2022-03-31-accounts

Charity Trustees Annual Report 2021

DHAMMA NIKETHANAYA INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR EDUCATION MEDITATION PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING

Letchworth

Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre

Charity Commission Registration Number: 1116187

69, Pix Road, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 1PZ

Website: www.buddhistacademy.com Email: [e-mail] Telephone: [phone] Mobile: [phone]

Sunday 03[rd] April 2022

Dhamma Nikethanaya International Community Centre for Education Meditation Psychotherapy & Counselling

Charity Commission Registration Number: 1116187

Charity Trustees Annual Report:

This meeting was held online.

On Sunday 03[rd] April 2022

Present Trustees: Reverend Akurala Samithasiri, Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne, Mrs Nikki Butler, Mr Gary Bland & Mr John Williams

Other Members Present: Mr Ram Murthi Summan, Mr Dinura Sonal De Silva, Mr Samuel Heaps, Mr. Rasika Jayawardana, Mrs Vipuli Gunasena, Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi, Mr Paul Martin, Mr Udena Wanniarachchi, Mrs Emma Davilar, Mr Manohar Summan, Mr Des Raj & Mrs Pushpa Chauhan, Mr Indika P P Daluwathu Mullage and Mrs Malindi.

Most Venerable Gunnapana Sumanarama Thera; head monk of London Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero, Principal of Rathanasara Vidyayathana Pirivena and Resident Monk of Dutugemunu Raja Maha Viharaya, Baddegama Galle attended as guest monks.

Meeting started with few minutes meditation and religious observations. Reverend Akurala Samithasiri welcomed everyone and chaired the charity annual meeting. A minute silence was observed in tribute to two dedicative members who passed away last year, Mrs Rathnawalie Dep and Mr Frederick Day.

Miss Padma Wijeratne presented the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr Rasika Jayawardana suggested the minutes as accurate and Mr Paul Martin seconded it.

Reverend Akurala Samithasiri requested to elect the trustees and new office bearers for the New Year 2021-2022 . Miss Padma Wijeratne suggested Reverend Akurala Samithasiri to reelect as the trustee and the president. Mr Des Raj Chauhan seconded it. Mr Paul Martin suggested to elect Miss Wijeratne as the secretary and trusee and Mr Indika Daluwathu Mullage seconded it. Mr Dinura Sonal De Silva suggested to re-elect Mr Gary Bland as the treasurer and the trustee and Mr Rasika Jayawardana seconded it. Mr Samuel Heaps suggested to elect Mrs Nikki Butler as the assistant secretary and the trustee. Mr Gary Bland seconded it. Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi suggested Mr John Williams as the trustee and the vice president. Mr Dinura Sonal De Silva seconded it. Due to the dismiss of Mrs Rathnawalie Dep a position of a trustee was vacant. Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi suggested to appoint Mrs Emma Davilar as the trustee and the assistant treasurer. Mr Indika Daluwathu Mullage seconded it.

Reverend Akurala Samithasiri was elected as the president, Mr John Williams as the vice president, Miss Padma Wijeratne as the secretary, Mrs Nikki Butler as the assistant secretary, Mr Gary Bland as the treasurer and Mrs Emma Davilar as the assistant treasurer were elected as new office bearers for the year 2021-2022.

- - - - - 2021 2022 Annual Report: (01 04 2021 & 31 03 2022)

Welcome to the 18[th] Annual General Meeting of Dhamma Nikethanaya International Community Centre for Education Meditation Psychotherapy & Counselling registered charity.

This report will reflect the work carried out by our charity for the year ending 31[st] March 2022 . We all have gained more confidence to continue our daily life as usual after the pandemic. As in the previous years we have been continuing our services and carrying out our objectives for the benefit of the community in UK and other countries (Only Sri Lanka in this year).

Sri Lankan New Year Festival Celebrated on 14[th] April 2021

Sri Lankan New Year falls in April. It is a very important cultural event for our community. Members of Sri Lankan origin gather to observe cultural events and blessings. Our centre celebrated Sri Lankan New Year with traditional food and other activities of the festivity. We also held the traditional Oil Anointing Ceremony and children’s cultural games on 14[th] and 17[th] April 2021 . A large number of member families joined for the annual event and blessings. It goes alone with the Easter holidays.

Centre Anniversary Day Celebration 19[th] April 2021

Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre started on 19[th] April 2004. Therefore 19[th] April of the year is regarded as the centre anniversary day. This year it marks the 18[th] Year of the Centre and our organization and also the 16[th] year being a registered charity . To mark this special day of the Centre we held a special pooja dana offering to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic. Venerable Monks attended for a special chanting, meditation programme, dhamma talk and pooja on Monday 19[th] April 2021 to appreciate all the help from the community and bless them all in gratitude sharing.

Online and Onsite Vesak Buddha Day Celebration: Special Day Programme with Observing Sil (Higher Precepts), Dhamma Talks, Meditation, Buddha Bodhi Pooja, Chanting and Festival of Vesak Lanterns Day on 15[th] and 26[th] May 2021

Vesak (May) Full Moon Day is the most important day to Buddhists across the globe as it celebrates the birth, enlightenment and the great passing away of our lord Buddha. On 15[th] of May 2021

the members joined online and onsite for a day programme with observing higher precepts, homage, Meditation, Dhamma talks and chanting protection blessings. A large number of devotees joined onsite on 26[th] May 2021 for offering dana and doing a special

Bodhi pooja. Children and adults joined singing the devotional songs at the centre and at online programme. The Centre was decorated with typical Vesak lanterns and celebration atmosphere. Programmes sponsored by (1). Mrs Chandra Kumari Medagama, Son Chamath, Son Gihan, Daughter-in-law Kavitha, Grand Son Ariya and family , in loving memory of late mother Mrs Punchi Kumari Ulapane to transfer merits on third month remembrance; (2). Mr Samanala Rajapaksha, Mrs Kalani Gunawardana, Daughter Thilanya, Son Thenuka & Family , to transfer merits to departed Loving Grand Fathers Mr Aelien Gunawardana & Mr Gunadasa Rajapaksha and all departed relatives. Wishing Good Health to Grand Mothers Mrs Padmi Gunawardana & Mrs Prema Rajapaksha and all in the family. (3). Mr Sirimal Ranathunga, Mrs Manel Ranathunga, Mrs Kisha Chaudari Alahakoon & Family , to transfer merits In Loving Memory of Mr Stephen Cooray on 03rd Months Remembrance Ceremony. (4). Mr Mahendra Iddamalgoda & Family , In loving memory of Sir Henry Marking on his 19th anniversary Memorial Annual Remembrance Ceremony To Transfer merits. (5). Mrs Kisha Chaudari Alahakoon & Family , to transfer merits to Mr Parimal Kanthi Chaudari and all departed relatives and frieds. (6). Mr Aloka and Mrs Veena Herttiarachchi, Daughter Avishi, Son Hasindu and Family , to wish A Very Happy 10th Birthday to Son Hasindu Devmina. To Wish Good Health to parents. To Transfer Merits In loving memory of Late Father Mr Hettiarachchige Mathupala Perera and all departed relatives and friends. (7). Mrs Rathnawalie Dep and Family , to transfer merits to Loving Father Mr Robolge Hendry Lenora and all departed relatives and friends and wishing all in the family good health and all the blessings. (8). Dr Vijitha Rathnayaka, Dr Ruvini Rathnayaka, Daughter Dr Aruni Rathnayaka and family , To transfer merits Mrs Nalini Dharmasena, Professor Dr B. D. Dharmasena, Mr & Mrs M. B. Rathnayake and all departed relatives and friends and wishing all in the family good health and all the blessings. (9). Mrs Nilanthi, Mr Udena Wanniarachchi, Son Manuka, Daugher Meheli & Family , to share blessings to all in the family and friends. To share merits with departed Mother all the relatives.

Special Devotional Songs Event to Mark Vesak and Poson Full Moon Poya Days: on 05[th] and 12[th] June 2021

An interesting Dhamma Blessings Musical two events called “ Vesak Poson Devotional Songs Programme ” were held to mark the Vesak and Poson Full moon Days . Two days were divided for children and adults. Sunday Dhamma School Children participated a Devotional Songs Musical Event on Saturday 05[th] June 2021 . A large number of devotees attend to support the event. Children’s Devotional Songs event was organized by Dhamma School teachers and parents with the guidance of Mr Rasika Jayawardana and Miss Padma Wijeratne .

Adults Devotional Songs Musical Event was held on Saturday 12[th] June 2021 . A large number of devotees attended to witness the event. Programme was organized by the Buddhist Centre. Programme was conducted by Mrs Surani Wijesurendra and Mr Hirantha Wijeratne . Professional signing and music support were given by Visharada Mrs Geetha Weerasinghe, Mr Rohana Gunawardana, Dasun Gunawardana, Mr Nadun Gunawardana, Mr Chamara Gunawardana and Mrs Chamari Jayasinghe .

The events were held in aid of raising funds for Sri Lanka Covid-19 Appeal to donate dry food parcels to seriously needy families affected with the pandemic and economic crisis in Sri Lanka. All the devotees contributed towards this course on this behalf. Special sponsorships were given by (1). Mr Sameera Wijewardana, Mrs Nilanka Hettiarachchi, Mrs Piyaseeli Pagoda Arachchi and family, (2). Dr Nanda, Mrs Swarna De Silva & Family , To share the merits with all departed relatives and friends. To share Blessings with family, friends (3). Mrs Shamalee Karunaratne & Family , To share the merits In Loving Memory of Mr Sushant Singh Rajput on 01st Year Remembrance. (4). Mr Gamini Senadeera, Mrs Renuka Hewapathirana & Family , To share the merits with All departed relatives and friends. (5). Dr Chandrika Worrall & Family, To share the merits with All departed relatives and friends. (6). Mr Rasika Jayawardane, Mrs Wipuli Jayawardane, Son Vidun, Daughter Vidunya & Family . To share Merits In Loving Memory of Beloved Parents Mrs Manel Jayawardane, Mr Hema Jayawardane, Mrs Hariot Gunasena and Mr W D Gunasena. Also to transfer Merits to Loving Brother Late Mr Mahesh Jayawardane and all departed relatives and friends. (7). Mrs Anne Schilizzi & Family . Wishing A Very Happy Birthday to Anne.! Blissful Wedding to Stephen & Isabel..! Dhamma Blessings to Anne for her 63rd Birthday on 30th June. All the Blessings to Helen & Clara for the best of luck in their careers progress. A Very Happy Wedding Blessings to Stephen & Isabel Almeida. Dhamma Blessings to Sarah for Success and Happiness. Blessings & Healings to Frances Dickenson. (8). Mrs Manjula Kumarapeli (9). Mrs Dilini Kapurubandara, Mrs Ruvini Kapurubandara & Family . (9). Ms Shelvi Sivasubramaniam , In Gratitude to the Lord Buddha.! Sharing Blessings with all. (10). Dr Ruvini Senasinghe In Loving Memory Mrs Yohani De Silva’s Father, Dr Chandrapala De Silva.

