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Published: 30 November -0001
The Poson celebration commenced by observing sil (retreat) by devotees on Saturday,18th June at Letchworth Buddhist Temple. The sil program was guided by the Chief Incumbent Ven. Dediyawala Wimala Thero., Ven. Mathugama Palitha Thero. covering meditation, Dhamma sermons, Abhidhamma discussion, Buddha pooja and invoking blessings to all. The mid day Dhana (lunch) for Maha Sangha and sil observers was offered by Mr. and Mrs. Dhammika & Osadhi and family. Mr and Mrs. Dhaminda & Ashani and Mr. and Mrs. Gayan & Thanuja Rathnaweera offered breakfast and Kola Keda and evening tea and belly mal drink was offered by Mr. & Mrs. Rajinda & Pulani Wewalage.
A large turnout of devotees observed sil. In the afternoon on Sunday, 19th June, 2016 the Poson Celebration was held at The Settlement Hall, Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City. The day’s event began by observing the Pancha Seela (Five Precepts) conducted by the Chief Incumbent Most Ven. Dediyawala Wimala Thero. The main feature of the day was the Atavisi Buddha Pooja and Pirikara Pooja offered by the devotees. Ven. Mathugama Palitha Thero. administered the Gilapasa pooja to twenty eight Buddhas, and Maha Sangha chanted Pirith and invoked blessings to all. The Gilampasa was sponsored by Dr. Srikantha & Mrs. Chandani Dias and family and friends. The children of the Daham school and the parents sang devotional songs (Bhakti Gee) with the leadership of Mr. Prasaj de Silva.
The event ended with a free food stall (Dhansala) sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Kamal and Imalka Wijesuriya and family, Mr. and Mrs. Lal and Manori Perera and family and friends. Mr. Tharanga de Silva kindly donated funds for the hall hire. And also the Letchworth Buddhist Temple arranged a special sil day (retreat) for children on Saturday, 25th June 2016 at the temple premises to celebrate Poson Poya. The sil program included meditation, Dhamma sermon, presenting a video documentary on Little monks in Sri Lanka. A large number of children participated in the sil program. Throughout the day the parents of the children and well wishes supported the event. They offered Dhane (Lunch) and tea to Ven. Monks and upasaka children, and other items for Buddha Pooja. The Letchworth Buddhist Temple is committed to serve the community in various religious, devotional and cultural events throughout the year
All the events were well attended by Sri Lankans living in The UK and the local residence. The Maha Sangha, The BCCL management committee members and the organizers wish to extend their appreciation to all those who attended the event and offered their support for making the events a great success.