s teachings, spiritual practice, education, and interfaith understanding in the United Kingdom.

The event was attended by The Right Honourable Lord Benyon GCVO PC, Lord Chamberlain, representing His Majesty King Charles III, together with a distinguished gathering of members of the Maha Sangha, Ambassadors, senior diplomats, faith leaders, community representatives, and devotees from the United Kingdom and overseas. Ambassadors from the Republic of Korea and Cambodia, and senior diplomats from India, Myanmar, Thailand, and China, were among those present. The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom, together with senior officers of the High Commission, also attended the celebration.

Established in 1926 through the vision of Anagarika Dharmapala, the London Buddhist Vihara has played a pioneering role in introducing and nurturing Theravada Buddhism in the United Kingdom. Under the leadership of Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, it continues to serve as an important centre for spiritual guidance, meditation, learning, and community engagement.

A message from His Majesty King Charles III was read during the ceremony, recognising the Vihara’s significant contribution to spiritual life, community harmony, and interfaith relations in the United Kingdom. A message from the Anagarika Dharmapala Foundation of Sri Lanka was also presented, paying tribute to the vision and legacy of Anagarika Dharmapala.

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera highlighted the enduring relevance of the Buddha’s teachings and noted that the values of compassion, mindfulness, and non-violence remain especially important in today’s world. He also paid tribute to Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, the Maha Sangha, and the generations of devotees, volunteers, and benefactors whose dedication has sustained the Vihara throughout its century-long journey. Several speakers, including Prof. Kate Crosby, Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Oxford, Dr Desmond Bidduph CBE, President of the Buddhist Society, and Dr Graham Dixon, a broadcaster and historian, reflected on the profound role played by the London Buddhist Vihara as a place of spiritual refuge, learning, and cultural connection. They underscored its contribution to promoting mutual respect, interfaith dialogue, social harmony, and community cohesion over the past hundred years.

As the London Buddhist Vihara enters its second century, the Centenary Celebration served not only as a commemoration of its rich heritage but also as a reaffirmation of its continuing mission to share the timeless teachings of the Buddha and contribute to the spiritual and cultural life of the United Kingdom and beyond.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

London

15 June 2026