All the funds raised from this events and in general for the Sri Lankan Food Crisis Appeal were sent to Sri Lanka to distribute dry food parcels.

Charity Work in Sri Lanka: Corona Pandemic, Food and Economic Crisis Appeal for Sri Lanka: 26[th] May 2021:

At the beginning of the post covid period, there arose a critical food shortage in Sri Lanka. So many Sri Lankans contacted us for help. Venerable Akurala Samitha organised a fund raising appeal to provide dry food parcels for needy. All the members supported the good course. Over £5000/= were raised. Over 500 families received the food parcels worth the shopping of a month.

Sri Lanka Charity Work: Temple Construction & Building work.

Our devotees supported some of the incomplete temple works in some parts of Sri Lanka. Shrine room and Buddha statue building project in Kurunegala. Bell tower were built in Balapitiya Kovilawatta temple, in Sri Lanka. Work completed on 16[th] October 2021 .

Kathina Pinkama in Sri Lanka: Annual Community Spiritual Season Final Day Celebration: 11[th] & 14[th] November 2021:

Our centre financially sponsored two Kathina Ceremonies in Sri Lanka. Annual Kathina Ceremony was held on 11[th] November 2021 at Balapitya Bodhirukkharamaya Temple in Sri Lanka and on 14[th] November 2021 at Akurala Abhinavaramaya in Sri Lanka .

Sri Lanka Child Sponsorship, Community Welfare Support, Charity Projects: For 2021-2022:

We are very grateful to all our members for supporting the child sponsorship programmes and other welfare activities in Sri Lanka. Due to the outbreak of the pandemic and also subsequent economic crisis in Sri Lanka, we have to do extra to help our children. We continued to sponsor financially our children in Sri Lanka. They all have shown outstanding success in their education.

Charity Projects in Sri Lanka for the Financial Year 2021 / 2022:

We shipped food items, baby food, medicine and sanitary items to Sri Lanka on 06[th] July and 10[th] September 2021 and few other times. Sri Lankans were struggling with economic and health crisis. We are very grateful for our community for stepping into help the needy people in Sri Lanka.

Charity Fund Raising for Ukrain : Our community supported an open day for fund-

raising event in Hitchin. They collected funds for people who affected by war. They cooked food and shared it for voluntary donations on 26[th] March 2022 .

Poson Full Moon Poya Day Programme on 26[th] June 2021

Buddhists observe the full Moon Poya Day every month as a significant day for practice ( sabbath ). Even though every full moon poya day is important, some of them are highly significant due to historical reasons. Poson Full Moon Poya Day is the second such significant Full Moon Poya Day for particularly Sri Lankan Buddhists as on that day the Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in 236 BC (Before Christ) and another seven countries from India.

We had a day programme on 26[th] June 2021 to observe Poson Full Moon Poya Day with observing Ata (eight) sil (precepts), meditation, Buddha pooja, Bodhi pooja and dhamma discussions.

New Visiting Monk‟s arrival: Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero from Sri Lanka: 07[th] March 2021.

Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero arrived to UK on 07[th] March 2021 to stay with Venerable Akurala Samitha for two years as the resident monk. Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero is the principal of G/Rathanasara Vidyayathana Maha Pirivena, and the resident monk of Dutugemunu Raja Maha Vihara, Baddegama, Galle Sri Lanka. He has been contributed to all our religious, educational, spiritual and wellbeing services.

Online Temple Studio for delivering Dhamma Talks, Blessings Chanting, Meditation Programmes and All Other Temple work:

Due to the pandemic deadly virus restrictions, we introduced online services. It has been very useful most of the time. As a result we continued our programmes in hybrid manner both online and onsite.

Many people joined online temple when programmes and regular services take place. Monks at the centre dedicated for those programmes and worked tirelessly to meet all the requirements. It was very challenging but it was really supportive for the community.

Every Saturday Evening From 6PM till 8PM Dhamma Dana, Bodhi Pooja, Meditation & Protection Blessings Chanting Programme:

Every Saturday we host a special Programme to share the teachings,

blessings and also provide few minutes meditation. Good number of devotees regularly joined these programmes from home, online and onsite at the Buddhist Centre. This Saturday Evening Dhamma Dana Sermons, Bodhi Pooja, Blessings Chanting, Meditation programmes were held in the evening from 6PM till 8PM. The programme was included a Dhamma Talk in Sinhala, Dhamma Talk in English, Bodhi Pooja Homage, Meditation and Protection Blessings Chanting . Venerable Monks offered the Dhamma Talks in Sinhala and English on very interesting and highly educational topics. Families who were interested sharing Dhamma and the devotees sponsored generously the dhamma dana (sharing the gift of lord Buddha’s teachings).

Children Programmes and Dhamma School: Every Saturday 3.30PM till 5PM

Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya organized a regular programme for children on every Saturday 3.30-5PM. Miss Padma Wijeratne, Mr Rasika Jayawardana and Mrs Veena Hettiarachchi administered the teachings. All parents actively participated to support to upkeep of the programme. Children learnt meditation, homage chanting, Buddhism and general ethics.

Daham Sisila Programmes on Every Sunday From 5PM till 6.30PM:

Milton Keynes Vihara Community organized a series of regular Dhamma Programme on Every Sunday especially to help the people (young and adults) to come together to listen to the teachings of the Buddha and engage in a discussion. This became a very popular programme due to the engagement of the community. A large number of participants were actively attended. Our monks shared the time, effort and teachings to contribute into this and up keep of the programme. 50[th] Programme of a series of programmes was held on Sunday 25[th] April 2021 .

Annual Three Months Rains Retreat Opening Ceremony and Esala Full Moon Poya Day Programme - Saturday 24[th] July 2021

Venerable monks at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Meditation Centre hosted a blissful ceremony to observe the significances of Esala (July) Full Moon Poya and mark the beginning of the Annual Vassana Season on Esala (July) Full Moon Poya Saturday 24[th] July 2021 . Vassana Season is known as Annual Rains Meditation Retreat that Theravada Monks should practice once a year for three months on Esala Full

Moon Poya Day. Venerable Monks of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre observed the beginning of annual rains three months retreat on Saturday 24[th] July 2021 respecting the advice of the Lord Buddha and in compliance with the 2600 years old tradition. Whole day programme was held online with chanting, meditation, dhamma talk and observing eight precepts. A large number of devotees joined both at vihara onsite and online. This year three months Rains Retreat (Vassana) Season was between 24th July 2021 and 07[th] November 2021 . During those three months, every Saturday for 12 weeks a special programme was held to share the teachings and blessings.

This year three months retreat and kathina ceremony was sponsored by Mrs Srima Kadurugamuwa, Mr Nuwan & Mrs Chopana Kadurugamuwa and family; Mr Deshan & Mrs Nishani De

Silva and family; Mr Dushantha & Mrs Erandi Gunasekara & family; Mr Yohan & Mrs Ashana Dharmathilake and family. This is the 18[th] consecutive year Rainy Retreat of the Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre. Most Venerable Dr Dato‟ Sumana Siri Nayaka Thero of Singapore Malaysia and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Thero joined with Most Venerable Akurala Samitha Thero to stay the three months rains retreat in this year 2021.

On that day Most Venerable Monks Chanted the First Discourse delivered By the Blessed One (The Buddha), Dhamma Chakkhapavattana Sutta together with a special blessings pooja and gave Dhamma Talks both in Sinhala & English explaining the significances of the Esala Full Moon Poya Day and Vas Aradhana (Invitation to Three Months Retreat).

Volunteers at the Centre: Deep Clean Project of Temple Sunday 19[th] September 2021.

Volunteers are always very helpful at the centre. They engage in many activities with the guidance of Miss Padma Wijeratne who

coordinates the projects. Volunteers joined for deep clean project at the centre on Sunday 19[th] September 2021 . We all at the centre greatly appreciated their contributions with lots of blessings. They also made a stand for the brass pagoda. New Clothes and alter sheets were made by Mr Tyron and Mrs Dayani Peiris on 03[rd]

November 2021 .

Special Pooja During the Rains Retreat Season (Vassana): A Valuable Object of Veneration, a brass pagoda donation on Sunday 26[th] September 2021:

A Very Special and Beautiful Dhathu (Relics) Karaduwa

(Brass Casket) was donated to Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Meditation Centre On Sunday 26th September 2021 . It is a Marvellous Meritorious Deed during the Vassana Spiritual Rainy Retreat Season. By Ms Rameshini Silva together with Mother Mrs Sandya Silva , Brother Mr Umesh Silva and daughter Sanuki , in loving memory of beloved father late Mr Upali Rohith Silva to mark the second anniversary remembrance merits transfer . It is one of the rare and highest meritorious deed. May those noble blessings be with loving father, dearest husband, loving grandfather late Mr Upali Rohith Silva .!

Special Atavisi Sambuddha Pooja, Held on Binara Full Moon Sunday 26th September 2021

A Special Atavisi Sambuddha Pooja was held to mark the Binara Full Moon

Poya Day on Sunday 26[th] September 2021 at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Meditation Centre. This Special Pooja was sponsored by the main sponsors of this year kathina ceremony and the devotees of the centre. This was the first pooja also offered to the

special karaduwa donated to the centre. A large number of devotees attended the ceremony.

House Blessings with Kathina Robe:

It is customary to take the Kathina Robe to carefully selected houses for special religious blessings. It was held at Mr Nuwan and Mrs Chopana Kadurugamuwa house on 15[th] October

2021 .

Mrs Yohani De Silva hosted a Kathina Robe receiving house ceremony on 28[th] October 2021 with her daughter Miss Dinu and Miss Anuradha . Miss Darsha De Almeida and her mother also participated.

Other Special Poojas During the Vassana (Rains Retreat Season):

Mr Deshan & Mrs Shani De Silva hosted a special pooja on 23[rd] October 2023 at their house in Hatfield by inviting all their friends and family to bless the house with the Kathina Robe and giving the opportunity for

their local community to receive blessings.

Oxford community hosted special religious ceremony to get the community together. Our centre members live in Oxford, Didcot and Newbury area organized this. During the vassana season, they held a special dhamma programme on Saturday 07[th] August 2021 . A large number of local devotees attended.

Nikini (August) Full Poya Day Programme was held on Saturday 21[st] August 2021 . Programme was sponsored by Mrs Shamali

Jayasuriya & Family . To Transfer Merits In Loving Memory of Punchi Amma (Auntie), Mrs Soma Seekkuarachi (nee Welmillage) who passed away in Sri Lanka on Thursday 12th August 2021 at the age of 91 years . This occation used to share merits with all departed relatives and friends. Share blessings with all.

Mother‟s Day Pooja: 27[th] March 2022: A special pooja and blessings chanting was held on Mother‟s Day 27[th] March 2022 at the centre. It was a good relief for those who live miles away from their parents. Many found the joy by bringing their parents to the centre. This pooja, special chanting and tribute brought healing to many hearts.

