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AGM of Kandy Buddhist Association

Victor Alahakoon - Peradeniya special correspondent

The 57th AGM of the Kandy Buddhist Association (KBA) will be held in the KBA Hall, Kandy, today, 7th December 2002 at 2.30 p.m.

The Chief Guest on the occasion will be Monty Gopallawa, Governor of the Central Province and the Guest of Honour will be N. W. E. Wijewantha, Executive Director of Help-Age Sri Lanka.

The KBA is a premier organisation in Kandy, with a recorded history of over five decades and was established on the 29th January, 1945 at the time of the Second World War (1939-1945) and when Kandy was occupied as the headquarters of the Allied Forces of the South East Asia command under Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten. It was also at this time that a Dutch National, Bhikku Dhammapala, in lay life Henry Vam Zeyst, residing in Kandy, pioneered in the founding of the Association. Initially it was formed for the diffusion of the Dhamma to the troops of various nationality stationed in Kandy by lectures, talks and discussions.

The inaugural meeting was held at Dharmarajah College, Kandy with Sir E. A. H. Wijewardena Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court, chairing the meeting, along with the participation of a galaxy of eminent Buddhist of many walks of life, such as N. E. Weerasooriya, KC, District Judge of Kandy, H. A. de Silva, A. S. Karunaratne, Mayor of Kandy William Gopallawa, Municipal Commissioner L. J. de S. Seneviratne, State Councillors A. Ratnayake, George E. de Silva, E. A. Nugawela, E. L. Senanayake (the first secretary of the KBA) Tissa Amerasekera, T. B. Illangaratne and many other public figures.

The fundamental objective of the Association had been to impart the teachings of the Buddha to the public and promote and foster social activities.

The Association has during the last 57 years not only promoted and fostered these traditions but in addition and in keeping with its motto "Kammah Bhaveti Anagato" has activated its members to establish a children's home," The Sarana Sevana Children's Home" at Mavilmada, in 1979, a library of Buddhist literature started in 1946, an Annual Oratorical and Essay Competition for schoolchildren started in 1956, the Dhamma and meditation classes started in 1980.

The Kandy Humanitarian Organisation - to spread the message of love and compassion in society started in 1991, the Elders Home" The Sarana Sevana Elders Home" at 'Mavilmada, providing accommodation to 35 inmates, in 1999, the K. B. A. in association with HelpAge Sri Lanka maintains a Help-A-Gran, Scheme as a supportive arm for poor elders who are the beneficiaries of the extended family system, that still prevail, according to the eastern cultural practices. The KBA has also organised several Tree Planting Campaigns with the Assistance of schoolchildren in the district.

The International Community too have displaced their appreciation for the commitment and dedication of the association in the running and maintenance of the various projects by providing much needed financial assistance to tide over difficult times. The KBA is thus grateful to Mr and Mrs. T. Smit S.B.W. of Holland for the support given in the cause of the Elders Home project at Mavilmada.

Mrs. Yasuko Matsue of Japan widow of Mr. Kazumi Matsue to honour her revered husband's last wishes of opening a Trust Fund for destitute children donated 300,000 yen, for the Children's Welfare Fund of the KBA.

The programme will conclude with the presentation of a three-wheeler to the Elders Home, a gift from the Foreign Assistance Bureau, of the Isle-of-man, England through the co-ordinator of the Bureau, Mr. N. W. E. Wijewantha, Executive Director of HelpAge Sri Lanka.

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