Special religious ceremony at Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara

Nethmi PRAMITHA

On the occasion of celebrating Sri Lanka's 62nd Independence Day, a religious ceremony was organised to invoke blessings on the country, the nation, newly re-elected President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Ranaviruwo at the Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara premises on February 14 with the participation of Sri Lankans and well-wishers. A special feature of this ceremony was the enthusiasm shown by the Diaspora to celebrate the landslide victory of the President in a fitting manner in appreciation of the liberation of the Motherland from three decades of brutal terrorism.

This is the first celebration organised in the UK to celebrate President Mahinda Rajapaksa's victory at the election. At the ceremony, the Chief Incumbent of the Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara Venerable Dr. Witharandeniye Kassapa (OBE) Nayaka Thera congratulated the President and also expressed his gratitude to the people who voted as a mark of unity and harmony.

The Thera emphasized President Rajapaksa's vision to develop Sri Lanka as the Wonder of Asia to usher a bright and prosperous future for all. The Ven Thera said this is a victory for the people and the country, and hence all of us, as Sri Lankans, in a country free of terror must work together to ensure a brighter future for our children, a developed nation and an educated, morally rich society. The Ven Thera emphasized the duty of the Maha Sangha when the nation is facing difficulties and also explained taking examples from the history how the Maha Sangha and national heroes like Wariyapola Sumangala Thera, Weera Keppetipola, Gongalegoda Banda and kings ruled the country by defeating different outside threats. The welcome speech was delivered by Dr.M.B.Ranathunga on behalf of the Sri Lankan community. He extended his congratulations and wishes to President Rajapaksa on his re-election for the second term at the Presidential Elections.

Jethavana Buddhist Vihara, Birmingham, Head Venerable Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa Nayaka Thera said the dedication of the Rajapaksa family was amply demonstrated in the past by their dedication and nationalism for Ruhuna and on this occasion the most outstanding member of the family has won the hearts and minds of the entire nation by the outstanding victory by a massive majority.

Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya International Buddhist Centre Head Ven Akurala Samitha Thera said we must not split into factions but stand as one. The Ven Thera explained the importance of peace and said people of Sri Lanka must unite at this crucial juncture after defeating 30 years of terrorism.