The Annual Kathina Ceremony: 18[th] Consecutive Year (Sangha Day Community Event) Celebration held on Saturday 07[th] November 2021:

The Annual Kathina Ceremony is the biggest community event at the centre. It was held on Sunday 07[th] November 2021 at Garden City Academy, Radburn Way, Letchworth Garden City SG6 2JZ . This was the 18[th] consecutive Kathina Ceremony or community day (Sangha Day) Celebration held by Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Community with the able guidance of Venerable Akurala Samitha Thero, head of the centre.

This year Kathina Ceremony was mainly sponsored by Mrs Srima Kadurugamuwa, Mr Nuwan and Mrs Chopana Kadurugamuwa and family , Mr Deshan and Mrs Nishani De Silva and family , Mr Dushantha and Mrs Erandi Gunasekara and family , Mr Yohan and Mrs Ashana Dharmathilake and family and all the members of the centre community . A large gathering of over 18 Venerable Monks representing Buddhist Temples in UK graced the ceremony. Over 300 (three hundred) devotees representing cosmopolitan member families of the centre attended.

The Kathina Ceremony is the highly meritorious and significantly blissful festival in the Buddhist tradition. This Community Day Ceremony was held with the full participation of the community to mark the successful completion of the annual three months spiritual retreat observed by venerable monks residing at the monastery. During this period of three months, the

members of the community took special attention to devote more time and effort to practice Lord Buddha’s teaching as in Meditation, Dhamma studies, Dana Offering, Sila (Morality) Observations and blessings with Pooja chantings. Hence this three-month period was regarded as the highly blessed and most sacred spiritual season of the community.

In accordance with the 26 centuries old unrestricted Buddhist traditional lineage, Venerable Monks headed by Most Venerable Akurala

Samitha , Head of the Centre and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero and Dr - Dato Sir Sumanasiri Nayaka Thero of Singapore Malaysia observed this year’s Three Month Rainy Retreat on Esala Full Moon Day that fell on Saturday 24[th] July (Esala) 2021 and successfully completed the three months on Vap Full Moon Day Which fell on Sunday 07[th] November 2021 . Kathina Ceremony has to be held within the month from the completed full moon day to the subsequent full moon, that means before the next Full Moon Day that falls on Friday 19[th] November 2021. After this day this Ceremony cannot be held according to the Buddhist tradition.

This year Kathina Ceremony of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya brought many multi cultural people together as one family. Everyone inspired the happy, peaceful and uplifting atmosphere of the ceremony. The local community admired the rare experience

of attractively pious cultural activities related to the ceremony such as Kathina Procession. Children of the Dhamma School put lots of effort with overwhelming enthusiasm in participation. It was a very educational and joyful opportunity for them to experience the typical Buddhist Culture.

The Kathina Procession was beautiful as it was led by the children of the dhamma school, with traditional drumming heralding a Special Statue of Lord Buddha and the Kathina Robe. Children, parents and members of the Buddhist Centre community joined carrying Buddhist flags and decorative items.

The venerable monks who were attended Most Venerable Dr Handupelpola Mahinda Thero (London Kingsbury Temple), Most Venerable Dato‟ Sir Dr Sumana Siri Nayaka Thero of Singapore Malaysia

(Chief Prelate of UK, Europe, Singapore and Malaysia and Head of Global Realists Monastery), Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Maha Thero (retired principal of Vidyathunga Vidyayatana, Dickwella, Matara), Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala Thero (Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Tawalama Bandula Thero (Deputy Head Monk of London Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Makure Mangala Maha Thero (Head Monk of East London Lumbini Vihara), Most Venerable Gunnapane Sumanarama Maha Thero (Head Monk of Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre), Most Venerable Mathugama Palitha Maha Thero (Head Monk of Cambridge Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Nepal Sumana Thero (Head Monk of London Vipassana Mindfulness Meditation Centre), Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero (Deputy Head Monk of Letchworth Temple), Venerable Kohukumbure Siridhamma Thero (Head Monk of Thames Buddhist Vihara Croydon), Most Venerable Hallindola Hemaloka Thero (Resident Monk of London Kingsbury Temple), Most Venerable Anuradhapura Dhammadassi Thero (Resident Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara), Venerable Anamaduwe Wimalajeeva Thero (Deputy head monk of Nottingham Buddhist Temple), Venerable Wiharagama Kusala Thero (Acting Head Monk of Leicester Dharmasoka Buddhist Centre), Venerable Nepal Sumedha Thero (Resident Monk of Nottingham Buddhist Temple) and Most Venerable Hanwelle Gnanarathana Thero (Resident monk of East London Lumbini Vihara),.

Most Venerable Dr Handupelpola Mahinda Thero (London Kingsbury Temple) administered the five precepts. Most Venerable Kohukumbure Siridhamma Thero (Head Monk of Thames Buddhist Vihara Croydon) conducted the Buddha Pooja. Most Venerable Tawalama Bandula Thero (Deputy Head Monk of London Buddhist Vihara) conducted Kathina Robe offering. Venerable Wiharagama Kusala Thero (Acting Head Monk of Leicester Dharmasoka Buddhist Centre) did the punnanumodana (sharing of merits). Most Venerable Makure Mangala Maha Thero (Head Monk of East London Lumbini Vihara) delivered a Dhamma Talk in Sinhala explaining the significances of the traditional spiritual ceremony to the modern world, and highlighted the credentials of Venerable Akurala Samitha as a rare skilful monk from whom the community can be benefited immensely. Most Venerable Nepal Sumana (Head Monk of London Vipassana Mindfulness Meditation Centre) delivered the English Dhamma talk to mark the beginning of the ceremony and explain the significances of the day by dedicating the Kathina Dana and commended the importance of mental health services rendered by Venerable Akurala Samitha and Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre. Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Maha Thero (retired principal of Vidyathunga Vidyayatana, Dickwella, Matara) conducted a short sharing of merits after accepting the kathina robe as one of the resident monks who observed this year Vassana Retreat Season. All the monks chanted very special protection chanting to bring blessings to all the community.

Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted A Special Atavisi Buddha to invoke the merits and blessings to parents of all members of the community. Late parents of the members of the community were dearly remembered by sharing the merits.

Hamper Gift Parcels to venerable Monks were sponsored by Mr & Mrs Sujeewa Lokuwaduge, Mr Indika & Mrs Sulakshi Devage, Dr Anura and Mrs Chandani Herath.

Gift Donations Offering to Venerable Monks were supported by all the members of the community with the main support of Mr Dushanatha & Mrs Erandi Gunasekara, Mr Deshan & Mrs Shani De Silva, Mr Aloka & Mrs Veena Hettiarachchi and Mrs Khushlani Dep .

Children of our Dhamma School actively participated with few devotional songs. Kathina Procession was held in compounds of the ceremony venue. Special thanks to teachers and parents including Mr Rasika, Mrs Vipuli, Miss Padma and Mrs Malindi . The Son of Mr and Mrs Dissanayaka, Mr Nisaja Dissanayaka sang a beautiful devotional

song to the audience.

Venerable Akurala Samitha thanked everyone supported to make this year Kathina ceremony a great success. The Ceremony arrangements and hall decorations were not possible without the earnest support of Miss Padma Wijeratne, Ms Nikki Butler, Miss Eleanor, Emma Davilar, Mr Jason Richard, Miss Chamari Jayasinge, Mrs Nadee

Athuraliya, Mr Udena & Mrs Nilanthi Wanniarachchi, and Mr Godfry and Mrs Sunethra De Silva . Venerable Samitha shared heartfelt gratitude and blessings with them all.

Venerable Akurala Samitha shared the blessings with those who offered Atapirikara , Robes , Monks’ gift items and other donations. Their support greatly counted for the success of the ceremony.

May the Blessings of this greatest meritorious deed fulfil, without exception the aspirations of all, and lead to the everlasting happiness Nibbana ! May all be secure, well and happy with Noble Blessings of the Triple Gem!

Annual Kathina Ceremonies at Other Temples in UK:

Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on Saturday 23[rd] October 2021 and Venerable Akurala Samitha and

Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Thero attended to it.

Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 24[th] October 2021 and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Thero attended to it.

Thames Buddhist Vihara Croydon hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 24[th] October 2021 and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero attended to it.

Stroke-On-Trent Buddhist Vihara Kathina Ceremony was held on Saturday 13[th] November 2021 . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero attended the ceremony.

Leicester Dharmasoka Vihara Annual Kathina Ceremony was held on Sunday 14[th] November 2021 . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero attended the ceremony.

Milton Keynes Vihara Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 30[th] October 2021:

Under the patronage of Venerable Akurala Samitha, Milton Keynes Vihara Community celebrated their annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 30[th] October 2021 .

This was their 03[rd] consecutive ceremony at Bletchley Youth Centre , Derwent Drive,

Bletchley MK3 7BE. Over 300 (three hundred) devotees attended the ceremony. 23 (twenty three) most venerable monks representing all the temples in the United Kingdom attended to grace the ceremony. Dr Ruvini Senasinghe and Mrs Yohani De Silva sponsored the Annual Kathina Pinkama with the advice of Venerable Akurala Samitha.

Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala Thero (Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Dr Withrandeniye Kassapa

Nayaka Thero (Head Monk of Birminham Buddhist Maha Vihara, Leicester Dharmasoka Buddhist Vihara and Stroke On Trent Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Tawalama Bandula Nayaka Thero (Deputy Head Monk of London Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Keppitiyagoda Gunawansa Nayaka Thero (Head Monk of Birmingham Jethawana Buddhist Vihara and Liverpool Sambhodhi Vihara), Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Maha Thero (retired principal of Vidyathunga Vidyayatana, Dickwella, Matara), Most Venerable Makure Mangala Nayaka Thero (Head Monk of East London Lumbini Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Thero (Head Monk of Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre), Most Venerable Uduve Dhammaloka Nayaka Thero (Head Monk of Elanmethiniyaramaya, Colombo), Most Venerable Mapalagama Soratha Thero (Resident Monk of Birmingham Jethavana Vihara), Most Venerable Kulugamuve Kassapa Thero (resident Monk of London Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Tissapura Sugatharathana Thero (deputy head monk of Liverpool Sambodhi Vihara), Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero (Deputy Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Kohukumbure Siridhamma Thero (Head Monk of London Thames Vihara), Most Venerable Galayaye Dhammadassi Thero (Deputy Head Monk of London Kingsbury temple), Most Venerable Hallindola Hemaloka Thero (Resident Monk of London Kingsbury Temple), Most Venerable Udunuwara Indrarathana Thero (resident monk of Birmingham Jethawana Vihara), Most Venerable Kahawanugoda Wimaladhamma Thero (Resident Monk of Birmingham Jethavana Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Rotumba Gunarathana Thero (Resident Monk of Liverpool Sambodhi Vihara), Most Venerable Rathnapure Nandaloka Thero (Resident Monk of Birmingham Maha Vihara), Most Venerable U Sumangalo Thero (Resident Monk of Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre), Most Venerable Babarwane Upali Thero (Resident Monk of Stroke On Trent Buddhist Centre), Most Venerable Mathugama Palitha Maha Thero (Head Monk of Cambridge Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerale Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero (Head monk of Buduraja Maha Vihara, Matara), Most Venerable Akurala Samitha Thero (Head Monk of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre) and Most Venerable Sister Maruta (Head Nun of Niponsan Myahoji Japanese Temple) were attended the ceremony.

