The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom Holds Annual Pirith Chanting Ceremony and Almsgiving to Commemorate the Vesak Festival

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, United Kingdom held its Annual Pirith Chanting Ceremony on 10^th May followed by a Heel Dana (Almsgiving) on 11^th May 2018 to commemorate the Vesak festival, with the participation of the Sri Lankan community living in the UK.

 

 

 

The religious ceremonies were conducted under the guidance of the Chief Sanghanayake of Great Britain, Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Thero. Thirty-three (33) venerable members of the Maha Sangha representing the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples around the country participated in the religious ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Thero observed that this is the first occasion when such a large congregation of Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks had taken place.

 A ‘Pirith Mandapa’ was set up at the High Commission and the building was decorated with colourful Vesak lanterns, Buddhist flags, lamps, and decorations in keeping with the traditions of the Vesak Day.

A traditional Sri Lankan dinner was made available to the Sri Lankan community attending the Pirith Ceremony.

There are 27 Theravada Buddhist temples in the United Kingdom administered by Sri Lankan Buddhist monks.

 

High Commission of Sri Lanka,

London, United Kingdom

12^th May 2018