High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena attended the felicitation ceremony and Aktha Pathra Ceremony of Ven. Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of East London Buddhist Cultural Centre (Lumbini Vihara), the Deputy Head Priest of Makandura Sri Saranankaramaya and the Vice President of the Sri Lanka Sangha Sabha of the United Kingdom on 15th July 2023.

In her remarks, High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena appreciated the services of Ven. Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera who has been appointed as the Chief Adhikaran Sanga Nayaka of Great Britain and bestowed with the title of Most Venerable Makure Dharma Keerthi Sri Hemaloka Mangalabhidana Nayaka Thera by the Siyam Nikaya of the Malwatta Chapter. Recalling the long years of service to Buddha Sasana including the founding of East London Buddhist Cultural Centre (ELBCC) in 1998, she appreciated the tireless work of Venerable Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera for Dharma Prachara in the UK. She made special reference to the efforts of Ven Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera in imparting the teachings of Buddha and the essence of Sri Lankan values to second and third generations in the UK to preserve them for posterity. High Commissioner Sirisena commended Ven Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera for his enlightened and wise stewardship and for making Lumbini Vihara a beacon of unity and spiritual enrichment.

Most Ven Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, Chief incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara and the current Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain; Most Venerable Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Swarnamali Maha Vihara Stupa Temple and Chancellor of Rajarata University, Buddhist clergy based in Sri Lanka and the UK and members of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Community in East London attended the event.

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