On behalf of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre, Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne and Mr Luke Beeton

attended the ceremony and helped to make it a great

success.

Visiting Monks Leaving to Sri Lanka & Singapore Malaysia: Most Reverend Dr Dato Sumanasiri of Singapore Malaysia and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Thero - 20[th] December 2021:

Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Thero arrived to our centre (UK) on 15[th] January 2020 with the invitation of Most Venerable Akurala Samitha and

sponsor support of Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe . He stayed at our centre and supported all religious and educational programmes. After completing his tenure he went back to Sri Lanka on 20[th] December 2021 . On behalf of the centre Miss Padma Wijeratne and Dhamma School Children and parents donated a laptop for his Dhamma online programmes and some funds for his travel expenses. We all were deeply grateful for his support. Most Reverend Dr Dato Sir Sumanasiri Nayaka Thero of Singapore Malayasia arrived to our centre (UK) on 16[th] July 2020 and supported earnestly to all our centre activities. He left back to Singapore Malaysia on 20[th] December 2021 . Veneable Akurala Samitha was the only resident monk from 20[th] December 2021 till 07[th] March 2021 . On 07[th] March 2021 Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero came to the centre as the resident monk to stay two years.

Celebrating Members‟ Special Moments:

Mrs Shreeni De Silva celebrated her 70[th] Birthday on 16[th] April 2021 with a dana and blessings pooja. Venerable Monks attended to the programme.

Mrs Nishendra Dissanayaka and Son Nishaja cerebrated their birthday with the blessings of Venerable monks on 06[th] July 2021.

Mr Mahendra Iddamalgoda celebrated his 60[th] Birthday on 22[nd] July 2021. Venerable Monks joined the pooja and dana blessings at the centre.

Mr Pradeep Selvaratnam celebrated his 40[th] Birthday on 07[th] August 2021 . Venerable monks attended to the community hall special ceremony with dana and blessings. Mrs Shilani Porage organized it.

Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe‟s celebrated her Birthday was on 13[th] October 2021: She celebrated her birthday on 10[th] October 2021 with the blessings of the Venerable Monks of the centre and other invited guest monks. Among them, Most Venerable Dediyawala Wimala Nayaka Thero, Most

Venerable Matugama Palitha Thero, Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero, Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Thero and Most Venerable Akurala Samitha visited Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe house for her birthday On Tuesday 10[th] October 2021 to do

a special blessing. Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe is a very dedicated member of the centre and even supported for all our activities. We are very grateful for her contributions.

Mr Dushantha Gunasekara‟s 50[th] Birthday 02[nd] November 2021: Community of the centre

hosted a special blessings ceremony at his home and temple to celebrate the special 50[th] birthday of Mr Dushantha Gunasekara on 02[nd] November 2021 . A large number of

friends and family gathered. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero conducted the pooja.

Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero‟s Birthday 20th November 2021:

Community of the centre hosted a special blessings ceremony to celebrate the birthday of Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana

Nayaka Thero . He was the retired principle of Vidyathunga Vidyayathanaya, Budu Raja Maha Vehera, Dickwella, Vevurukannala, Matara. He stayed as the resident monk helping the community during the most difficult times. He supported weekly Dhamma Talks, Pooja, Chanting and other spiritual needs. We all at the centre were very grateful for his contribution.

Late Mrs Rathnawalie Dep Birthday Celebration on 30[th] December 2021: Members

of the centre organized a special blessing ceremony and pooja with the participation of Late Mrs Rathnawalie Dep’s family to commorate her life on her birthday 30[th] December 2021 .

Mr Sampath Samaraweera celebrated his 40[th] Birthday on 16[th] January 2022 . Mrs Dilini Kapurubandara organized a dana blessings. Venerable Akurala Samitha and the resident monks conducted the blessings.

Most Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Thero‟s Birthday on 24[th] January 2022 : Most Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Thero is the head monk of London Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre. He helps our spiritual and social activities a lot. Venerable Monks at the centre and the community are very grateful of his contributions. We remembered him on his birthday 24[th] January 2021 by doing a special pooja and invoke the blessings to him. On 25[th] January 2022 Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Thero went to Sri Lanka with a wheel chair for Venerable Akurala Samitha’s father.

Mr Glenn Everard celebrated his 51[st] Birthday on 25[th] January 2022: Mr

Glenn Everard was a long standing dedicated member of the centre. He celebrated his very special 51[st] birthday

in the centre. Centre community organized a special pooja to invoke blessings to him on his 50[th] birthday on 25[th] January 2022 .

Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne celebrated her Birthday on 25[th] January 2022:

Miss Padmalatha

Wijeratne has been a long standing member and also holds responsible positions like trustee and treasurer at

the centre. She contributed her time, effort and financial support for the temple extensively. Everyone at the centre is extremely grateful for her dedication to upkeep the centre. Resident Monks and the community organized a special blessings pooja chanting online on 22[nd] January 2022 to invoke blessings to Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne . Dana ceremony was held at her resident on 25[th] January 2022 with the participation of Most Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Thero (Head Monk of Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre), Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero (Deputy Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara) and Most Venerable U Sumangala (Resident Monk of New Castle). A large number of members of the centre joined online and at house to the pooja and dana.

Miss Methushi Wijewardhana Celebrated her birthday on 26[th] January 2022 . Mrs Nilanka

Hettiarachchi and Mr Sameera Wijewardhana hosted an annual ceremony on their daughter’s birthday to do the blessings with the local community in Prexton and also to do the house blessings. They invoked the blessings to their very ill father Mr Lional Gamini Wijewardhane .

Mrs Niranjala Perera celebrated her 79[th] Birthday with special dhamma dana Saturday Evening programme on 27[th] February 2022 .

Mr Brixcious Anthony Hettiarachchi celebrated his 51[st] Birthday on 12[th]

March 2022 . He is one of the main and dedicated supporters of the centre. A special pooja was held with the friends and family on 12[th] March 2021 at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre.

Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero celebrated his 40[th] Birthday on 24[th]

March 2022 . A special pooja was held at the centre and all the members appreciated his arrival to stay as a resident monk for two years.

Venerable Akurala Samitha‟s 50[Th] Birthday - 25[th] March 2022: Centre

community took the privilege to pay tribute to the outstanding work of Venerable

Akurala Samitha on his 50[th] birthday by organizing special dana (food offering to

monks) ceremony and chanting blessings pooja on 25[th] March 2022 . Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne organized the event. A large gathering of over 18 monks representing all the temples in UK attended to grace the ceremony. Among them, Most Venerable Dr Handupelpola Mahinda Thero (Deputy Head Monk of Kingsbury Temple), Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala Thero (Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Dr Witharandeniye Kassapa Nayaka Thero (Head Monk of Birminham Maha Vihara, StrokeOn-Trent Vihara, Leicester Dharmasoka Vihara), Most Venerable Keppitiyagoda Gunawansa Nayaka Thero (Head Monk of Birmingham Jethavana Buddhist Vihara and Liverpool Sambodhi Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Gunnapana Sumanarama Thero (Head Monk of Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre), Most Venerable Mathugama Palitha Thero (Head Monk of Cambridge Buddhist Viahra), Most Venerable Mapalagama Soratha Thero (Deputy Head Monk of Birmingham Jethavana Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Nepal Sumana Thero (Head Monk of London Vipassana Mindfulness Meditation Centre), Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero (Deputy Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Kohukumbure Siridhamma Thero (Head Monk of Thames Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Karagammanawa Upali Thero (Resident Monk of Stroke on Trent Vihara), Most Venerable Galayaye Dhammadassi Thero (Deputy Head Monk of London Kingsbury Temple), Most Venerable Rathnapure Nandaloka Thero (Resident Monk of Birmingham Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Kottawagama Dhammajothi Thero (Resident Monk of Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara), Most Venerable Mawathawewe Gunarathana Thero (Resident Monk of Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara) and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero (Principal of G/Rathanasara College Pirivena, Baddegama Galle).

Mr Godfry , Mrs Sunethra De Silva , Mrs Nikki Butler , Mrs Emma Davilar , Mr Neil and Mrs Nitha, Mr and Mrs Sujeewa Lokuwaduge, Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe, Mrs Nilanka Hettiarachchi , Mrs Nadika Athuraliya , Miss Chamari Jayasinghe and Mrs Subhashini, Mr Jayanath, Mr Nishanedra and Mrs Nisansala, Mrs Shilani Porage, Mr Kasun Fernando helped the dana (food offerings to monks) and the ceremony. A large number of over 300 devotees joined the special blessings.

Prior to the Birthday, all the chaplaincy team at Lister Hospital East and North Herts NHS Trust visited the centre on 23[rd] March 2022 to bless

Venerable Akurala Samitha.

Interfaith Activities by the Centre:

Our centre has been actively participating local and national interfaith groups and make necessary contributions to be part of the interfaith relations. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne regularly attend East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Lister Hospital , QE II Hospital in Welwyn Garden City , and Mount Vernon Cancer Hospital in London Northwood as a part of chaplain team. Venerable Akurala Samitha attends monthly meetings and hosts a weekly meditation sessions in addition to visiting the patients for blessings. Brother John O‟Neill , team lead of Spiritual and Pastoral Care Chaplain of East and North Herts NHS Trust, appreciated the dedicated the work done by Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne and Venerable Akurala Samitha at Lister Hospital at a meeting held at Lartista Italian Restaurant, Letchworth on 23[rd] June 2021 . All NHS Staff come together on 06[th] July 2021 to remember those who lost their lives working at NHS Due to Covid-19 . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended the service. There was another outdoor meeting with interfaith blessings on 21[st] July 2021 . Interfaith Volunteers got together was held on 20[th] October 2021 at Lister Hospital Chapel. Christmas blessings and open prayer day was held on 15[th] December 2021 to share the gratitude at the end of the year. General meeting of the interfaith team was held on 17[th] March 2022 at Lister Hospital Chapel.

Venerable Akurala Samitha continues to be dedicated member of North Herts Interfaith Forum and Hertfordshire Faith Leaders Forum.

Home Visit By the Centre:

Home visits are a very active part of the centre. Venerable Monks do the regular home visits for spiritual and cultural needs. After the pandemic, we slowly hosted home visits.

Mrs Dulanjalie Alahapperuma and Mr Damith Gajanayake and family hosted a home visit blessings on 21[st] June 2021 with the participation of their friends.

Mrs Nisansala Dharmaratne and Mr Nishendra Dissanayaka hosted a blessings programme at their house for the community on 22[nd] July 2021 . Most Venerable Dr Dato‟ Sir Sumana Siri Chief Prelate of Singapore and Malaysia, Venerable Nepal Sumana Thero also joined the house blessings.

