## _**Annual Report 2023-2024**_ East London Buddhist cultural centre (ELBCC) also known as Lumbini Vihara is a UK registered charity (Registered number 1083830) under Charities act since November 2000. This report reviews the activities of ELBCC from 4[th] November 2023 – 8[th] November 2024. ## **Administrative Information** The Chief resident monk Ven. Makure Mangala Thero will remain as the president of the charity as stated in the constitution amended in 2011. The following office bearers were elected during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 4[th] November 2023. **Vice President** : • Mr Upul ekanayake • Mrs Suneetha Siriwardana **Secretary** : Mr Supun Nuranga **Assistant Secretary** : Mr Suba Fernando **Treasurer** : Mr Senerath Boralugoda **Public relations officer** : Mr Shamila De Silva **Independent auditor** : Mr Sarath Jayarathne **Legal advisor** : Mrs Ramani Gunasekara **Financial advisor** : Mrs Chandrika Rajakulathunga - **Committee members** : • Mr Chinthaka Karunathilakalage • Mrs Kusum Pathirana • Mr Sujith Rasnayake • Mr Saman Jayarathne • Mr Udayasiri Weragama • Mrs Dinali Ambewatte • Mr Ranjeewa Alahakone • Mrs Nanda Karunanayake Objectives of the charity include advancement of Buddhism per the philosophy and the teaching of Buddha, organising cultural and religious events. To achieve these objectives ELBCC organised various religious and cultural activities throughout the year. ## **Religious Activities** - Daily buddha puja and pirith chanting is held at 7.00PM throughout the year. Depending on their availability devotees of ELBCC attend this daily puja. And monthly poya programmes were organised throughout the year where devotees observe sil, practice meditation and dhama discussion. - ELBCC celebrated this year's Vesak Poya on 26th May 2024, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. Devotees marked the occasion by participating in a day filled with meditation, Dharma discussions, and other religious activities. The Vesak programme concluded with a Bhakthi Gee session, a Vesak lantern showcase, and a Vesak Dansala - To commemorate the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, a special Sil programme was held on Poson Poya day, 22nd June 2024, at the temple premises. Devotees marked the occasion by participating in a day filled with meditation, Dharma discussions, and other religious activities. - A special seth pirith chanting and atavisi buddha puja was held at the temple premises on 20[th] October 2024. - The Annual Katina Ceremony of ELBCC, held on 27th October 2024, celebrated the end of the Vassa season (the rains retreat). Both guest and resident monks conducted various meritorious rituals throughout the day. The ceremony was well-attended by many Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi Buddhist devotees. ## **Cultural Activities** - Annual Sinhala and Tamil new year festival organised by East London Buddhist Cultural centre was successfully held on 14[th] April 2024 at the Tollgate Primary School. The event featured traditional new year games and an evening of vibrant cultural performances. The festival was well-attended by local council representative and drew participation from many Sri Lankans across London. - To celebrate the 76[th] anniversary of the Independence Day of Sri Lanka, ELBCC held a special Independence Day celebration on 4th February 2024. Children from the Sunday School, along with other visitors, attended the event. The programme was highly educational, offering children the opportunity to learn about Sri Lanka's history before and after independence, as well as about the nation's national heroes. ## **Other Activities** - **Standing Advisory council on Religious Education (SACRE)** Ven. Mangala Thero is a member of the SACRE for the London borough of Newham, where the local authority is advised on matters connected with religious education and collective worship. ## • **Ranaviru seva Authority scholarship fund** With the help of members, ELBCC sponsor 50 students in Sri Lanka whose parents have passed away or disabled who were once military and police personnel. - **Religious Advisor for the local schools.** Ven. Mangala Thero attended various virtual and in person meetings throughout the year as a religious advisor to assist, as directed, special support for school causing concern or in particular need. - **Sunday School:** The Sunday School at ELBCC is held on Sundays at the temple premises, catering to children. Recognized by the Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) of Sri Lanka, the Sunday School is run by volunteer teaching staff and monks. It provides children with the opportunity to study and encourages the practice of Buddhism. - **Regular visits to public institutions:** Resident monks regularly visit local schools, hospitals, care homes, prisons to deliver sermons and guidance who seek counsel. - **Local student visits to the temple:** Both local school students and teachers regularly visit the temple, where they are given valuable insights into Buddhism. This provides an exceptional opportunity for them to learn about the religion and its practices. Teachers also receive guidance on effective methods for teaching Buddhism. Supun Enderage Secretary, ELBCC |**Minutes from the ELBCC Annual General Meeting**
**on 4th November 2023**|**Minutes from the ELBCC Annual General Meeting**
**on 4th November 2023**| |---|---| |**1.**|**Observe five precepts and welcome speech**
Ven. Mangala Thero Observed Pansil with the members who attended the meeting via
live webcast. Then he welcomed all the members to the annual general meeting and
expressed his gratitude to everyone for working together for the benefit of the
community and the organisation. He also acknowledged all the fellow monks, individuals
and the members of the temple who continue to help to successfully organise cultural
and religiousprogrammes throughout theyear.| |**2.**|**Reading and adaptation of the minutes from the AGM 2022**
Secretary Supun Nuranga circulated the minutes from the previous AGM which was held
on 26thNovember 2022.
