Ceylon Radio
The waiting was over, on the 12th of July 2014, (Esala Poya) Sri Sambuddha Viharaya was inaugurated at an auspicious time in the morning 7.42 Hours with a large gathering of Sri Lankan Buddhist devotees from Liverpool and its surrounding areas. Traditional milk boiling was taking place at 8.12 hours.
This historic achievement was indeed a collective dream project of the Sri Lankan Buddhist community who, for some years, had been working to establish a Buddhist temple in Liverpool.
This historic occasion was graced and blessed with the presence of Ven. Kappetiyagoda Gunawansa, the Chief Sangha Nayake of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya to Great Britain and also the chief incumbent of both Jethawana Buddhist Viharaya in Birmingham and Sri Sambuddha Buddhist Viharaya in Liverpool, Ven. Thealdeniyaye Amitha, Chief incumbent of Shanthi Viharaya in Nottingham, Ven. Mapalagama Soratha and Ven. Thissapura Sugatharathna of Jethavana Viharaya. Amongst the attendees were trustees of the Dayaka Sabha of the newly inaugurated temple in addition to the general public.
The first Buddha Pooja and Alms-giving at Sri Sambuddha Viharaya were taking place immediately after two Dharma Desana by Ven. Kappetiyagoda Gunawansa and Ven. Thealdeniye Amitha.
An official opening ceremony took place in the evening of the 12th of July at 7pm. It was led by Ven. Mapalagama Soratha and Ven. Galpothyaye Premananda of Ketumathi Buddhist Viharaya in Manchester. The trustees lit the traditional oil lamp followed by a speech by the President, Dr. Gnapala Welhengama.
The following day more ritual studded religious ceremonies were conducted by the resident Buddhist monk, Ven. Thissapura Sugatharathna, which was attended by a large number of Sri Lankan Buddhists.
There are many special events planned by the Dayaka Sabha of Sri Sambuddha Viharaya under the guidance of Ven. Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa, such as, Sath Budu Vandana, Kavi Bana Desana, Special Dhama Desana by Ven. Galigamuwe Gnanadeepa thero, Dhama School, and Poya day Dasa Seela Programme. For more information, Please contact:
Pradeep: 07878456628 Anura: 07735058235 Saman: 07429602200