Mrs Hansika and Mr Pravindra Disanayake hosted a house dana in loving memory of their beloved father Mr Alankarage Arnet Indrapala De Silva on his 7[th] Day remembrance On 31[st] December 2021. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the ceremony.

Mrs Jane Wilson invited Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne to visit her house to do house blessings. It was very helpful for her as she was struggling with her family situation. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne did a short meditation and blessings on 01[st] March 2022 at her house.

Year End Blessings: Christmas Blessings programme on 24[th] December 2021: We hosted an online blessings and meditation programme to share spiritual blessings on Christmas. A good number of people joined the online session.

2022 Happy New Year Blessings: A Special Atavisi Buddha Pooja to welcome the New Year was held on 1[st] January 2022

The Community of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya organised Atavisi Buddha Pooja Special Blessings ceremony on Saturday 01[st] January 2022 to share the

blessings with all on the dawn of the New Year 2022 . All members and devotees attended both online and onsite.

The blessings programmes were sponsored by all the members. Special sponsorships were extended by Miss Padma Wijeratne, Mr Aloka & Mrs Veena Hettiarachchi, Mr Neil Weerakoon, Mrs Nitha Gurusinghe, Miss Julia Clark. A large number of devotees gathered at the centre to start the New Year 2022 with Blessings . A large number of devotees joined the evening

Atavisi Buddha Pooja . This programme was sponsored mainly by devotees from Letchworth, Milton Keynes and Bracknell communities. Most Venerable Akurala Samitha Thero conducted the New Year Day Blessings on pooja.

Emergency Trip To Sri Lanka: Venerable Akurala Samitha‟s Father‟ Was Not Well and Passed Away:

At the beginning of the year, it was a very hard time as Venerable Akurala Samitha had to go to Sri Lanka unexpectedly on 05[th] January

2022 . His father was deteriorating very badly. It was really good for him and his family as he managed to stay 9 days with his father. Local monks gathered and did the blessings. Venerable Akurala Samitha returned back to UK on 14[th] January 2022 as the father showed good improvement by seeing him and receiving his spiritual care.

After 14 days, unfortunately he passed away on 27[th] January 2022 . Venerable Akurala Samitha went back to Sri Lanka and attended the funeral. A large number of monks over 50 in numbers, from the local temples joined the funeral service. Devotees from Letchworth, Milton Keynes,

Bracknell, London and many parts of UK attended online. All the monks from UK temples attended online. Most Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Thero (Head Monk of London Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre) and Most Venerable Akuratiye Nanda Nayaka Thero (Chancellor of Ruhuna University, Matara Sri Lanka), Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero (Principal of Rathanasara Vidyayathana Piriven Baddegama Galle) attended to the funeral and the 7[th] day dana. Mr Lakith Cooray attended the funeral on behalf of UK Reality Charity and all devotees. Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero made a speech online on behalf of all the monks in UK. Miss Padma Wijeratne on behalf of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre, Dr Ajith De Silva on behalf of Milton Keynes Vihara Mindfulness Meditation Center and Reverend Brother John O‟Neil on behalf of Lister Hospital East and North Herts NHS Trust and Interfaith community gave speeches.

Venerable Akurala Samitha‟s Mother‟s 06[th] Year Remembrance Ceremony and Father‟s 07[th] Dana: on 05[th] February 2022:

While Venerable Akurala Samitha was in Sri Lanka, he hosted a special dana Ceremony to mark the 07[th] Day Passing Merits in memory

of his father and in memory of his mother to mark the 06[th] year on 05[th] February 2022 at his residence in Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Kosgoda Subhuthi Naya Thero (Head Monk of Sangharaja Maha Vihara, Randombe Sri Lanka and Deputy Chief Prelate of Amarapura Siri Saddhammawansa Maha Nikaya) delivered the Dhamma talk on 04[th] February 2022 . Over 50 Monks from local temples attended the dana ceremony. Among them, Most Venerable Ahungalle Seelavisuddhi Maha Nayaka Thero , Most Venerable Hunupola Shanthadeva Thero , and Most Venerable Akuratiye Nanada Thero delivered Dhamma Talks.

Dry Food Parcels Distribution in Sri Lanka: on 02[nd] March 2022: Venerable

Akurala Samitha also organized a special charity event to distribute 50 dry food parcels to needy families in Sri Lanka in loving memory of the beloved mother on 02[nd] March 2022 to mark the very day of 6[th] Year Remembrance of Loving Mother. Dana (food) was also offered the local Buddhist centres in Akurala and Kalutara in Sri Lanka .

Venerable Akurala Samitha‟s Parents Remembrance Dana Ceremony in UK: Saturday 26[th] March 2022

Community of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist centre organized a special dana merits sharing ceremony in loving memory of Venerable Akurala Samitha‟s parents on Saturday 26[th] March 2022 at Free Church Hall , Gernon Road Letchworth SG6 3HS. Over 18 Monks representing all the Buddhist Temples in UK attended to grace the ceremony. Over 250 devotees of the centre attended to the ceremony. This was held to mark three important events. Transfer Merits to Late Father Mr Sobhanahandi Siripala De Silva on 03rd Month and Late Mother Mrs Dedimuni Dasawathi Mendis on 6th Year and also to mark the 50th Birthday of Venerable Bhante Akurala Samitha .

Special Tribute to Our Devoted and Dedicated Members of the Centre: Mrs Rathnawalie Dep (30-12-1935 and 16-07-2021):

Mrs Rathnawalie Dep was a founder member and long standing trustee of the centre. From

the beginning till to the last date she took the position of Honourable Secretary and rendered yeoman service to the centre and the community. She started having health

issues and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne regularly visited her at home and also at hospital and nursing home. We managed to make every blessings and gratitude as she was a strong supporter of the monks, community and the centre. A special blessing was held at her house before she leaves to nursing home on 10[th] May 2021 by Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne.

She was admitted to Trembaths Nursing home (specialist care for dementia) at Talbot

Way, Norton Letchworth SG6 1UA . It was a very hard time for her as she used to live with friends and family. Venerable

Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne visited weekly. One of the staff at the nursing home Mrs Tracey Duxbury is a Buddhist and also member of our Buddhist Meditation Centre. It was a great company for her. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne did a special blessing for her on 01[st] June 2021 and 06[th] and 15[th] July 2021 at the nursing home. Few hours later, in the early hours of 16[th] July 2021 , Mrs Rathnawalie Dep passed away very peacefully. May she attain Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!

Our temple community were very saddened to hear the loss. All in the community were

grateful for her dedication and

commitments towards the community work. We hosted a special dana remembrance service

to mark the 07[th] Day merits transfer on 26[th] July 2021 . Most Venerable Dr Data Sir Sumanasiri Nayaka Thero of Singapore Malaysia, Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero, Most Venerable Bambarabotuwe Anandamangala Thero, Most Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Thero (London Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre) and Most Venerable U Sumangalo Thero attended the dana merits sharing ceremony. Most Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the ceremony. Miss Padma Wijeratne and all the members actively engaged organizing the ceremony. A large number of community attended the ceremony to join with the family members to share the loss.

Mrs Rathnawalie Dep‟s funeral took place on 12[th] August 2021 at Harwood Park Crematorium,

Stevenage . Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala Nayaka Thero, Most Venerable Bhikkhu Assaji Thero, Most Venerable Dr Dato Sir Sumanasiri Nayaka Thero, Most Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero and Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero attended the funeral service. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the service. A large number of devotees attended the service. Miss Padma Wijeratne and Mrs Khushlani Dep organized the funeral service. Her rained ashes were placed at Wilbury Hill Cemetery , Stotfold Road, Stotfold Letchworth on 16[th] September 2021 . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended on behalf of the centre to do the blessings at the occasion of resting the ashes.

Mrs Rathnawalie Dep was also remembered on 16[th] October 2021 to mark the third months of her passing away. Special Dana offering and merits transfer was done at the centre with the participation of her close family and friends.

Special Tribute to Our Devoted and Dedicated Members of the Centre: Mr Frederick Charles Day (26-07-1935 and 15-10-2021):

Mr Frederick (fondly known as Fredie) was born on 26[th] July 1935 in Letchworth Garden

City. He worked as a Food specialist in abroad especially in Asia for over 50

years. He returned back to Letchworth Garden City in 2010 to settle in the village where his parents were and he was brought up. Ever since he become a very dedicated member who regular attended our services. He had a great faith in what we do in Buddhist Teachings, Mental Health, Counselling, Meditation and Cultural activities.

He became a good friend of Venerable Bhante Samitha, Miss Padma Wijeratne and all the members of the centre. He always liked what we did in the local community and deeply

appreciate about them. He also benefited from our meditation, chanting and other welfare services. He maintained a good relationship with few charities in Nepal, India and Malaysia.

Venerale Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended to him regularly at his residence and also in hospital to look after his welfare and did blessings. He greatly appreciated the blessings and meditation and emotional support given to him. He passed away on 15[th] October 2021 at Lister Hospital. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijerathna visited him on the previous night before he passed away at hospital. He enjoyed the blessings and also seeing us. We took lots of effort by visiting hospital and also home to take best care of his welfare until the last day. He is greatly missed. We wish Mr Frederick Charles Day (our Fredie) A Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!

Full Moon Day and Monthly Retreat Sessions: 24[th] April 2021

Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya hosted a day programme to mark the Bak (April) Full Moon Poya Day on Saturday 24[th] April 2021 . Mr Rajitha & Mrs Seedevi Kuruppu and family and Mrs Kanthi Silva; Daughter Dr Tina Fernando, Son-in-law Dr Sangeeth Fernando, Grand Children Josuwa & Benjamin & Family; t o share blessings to Mrs Kanthi Silva all the family and friends; to share merits with Mr Felix Silva and all the parents and relatives . Mrs Kumudu Gunasekara and Family; Mrs Gayathri and Mr Andrew Clarke and family co-sponsored the day programme in memory of their late parents and relative and also so to bless everyone. A large number of members attended online and onsite with meditation, pooja, homage blessings and dhamma talks.

Vap (October) Full Moon Poya Day was on Saturday 16[th] October 2021 , Our centre celebrated the October full moon poya day with chanting blessings.

November (ILL) Full Moon Poya Day was held on Saturday 28[th] November 2021 at the centre.

Uduvap (December) Full Moon Poya was on Saturday 18[th] December 2021 . Centre organized a year end merits sharing pooja. This full Moon Poya Day programme was sponsored by Mr Darshana, Mrs Harshani Weerasingha, Daughters Stesha & Shennon & Family . Wishing all the protection & good health to Mr Lakshitha Karunarathna . To share blessings with Mrs Diana Weerasinghe, Daughter Dilsadi Kaveesha, Daughter Lakshika Mahi, Son Yasiru Induwara, Daughter Nethu Akarsha and all in the family .