Ven. Mangala Thero noted that the year recorded in the meeting minutes was incorrect.
This error has been corrected.
My Jayampathi proposed the meeting minutes be accepted as accurate, and Mr
Chinthaka seconded the motion.| |**3.**|**Tabling Annual Report**
Secretary, Mr Supun Enderage, circulated the annual report which covered the period
from 26thNovember 2022 – 4thDecember 2023.
Mr Samarasinghe noted that the event organised for the Poson Poya had not been
included in the annual report. This omission has been rectified and the event has been
added to the report.
Mr Samarasinghe proposed that the annual report be accepted as correct and the
motion of seconded byMr Weerasinghe.| |**4.**|**Treasurer’s Report and Annual accounts**
Treasurer, Mr Senarath Boralugoda, circulated the copies of annual financial report
which has been examined by the independent Auditor Mr Sarath Jayarathne.
The Treasurer explained that the lower tax relief amount this year, compared to the
previous year, was due to the fact that this year's claim covered only one year, whereas
last year's claim included two previous years.
In response to an inquiry about the festival income, the Treasurer clarified that it
comprised revenue from the Katina Ceremony, Ayubowan Event, New Year Festival, and
Special Award Ceremony.
Mr Samarasinghe suggested that the festival income and expenses be itemized and
presented as a separate note to provide a clearer representation of each item.
A query was raised regarding the increase in mortgage interest. It was agreed that this
would be examined further and if required inquiries would be made with the bank
Mr Sujith proposed that the annual accounts be accepted as correct and the motion of
seconded byMr Weragama.| ## **5.** ## **Election of office bearers** Two proposals have been received proposing to retain the executive committee for the 2023-2024. Another nomination was received; however, as per the constitution, only a member of the organization can be elected as an office bearer. Since the individual nominated was not a member at the time of the nomination, it was decided to omit this nomination. Following discussions and mutual agreement among the members, it was decided to adopt the received proposals and retain the executive committee from the previous year for the upcoming 2023-2024 period Therefore, the office bearers for 2023-2024 are as follows: ## **Two Vice presidents** - Mr Upul Ekanayake - Mrs Suneetha Siriwardhana ## **Secretary** - Mr Supun Nuranga ## **Assistant Secretary** - Mr Subha Fernando ## **Treasurer** - Mr Senerath Boralugoda ## **Public Relations Officer** - Mr Shamila De silva ## **Committee members** - Mr Chinthaka Karunathilakalage - Mrs Kusum Pathirana - Mr Saman Jayarathne - Mr Udayasri Weragama - Mrs Nanda Karunanayake - Mr Sujith Rasnayake - Mrs Dinali Ambewatte - Mr Ranjeewa Alahakone ## **Independent Auditor** - Mr Sarath Jayarathne ## **Legal Adviser:** - Mrs Ramani Gunasekara The proposal to retain the same office bearers received by Mr Samarasinghe and Mr Weerasinghe was seconded by Mr Jayampathi. **6. Resolutions** ||Ven. Mangala Thero informed the members that no notice has been received for
resolution and the members did not have anynewproposals.| |---|---| |**7.**|**Any Other Business**
Mr Samarasinghe enquired about the topic discussed during the last AGM in regard to
setting up another account for the welfare of the resident monks. It was suggested that
25% of the annual surplus be allocated to a dedicated account for the monks' welfare.
Additionally, it was proposed that any one-off donations from members be credited
using a specific reference to ensure these contributions are distinctly separated from the
regular operating budget, thereby maintaining transparency between welfare funds and
day-to-day expenses.
