Global Convention of Universal Brotherhood:

Marks Platinum Jubilee in Colombo

The Global Convention of Universal Brotherhood held on December 19 and 20 at the BMICH drew a diverse membership of corporate communities in a celebration of shared ideals and philosophies.

It underscored the founding principles of Sri Narayana Guru Society, in commemoration of 75 years since the establishment of the Sri Narayana Guru Memorial Hall towards sustainable community development. The first day's inaugural session attended by many notable dignitaries commenced with a traditional dance performance, setting the tone for the events that followed.

Presidential Communication Director, former Parliament Legislator Services Director and Chief Parliament Interpreter M K Rahulan as the Sri Narayana Guru Society in Sri Lanka President welcomed those gathered. Guest of honour Sri Lanka's Indian High Commissioner Ashok K Kantha addressed the gathering weighing in on the significance of the occasion.

Other speakers included Singaporean Minister Viswa Sadasivan MP, Indian Minister N K Premachandran, Indian Government, Central Cultural Department, Administrator and Indian National Museum Institute Vice Chancellor Dr CV Ananda Bose, and Former Vienna Permanent Mission Ambassador and Washington's Indian Embassy Deputy Chief T P Sirinivasan. Other notable participants included former career diplomat M.K.Bhadrakumar and Tata Sons Director R K Krishna Kumar. Highlighting the spirit of the convention, benedictory speeches were delivered by a diverse membership of religious leaders which included Sri Jayawardenapura University Chancellor Ven Prof Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera, Colombo's Ramakrishna Mission President, Swami Sarvarupananda, former Colombo Archbishop Rev Dr Oswald Gomis, All Ceylon Jammiyathul Ulama's Ashshikh Fazil Mohamed Farook, and from Sivagiri Mattam, Swami Prakasananda, Swami Hrithambharananda and Swami Satchidananda.