Duruth (January) Full Moon Poya Day: Saturday 22[nd] January 2022: Duruthu

Poya Full Moon Day is the first full moon poya day of the New Year. Centre organized a special dhamma discussion, meditation session and a chanting of protection blessings Bodhi pooja on

Saturday 22[nd] January 2022 to mark the Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day. A large number of

devotees joined online to the programme. This full moon poya Day was sponsored by (1). Miss Padma Wijeratna and Family; To Wish A Very Happy Birthday to Miss Padma Wijeratna on 25th January; Sharing merits to parents and all relatives. (2). Mr Indunil Muthukumara, Dulitha Muthukumara, Lewmini Muthukumara, Hesha Rajapaksha, Janani Rajapaksha, Priyani Rajapaksha and Family; In Loving Memory of Muriyel Thisera Sandanayake (28-12-2021) and Mr Jathissa Perera (26-06-1987) to Transfer Merits.

Navam (February) Full Moon Poya Day was held on 19[th] February 2022 . This was sponsored by (1). Mrs Sangeetha & Mr Asanga Agalakotuwa and Family ; To Transfer Merits on 72nd Birthday to Loving Mother Late Mrs Suranjini Seneviratne and share merits with all the departed relatives and friends; Transfer merits to Loving Father of Venerable Akurala Samitha, Mr Siripala De Silva; May They All Attain Supreme Bliss of Nibbana! To share blessings to parents Dr Banda Seneviratne, Mr Sarath & Mrs Monika Agalakotuwa and the whole family and friends. (2). Mrs Ramya Cooke and Family . To transfer merits in loving memory of her beloved father Mr Nicholas George de Silva Gunawardane, Loving mother, late Mrs Piyawadana Gunawardane, late brother Mr Asiri Devapriya Gunawardane, Brother in law Mr Sarath de Silva, Cousin Sister Mrs Malini Weerasekera and all departed relatives and friends.

Wishing A Very Happy 79th Birthday on 28th February to Mrs Niranjala Perera . Wishing A Very Happy 14th Birthday to Grand Daughters Ayjha Soden (7th February) and Tamara Kaluarachchi (14th February). Blessings for good health and success of the education of Marvin, Tamara, Ayjah and Maya and All Children. To transfer merits to beloved parents: Late Mr Bastian Fernando, Mrs Somawati Fernando, Sisters: Mrs Sunimal Fernando, Mrs Shivanthi Coory and Brother: Mr Lakshman Fernando. To transfer merits to Loving father of Ven Bhante Akurala Samith: Mr Siripala De Silva. May all departed share these merits and May they all attain Supreme Bliss of Nibbana. Sharing blessings to Venerable Akurala Samitha and all monks at Dhamma Nikethanaya.

Madin (March) Full Moon Poya Day was held on Saturday 19[th] March 2022 . This Programme was sponsored by Mr Sumedha Amalka Hewa Naimanage, Mrs Nilanthi, Son Asel Sadaham, Son Nethil Sasrutha, Son Visal Damsara & Family . To receive the blessings on A Very Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary to Mr Sumedha Amalka & Mrs Nilanthi. To Wish a Very Happy 05th Birthday (22nd March) to Son Nethil Sasruth. Wishing Sons Asel and Visal blessings of good luck blessings. To Transfer merits to Amalka’s loving father, Mr H N Somarathna, Venerable Akurala Samitha’s father, Mr Sobhanahandi Siripala De Silva and all departed relatives and friends. May all future Businesses be successful! To share the blessings to both side mothers, father of Mrs Nilanthi and all the family. (2) Mrs Niranjala Perera and Family . Wishing A Very Happy 79th Birthday on 28th February to Mrs Niranjala Perera. Wishing A Very Happy 14th Birthday to Grand Daughters Ayjha Soden (7th February) and Tamara Kaluarachchi (14th February). Blessings for good health and success of the education of Marvin, Tamara, Ayjah and Maya and All Children. To transfer merits to beloved parents: Late Mr Bastian Fernando, Mrs Somawati Fernando, Sisters: Mrs Sunimal Fernando, Mrs Shivanthi Coory and Brother: Mr Lakshman Fernando. To transfer merits to Loving father of Ven Bhante Akurala Samith: Mr Siripala De Silva. May all departed share these merits and May they all attain Supreme Bliss of Nibbana. Sharing blessings to Venerable Akurala Samitha and all monks at Dhamma Nikethanaya.

School Children Visit The Buddhist Centre for 2021/2022:

On 31[st] March 2022 , The Parker E-Act Academy, Ashby Road, Daventry Northamptonshire contacted Venerable Akurala Samitha do to five lessons on Buddhism, Meditation, Daily activities, Buddhist Festivals and culture year 7 children. Mr Andrew Dunkley, Personal Development Lead, Teacher of Humanities organized it. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the programme with Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero and Miss Padma Wijeratne.

Nursing Home Visit:

Vising nursing homes and providing spiritual care is one of the activities we deliver from our centre . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Padma Wijeratne visited Quantum Care Nursing Home Providence Court at Baldock on Friday 10th March 2023 to see Ms Mary Moncaster . She was a Buddhist and wanted to have some blessings on her birthday. She was admitted to the nursing home recently and struggling a lot emotionally. She was very grateful for our visit and overall support she gets from our centre.

Training & Higher Education Programmes for Members of the Organization:

Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne completed a Diploma Course in Education and

Training (DET- BTEC Level 5) (Awarding Institution: Pearson Education) at London School of Management Education (LSME) . Course started 14[th] January 2021 and completed 13[th] January 2022. Graduation Ceremony will take place on 06[th] May 2022.

Sri Lankan Independent Day was celebrated on Saturday 05[th] February 2022:

Sri Lankan National Day is on 04[th] February. Centre community celebrated the Sri Lankan Independence Day on Saturday 05[th] February 2022 and commemorates the 74[th] Anniversary for being an independent republic. In 1948 Sri Lanka received its sovereignty from Great Britain. Our centre organized a special pooja blessing to bring all Sri Lankan together and celebrated their cultural and patriotic values. Dhamma school children made

wonderful presentations to reflect the rich knowledge about the subject. It was a highly educational programme.

- New Round up 2021 2022:

Venerable Akurala Samitha attended few events, extending Our Services and Valuable Contributions of Venerable Akurala Samitha to other temples and organizations in UK.

• On 28[th] April 2021 Most Venerable Kamburawala Rewatha Nayaka Thero , Head of Scotland Buddhist Vihara celebrated 50[th] Birthday . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero attended to the online programme and gave a talk. Most Venerable

• Mathugama Palitha Thero organized it. Sri Lanka High Commissioner Her Excellency Mrs Saroja Sirisena also attended.

• On 16[th] May 2021 Most Venerable Akurala Samitha gave a Dhamma Talk on zoom to the community of Stroke-On-Trent Buddhist Vihara . Mr Sujeeva Herath, Mr Mangala Hettiarachchi, Mr Sarath Wijesiri and Mrs Ranuri Ariyarathna sponsored the programme.

• 16[th] May 2021 Vesak Buddha Day Celebration 2565 oranzied by Global Ambedkarite Convention . Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the ceremony and gave a talk.

• On 02[nd] and 22[nd] May 2021 and Mr Arun Chauhan and Mrs Florance Enache got married. Special blessings ceremony was held at the centre on 02[nd] May 2021 . Wedding Ceremony

• was held on 22[nd] May 2021 at Boldock. Venerable Akurala Samitha, Venerable Dato’ Sir Dr Sumanasiri and Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero attended the ceremony. Mrs Pushpa and Mr Des Raj Chauhan organized it.

• On 23[rd] May 2021 Bedford Said Centre hosted a Vesak Buddha Jayanthi Celebration . Most Venerable Dato’ Sir Dr Sumanasiri gave a talk on Happiness in Buddhism , representing Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya.

• On 23[rd] May 2021 Sai Centre in East London organized a Vesak Buddha Jayanthi Celebration . Most Venerable Akurala Samitha attended and gave a talk on journey in the middle path for awakening and right mindfulness .

• On 25[th] July 2021 Venerable Akurala Samitha gave a special Dhamma Talk to the community of Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara . The talk was organized by Most Venerable Dr Witharandeniye Kassapa Nayaka Thero and sponsored by Mr Thilak Bandara, Mrs Sajitha Siriwardana,

• Mr Chinthaka Samaraweera, Mrs Nayani De Silva and families.

• 18th July 2021 Mr Chandana Gunasekera hosted an event to introduce his new publication, the poem book named “ Makuluvo; This is the Winter Season ". Professor Praneeth Abeysundara , Professor Raj Somadeva , Mr Sudath Devapriya and Most Venerable Batuwangala

• Rahula Thero made the key note speaches. Venerable Akurala Samitha Thero attended.

• 31[st] July 2021 Thames Buddhist Vihara 40[th] Anniversary: Venerable Akurala Samitha attended with Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero to the whole night pirith chanting and following day dana ceremony.

• 06th August 2021 Hiroshima Day Lanterns: Venerable Akurala Samitha, Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero and Revered Dato’ Sir Dr Sumana Siri Thero attended annual Hiroshima Day Ceremony and floating of candle-lit Laterns of Willen Lake , organized by Peace Pagoda

• Buddhist Temple, Willen Lake Milton Keynes. The ceremony seeks to reflect on the horrors of war in an atomic age, to remember those who have died, and to pray together for peace and harmony between all people and nations.

• 21[st] August 2021 Late Reverend Handa Shoni‟s 15[th] death anniversary remembrance merits transfer ceremony was held at Japanese Peace Pagoda Milton Keynes. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended for the ceremony and the dana.

• 23[rd] August 2021 Reveredn Dato‟ Sir Dr Sumana Siri Nayaka Thero of Singapore Malaysia hosted a ceremony to mark his 57[th] Monkhood Anniversary Celebration on 23[rd] August 2021 at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya . Professor T S Abeywickrame (retired solicitor, poet and Dhamma Speaker) and Engineer Mr Vidya Amarapala (B.Sc, Ph.D. Candidate, Bolton University U.K. Former Government Advisor to Ministry of Megapolis Colombo, World renewable energy specialist) gave the key note speeches. Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala, Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana, Most Venerable Mathugama Palitha and Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala attended. Most Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the pooja ceremony.

• On 27th August 2021 Most Venerable Akurala Samitha attended Stroke-On-Trent Buddhist Vihara to give a Dhamma Talk to the community. Mr Menik & Shamila Perera, Mr Ravi & Mrs Achi De Silva, Mr Dinesh Cooray, Mrs Melani Atapatthu, Mr Shantha Disanayaka and Mrs Nelum

• Wickramanayaka and families sponsored the dhamma programme.

• 07[th] September 2021 Reverend Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero hosted a dana ceremony to mark the 07[th] Day Remembrace in loving memory of grandmother who passed away in Sri Lanka at Letchworth Buddhist

• Vihara. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the ceremony.