Mr. Shamila suggested creating an additional category to include individuals who
contribute to the temple in various ways, beyond what is outlined in the constitution, as
members of the temple. It was noted that the lack of awareness regarding membership
was the primary reason for this proposal. To address this while adhering to the
constitution, it was suggested that the available dates for dana offerings be displayed on
the notice board. Additionally, Ven. Mangala Thero proposed informing the parents
attending the Dhamma School about the temple membership.
Ven. Mangala Thero proposed covering the visa fee and insurance costs for the visiting
monks from Sri Lanka. It was suggested that these expenses be funded from the fund
allocated for the welfare of the monks. Members agreed to this proposal.
The potential date for the raffle draw was discussed with the members, and it was
agreed that the raffle would be drawn on 1st January 2024. The date was subsequently
publicised.
Mr Samarasinghe proposed distributing the dates for the monthly committee meetings
(which will be held on 1stFriday of each month) for the upcoming year in advance. The
Secretary was tasked with distributing the list.
Mr. Alahakone recommended that the online platforms be updated more regularly to
ensure members are kept informed about the temple's events| ||MeetingConcluded at 7.00 PM| Supun Enderage Secretary ELBCC EAST LONDON BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Annual Financial Report 31 July 2024 EAST LONDON BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Committee Inforniation President . Ven Makure Mangala Secretary: Mr Supun Nuranga Loku Enderage Treasure: Mr Senarath Boralugoda Trustees: Ven.Makure Mangala Ven. Eetalawetunawewa Gnanathilaka Mr Methsiri Wijerathne Mr Palinda Samarasinghe Auditor Sarath Jayaratne BA{ Hon) FCCA Excel Accounting Solutions 119 Belgrave Avenue Gidea Park Romford Essex RM2 6P Bankers Lloyds TSB Bank Barclays Bank Bank Of Ceylon Charlty no: 1083830 Address 33 Maybury Road Plaistow London E13 8RZ EAST LONDON BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Independent examiners report to the Trustees of EAST LONDON BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 July 2024 which are set out on the page 3- 6.my examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanation from you as Trustees conceming and such matters. In my examination, no such matters of concern has come to my attention. In my opinion of the financial ststements give true and fair view of the Charity's income and expendtture for Ihe year ended 31 July 2024 Sarath Jayaratne BA( Hon) FCCA Excel Accounting Solutions Accountants 119 Belgrave Avenue Gidea Park Romford Essex RM2 6PS g November 2024 EAST LONDON BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Income and Expenses Account for the year ended 31 July 2024 2024 2023 Income 33,154 41.355 other income Total Income Expenses Travel expenses Rent, rates, power and insurance costs Repairs and renewals of property and equipment Telephone, fax, ststionery and other office costs Interest on bank and other loans Bank, credit card and other finance charges Other expenses 28 33.182 41,360 200 8,455 2,243 2,575 3,608 183 1,878 15,469 15,714 1,128 2,646 199 1,619 Total Expenditure 19,142 36.775 Income Over Expenses 14,040 4,585 EAST LONDON BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Fixed assets Other fixed assets 318.756 318.756 Current assets Banklbuilding society balances 26,938 17,814 Current liablllties Other liabilities and accruals 5,000 5.000 Net current assets 21.938 12.814 Loans due after more than one year {37,687) (42,603) Net assets 303,007 288,967 Capital account Balance at start of period Nel profrt 288.967 14.040 284,382 4,585 303,007 288,967 EAST LONDON BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2024 2024 2023 Income Donation -standing Orders Donation-other Donation Box Festival Income Gift Aid Tax Refund Building fund Raffle tickets Other 14,780 7.625 1,090 3,060 6,408 190 15.071 10,855 1,704 9,240 4,484 33,154 41.355 other Income Interest retsivable 28 Car, van and travel expenses Travel expenses 200 Rent, rates• power and insurance costs Water and Council Tax Light & Heat Fesival expenses Property insurance Hall& Stall hire 2,057 2,800 1,685 1,413 500 8,455 1,451 4,028 6.605 943 2,442 15,469 Repairs and renewals of property and equipment Repairs and maintenance 2,243 15,714 Telephone, fax, stationery and other office costs Telephone and fax Postage ,Slationery and printing Other insurance costs 1,108 420 1,047 2,575 1.128 1,128 Interest on bank and other loans Mortgage Inlerest 3.608 2,646 Bank, credit card and other finance charges Bank charges 183 199 Other expenses Subscriptions BOC Scholarships Other expenses 159 1,534 185 159 1,460 1,619 EAST LONDON BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2024 2 Other fixed assets 2024 2023 Premises- Freehold Building 318,756 318.756