 18[th] September 2021 London Vihara 157th Birthday Day of Anagarika

Dharmapala The Founder of London Buddhist Vihara & 95th Anniversary of The London Buddhist Vihara Celebrated Saturday 18th September 2021 . A Memorial lecture, and paritta chanting was held at the Vihara on Saturday 18th September 2021. The programme commenced with garlanding the bust of Anagarika Dharmapala at the Vihara, by the Deputy High Commissioner of the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, Mr Samantha Pathirana . The Memorial Lecture on the topic "Buddhism, Cosmic Life, and Future Prospects for Humanity" was delivered by Prof. Chandra Wickramasinghe using zoom facility. Chanting of paritta was led by twelve senior monks from a number of Buddhist temples in England. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the ceremony. Maha Paritta Chanting and following day morning dana was held to transfer of merits to Anagarika Dharmapala.

• 20[th] September 2021 Little Buckingham Clinic Opening Ceremony : Venerable Akurala Samitha, Most Venerable Dato’ Sir Sumanasiri and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero joined for a blessings to open a new clinic in Buckingham town centre. Dr Sumudu Godagama and Dr Shantha Godagama opened the clinic for complimentary therapies and organized the blessings.

• 21[st] November 2021 Tribute Pooja to Parents: Mr Sampath and Mrs Ama Nissanka organized a public ceremony to bring all the children together to host a tribute to parents. This was held at Purton Village Hall , Station Road, Purtton in Swindon on Sunday 21[st] November 2021 . Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the programme. Venerable

• Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero also attended. Over 300 people attended. Hundreds of children lined up in front of their parents to share their respect and gratitude. It was a very moving programme.

• 17[th] December 2021 London School of Management Education Christmas Celebrateion . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne joined a year end celebration at London School of Management Education (LSME) to mark christma celebration.

• 15[th] January 2022: Late Mr Chandra Bahadur Nakarmi, Beloved father of Venerable Nepal Suman. Third Months Remembrace Dana Pinkama Merits Sharing was held at Barnet Multicultural Community Centre, Hendon . Venerable Akurala Samitha attended

• and gave a talk at dana ceremony held in the memory of late beloved father of Venerable Nepal Sumana Thero on 15[th] January 2022. Venerable Nepal Sumana is the head monk of London Vipassana Mindfulness Meditation Centre.

• 16[th] January 2022: Bracknell Sri Lankan Shop : Mr Ajith Alwis opened a shop for

the community in Bracknell. Members of Bracknell Forest Council including Councillor Mr Michael joined the opening ceremony on 16[th] January 2022. Venrable Aurala Samitha conducted the blessings. Councillor Mr Michael deeply appreciated the way Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the blessings. He encouraged us to join Bracknell Forest Interfaith Forum and Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education Bracknell.

• 01[st] February 2022: Chinese New Year: Our Malasian community celebrated the Chinese New Year on 01[st] February 2022 . Mr Victor and Mrs Rosy Wong, Oon Hee, Jeasica, Darren, Jack, Theodore Fisher, Jason, Nadia and Emily Wong, Jeffrey and Olivia and Dr John Chin organized the event. Venerable Akurala Samitha and other resident monks conducted the blessings.

• 12[th] March 2022: 10[th] Wedding Anniversary of Mr Sumedha Amalka Hewa Naimanage and Mrs Nilanthi was held at the centre with a blessing programme. Their three children Asel Sadaham, Nethil Sasrutha (05[th] Birthday on 22[nd] March) and Visal Damsara attended. Mr Amalka’s late father Mr H N Somarathna also remembered.

Obituaries:

• 07[th] April 2021: Mrs Beatrice Monika Alahapperuma: Beloved Mother of

Mr Janaka Alahapperum, Mrs Beatrice Monika Alahapperuma passed away on 07[th] April 2021 in Sri Lanka. Mr Janaka Alahapperuma is a good friend of our centre. All the friends and British Sri Lanka Forum gathered at our centre to do a religious service on 08[th] April 2021. They also hosted a remembrance Dhamma Talk on 12[th] April 2021 and offered Dana on 13[th] April 2021 at the centre in memory of the loving mother to transfer merits.

 26[th] April 2021: Most Venerable Dr Dickwelle Tissa Anu Nayaka – Thero (19-03-1940 26-04-2021: A special religious service was held on 26[th] April 2021 at the centre to transfer merits to Most Venerable Dr Dickwelle Tissa Anu Nayaka Thero, deputy prelate of Amarapura Siri Saddhammawansa Maha Nikaya, Founder of Damsathara TV Channel, Head of Matara Wevurukannala Budu Raja Maha Vehera and Kalavidu. Venerable Akurala Samitha arranged religious ceremony.

Departed Anu Nayaka Thera is the Head teacher of our resident monk, Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thera . Our resident monk, Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thera was residing at our temple in UK and does a great service at this pandemic time sharing his knowledge and life experience to support to the community spiritually and morally. He could not

go to Sri Lanka to attend the funeral due to travel restrictions. Therefore, Letchworth & Miltion Keynes Buddhist Centres organized this special merits sharing ceremony to mark the seventh day pinkama wishing Anu Nayaka Thera The Bliss of Nibbana.!

Special Remembrance Merits Sharing Ceremony to mark the seventh day was organized by Most Venerable Akurala Samitha Thera, Head Monk of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre and Milton Keynes Vihara together with all the devotees and members of both vihara.

This special ceremony was honoured with the participation of eminent Buddhist Monks representing all Buddhist Centres in the United Kingdom. Among them, (1). Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Sangha Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of London Buddhist Vihara, Chief Prelate of United Kingdom and Honourable President of Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha of United Kingdom. (2). Most Venerable Dr Handupelpola Mahinda Nayaka Thera representing Most Venerable Aggamaha Panditha Galayaye Piyadassi Sangha Nayaka Thera, Head Monk of Kingsbury Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre and Chief Prelate of United Kingdom attended together with Most Venerable Galayaye Dhammadassi Thera and Most Venerable Godamunne Piyananda Thera. (3). Most Venerable Dr Witharandeniye Kassapa Sangha Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of Birminham Buddhist Maha Vihara, Leicester Dharmasoka Buddhist Vihara and Stroke-on-Trent Buddhist Vihara, Honourable Vice President of Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha of United Kingdom and deputy prelate of United Kingdom. (4). Most Venerable Keppitiyagoda Gunawansa Sangha Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of Birminham Jethavana Buddhist Centre and Liverpool Sambodhi Buddhist Centre and Chief Prelate of United Kingdom. (5). Most Venerable Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of East London Lumbini Maha Vihara and Honourable Vice President of Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha of United Kingdom. (6). Most Venerable Kamburawala Sri Rewatha Sangha Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of Scotland Buddhist Vihara and Senior Lecturer of Glasgo University and Chief Prelate of United Kingdom. (7). Most Reverend Dr Sumana Siri Sangha Nayaka Thera of Singapore Malaysia, Founder of International Reality Organization and Chief Prelate of Singapore and Malaysia. (8). Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Temple. (9). Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thera , deputy head monk of Letchworth Buddhist Temple. (10). Most Venerable Teldeniyaye Amitha Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of Nottingham Shanthi Buddhist Centre attended together with all resident monks. (11). Most Venerable Mathugama Palitha Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of Cambridge Buddhist Centre. (12). Most Venerable Gunnapana Sumanara Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of London Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre. (13). Most Venerable Bambarabotuwe Ananda Mangala Nayaka Thera , Senior Committee member of Amarapura Rassagala Chapter Sangha Sabha and Honourable Vice Secretary of Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha of United Kingdom. (14). Most Venerable Kohukumbure Siridhamma Thera , Deputy Head Monk of Thames Buddhist Vihara. (15). Most Venerable Dr Rambukwelle Devananda Nayaka Thera , Head Monk of Berlin Sambodhi Buddhist Centre and Head Monk of Gampaha Sadhananda Piriven Buddhist Centre. (16). Most Venerable Gonulle Assaji Nayaka Thera . (17). Most Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Bogahapitiye Dharma Sri Gnana Nayaka Thera ,

Teacher of Gampaha Vidyawansa Pirivena. Among other Honourable Guests, Deputy High Commissioner Mr Samantha Pathirana, London Sri Lankan High Commission also attended the ceremony.

 20[th] May 2021: Mr Dilal Thilakaratne (02/08/1968 – 11/12/2020): Burial

• Service of Mr Dilal Thilakaratne was held on 20[th] May 2021 at South Chapel, Hendon Crematorium. As his wife and children could not get the visa to come to pay their final respect, it was delayed. His daughter and son could not get the visa but his wife Mrs Dilrukshi came to the burial. Mr Brixcious Anthony organized the ceremony. Venerable Akurala Samitha

• conducted the religious service. A large number of his friends attended the funeral.

 30[th] May 2021: Most Venerable Baddegama Samitha Thero (1952 –

30/05/2021) Revd. Dato’ Sir Dr Sumana Siri Thero of Singapore Malaysia organized memorial service on 05[th] June 2021 to transfer merits Most Venerable Baddegama Samitha Thero, who passed away on 30[th] May 2021 from Covid-19. He was a great humanist. Since 1976 he was a student activist who studied “Buddhism and Christian Culture” at Kelaniya university, later World Religions in the UK at Lancaster University. Without discrimination on his services like Tsunami and Covid-19, at all times was for all races and all religions. This frank and braved Buddhist monk was not only a council member of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka but made history becoming the first Buddhist Monk Member of Parliament in 2001. He hailed from the Galle District.

 13[th] June 2021: Dr Saliya Jayaratne (25/04/1976 – 13/06/2021): The son

of Mr B A Jayaratne and Mrs Mallika Jayaratne and the brother of Dr Aishwarya Navarro and Mr Fernando Navarro, Uncle of Oliver and Maya passed away by an accident on 13[th] June 2021. Dr Saliya Jayaratne‟s funeral was held on 10[th] July 2021 at Oxford Crematorium , Oxford. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the funeral service. Most Venerable Tawalama Bandula Thero, Most Venerable Dr Sumana Siri Thero, Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero attended the funeral.

• 09th June 2021: Mrs Suseela Aryadasa : passed away at the age 89. She is the wife

of late Mr P L Karunasena and mother of Mrs Sujata and Mr Gamini . The Chief Prelate of The U.K and Europe, Most Reverend Dr Dato' Sumana Siri Nayaka Thera of Singapore Malaysia organized 7th Day Merits Transfer In Memory of Mrs Suseela Aryadasa & Mrs Galewala Menike Hamine Rathnayake on Wednesday 23rd June 2021 at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya. Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala Maha Thera, Most Reverend Dr "Dato" Sumana Siri Singapore Malaysia, Most Venerable Panditha Dickwelle Seelasumana Nayaka Thera, Most Venerable Batuwangala Rahula Nayaka Thera, Most Venerable Akurala Samitha Thera and Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thera attended the ceremony.

• 16th July 2021: Mrs Rathnawalie Dep (30-12-1935 and 16-07-2021): Mrs Rathnawalie Dep passed away on 16th July 2021 . Her funeral was held on 12th August 2021 . Full details of her were mentioned on this report above.

• 21[st] August 2021: Mrs Gejo Dass (01-01-1939 | 21-08-2021): Mrs Gejo

Dass was a very close and long standing devotee of the centre. She passed away peacefully at Lister Hospital on 21[st] August 2021. Venerable Akurala Samitha visited the hospital and did the blessings. Funeral was held on Wednesday 08[th] September 2021 at North Hertfordshire Memorial Park Crematorium Bedford Road Hitchin. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the funeral service.

• 24[th] August 2021: Mr Nalin Somapala : A relative of Reverend Dato’ Sir Dr Sumana Siri, Mr Nalin Somapala passed away on 24[th] August 2021. He is the 3[rd] son of the late Mrs Chitra & Mr P L A Somapala (Household singers since 1952). 7[th] Day Memorial Merits Transfer was held to remember him on 31[st] August 2021 at the centre.

• 28th August 2021: Venerable Dr Bhikkhuni Kusuma : Internationally

• acclaimed Buddhist scholar Bhikkhuni Dr Kusuma (92) passed away on Saturday 28th August 2021 night at a private hospital in Colombo. Author of several books Venerable Bhikkhuni Kusuma represented Sri Lanka at

a number of international Buddhist conferences and was considered a mother figure among the Theravada Buddhist nuns across the globe. She was also the Abbess of the Ayya Khema International Meditation Centre, in Horana. A heartfelt tribute was made with special merits transfer religious service at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre on 06th September 2021. Bhikkhuni Kusuma, Ph.D. was a fully ordained bhikkhuni from Sri Lanka who pioneered the re-establishment the Theravada Female Buddhist Order in Sri Lanka, 1000 years after the Order died out. She took upon herself the task of carrying on the efforts of her mentor, Sister Ayya Khema , in establishing the Ayya Khema International Buddhist Mandir in Sri Lanka. She lived at Prajapati Meditation Centre, Batawala, Padukka, Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Dr Dato' Sir Sumanasiri , Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero , Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala Thero , Most Venerable Akurala Samitha Thero and Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero attended the merits transfer ceremony.

• 15[th] August 2021: Mr Frederick Charles Day (26/07/1935 – 15/10/2021): Mr Frederick Charles Day was a very close friend and dedicated member of the centre. He passed away on 15[th] August 2021 at Lister Hospital. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended the blessings. Full details about this were mentioned on above of this report.

• 28[th] October 2021 Dr Phuoc Ho: Funeral took place on 26[th] November 2021 at Cambridge Crematorium . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dickwelle Seelasumana Thero attended the funeral. Dr Phuong Ho and Mrs Dr Phuoc Ly trained as doctors in Vietnam, and then they escaped the communist regime and became "boat people”. After arriving in Hong Kong they were re-settled in the UK and came to live in Cambridge in the early 1980s. Dr Phuong worked for many years in Cambridge as an acupuncturist and she is famous for her generosity and kindness. She is a long-term student of Thich Nhat Hanh, while her husband was more interested in Theravada and he travelled to Thailand to attend retreats with Phra Acharn Tong. They also invited Acharn Tong to their house in Cambridge where he led a Vipassana retreat. Dr Phuoc Ho developed Parkinsons Disease and for the last few years he had been very very ill and hadn’t been able to walk or talk. He died in Addenbrookes Hospital at 8am on Thursday 28 October. Mrs Dr Phuong Ly was with him and he died meditating on “knowing, knowing”. They have a son who is a GP in Cambridge, and a young grand-daughter. Funeral was organized by Mr David and Mrs Rachel.

• 04[th] November 2021: Mrs Srima Kadurugamuwa: Loving Mother of Mr Nuwan and family, Mrs Srima Kadurugamuwa passed away 04[th] November 2021 . She was a very close devotee of the monks. On behalf of her, family took the principal sponsorship of annual kathina ceremony. This year Kathina ceremony was dedicated to transfer merits into her good name.

 05[th] November 2021: Most Venerable Murungagasyaye Gnanissara

Nayaka Thero: The Chief Incumbent of Jethawanarama in Paris, The Chief Judicial Prelate in France and Malwathu Chapter of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya, former Senior lecturer at Vidyodaya Pirivena, Maligakanda, Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Dr. Murungasyaye Gnanissara Nayaka Thera passed away in Sri Lanka on Friday 05th November 2021 . A Special tribute merits transfer was held at the centre.

 15[th] November 2021: Mr Sarwan Dass (15/08/1937 – 15/11/2021 ): Mr

Sarwan Dass came to UK in 1965 and ever since lived in Letchworth. Being married to Mrs Gejo Dass, he had seven children (Resham Kaur, Narinder Pal, Mohindero, Hem Raj, usha, Nirmala and Sanjeev) and 18 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was a very dedicated Buddhist and a strong supporter of the Buddhist Centre. He passed away on 15[th] November 2021. Funeral took place at North Hertfordshire Crematorium on Wednesday 1[st] December 2021 . Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the ceremony.

 01[st] December 2021: Mr Douglas Wickramaratne (09/04/1938 – 01-12-

2021): The perpetual patriot, Mr Douglas Wickramaratne passed away on 01[st] December 2021 and funeral took place on 14[th] December 2021 at West Chapel of Golders Green Crematorium in London. He dedicated for the Sri Lankan

nation by establishing Sinhala Assoication in 1977 in UK. British Sri Lankan Forum arranged a tribute merits transferring ceremony on 26[th] December 2021 at the centre. Mr Janaka Alahapperuma organized the event. Most Venerable Dr Witharandeniye Kassapa Thero, Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala, Most Venerable Paravehera Chandarathana Nayaka Thero and many monks attended the ceremony. Professor Nalin De Silva gave the key note speech. Dr M B Rathnayaka gave the word of thank. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the merits transfer.

 23[rd] December 2021: Mr Alankarage Arnest Indrapala De Silva:

Beloved father of Mrs Hansika and Mrs Madavee , Mr Alankarage Arnest Indrapala De Silva passed away 23[rd] December 2021 . Venerable Akurala Samitha visited him on previous day and did the blessings. 7[th] Day dana was held at Mrs Hansika’s house on 31[st] December 2021 . His funeral was held on 17[th] January 2022 at North Oxfordshire Crematorium Tackley Kidlington. Venerable Akurala Samitha, Most Venerable Keppitiyagoda Gunawansa, Most Venerable Mapalagama Soratha and few other monks joined the funeral ceremony.

 06[th] January 2022: Master Vanantorn Foowangmor „Onglee‟ – (29/12/2003 06/01/2022): Master Vanantorn Foowangmor passed away 06[th] January 2022 and funeral took place on Friday 25[th] February 2022 at Harwood Park Crematorium . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne joined funeral with Reverend Selina Evans and Ajahn Kongrit.

• 27[th] January 2022: Mr Sobhana Handi Siripala De Silva (05/05/1922 –

27/01/2022): Loving father of Venerable Akurala Samitha, Mr Susantha Chandralal, Mrs Lakmali Iresha, Mr Ajantha Prethilal; Mr Sobhana Handi Siripala De Silva passed away on 27[th] January 2022 . His funeral took place on 29[th] January 2022 and 7[th] day dana was held on 02[nd] February 2022 . A large number of monks and devotees joined the ceremony. A detailed report was included above in this report.

• 03[rd] February 2022: Most Venerable Homagama Kondanna Maha

– Thero (03/02/2022 15/04/1939): Most Venerable Homagama Kondanna Maha Thero was one of the best-known monks for Buddhist missionary work overseas, mentor and a meditation teacher. He passed away on Thursday 03[rd] February 2022 at London. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the funeral on Monday 7[th] March 2022 at Feltham Crematorium Hounslow .

Mindfulness Meditation Programmes:

Lister Hospital Mindfulness Meditation Programmes: Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne visit Lister Hospital East & North Herts NHS Trust to do regular weekly mindfulness meditation sessions. Venerable Akurala Samitha trained staff and patient and facilitates drop in sessions. Every Thursday 5-6PM regular drop in mindfulness session takes place at the hospital.

Mindfulness Webinars hosted by Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya:

Our Centre organized regular webinars to bring professionals, scholars and wellbeing practitioners together to share the knowledge. It was a great support for the community.

Webinar on Sunday 25[th] April 2021 on “Buddhist Psychology: Encountering the world through Buddhist Therapeutic Approaches:” By Reverend Caroline Brazier : Monthly

Webinar was delivered by Reverend Caroline Brazier. Reverend Caroline Brazier has been the course leader of the Tariki Psychotherapy Training Programmes since 1996. She is retiring this summer from this role but will

continue to teach on the Ten Directions training programme in ecotherapy. Author of seven books on Buddhism, psychotherapy and ecotherapy as well as many papers and articles, Caroline is a BACP Accredited psychotherapist. Caroline originally trained as a teacher and has worked extensively in education, community health and with women's groups. She is an ordained Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest (Japanese Pure Land Buddhism). She has a lifelong interest in nature and loves camping and walking in wild spaces. Caroline has three adult children. A large number of people attended online and had a very beneficial discussion.

Webinar on Sunday 27[th] June 2021: On Finding true happiness within you. Positive

Psychology and Mindfulness: by Dr Kamal Witharana (MD, MSc, FRSPH, PTLLS, IfI). Dr Kamal Witharana is a Medical Doctor in Public Health & Clinical Lecturer in UK; Divisional Director of Health Service in Sri Lanka; Associate Member of Positive Psychology Guild UK, Member of Pali Text Society & Mindfulness Meditation Researcher & Teacher. His webinar on finding true happiness within you. Positive psychology and mindfulness was very well received by our members. A good number of people attended online.

Webinar on Sunday 28[th] November 2021: On "What is your real self? Mindfulness: Five

aggregates of clinging." By Dr Kamal Witharana (MD, MSc, FRSPH, PTLLS, IfI). Dr Kamla Witharana delieved the second of the series of webinars. He was able to give lots of references to understand the real self in everyone of us. A

large number of devotees attended the webinar and appreciated such opportunity to ask questions and live talks.

Webinar on Sunday 19[th] December 2021: on “How to overcome distractions and stay

focus? Mindfulness and Five Hindrances.” By Miss Padma Wijeratna (B.A, BSc.,): Miss Padma Wijeratne is a Mindfulness Meditation

Teacher, Secretary of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre and also a very active member of our centre community. Many people attended the webinar and everyone found it very useful.

Webiar On Sunday 06th March 2022: On A Series of Four Talks on Dependent Origination. The Circle of Birth and Death; Dependent Origination . By Dr Kamal Witharana (MD,

MSc, FRSPH, PTLLS, IfI) (Medical Doctor in Public Health & Clinical Lecturer in UK; Divisional Director of Health Service in Sri Lanka; Associate Member of Positive Psychology Guild UK, Member of Pali Text Society & Mindfulness Meditation Researcher & Teacher). Everyone enjoyed the webinar and appreciated the opportunity. A large number of listerners joined the programme.

Webinar On Sunday 13[th] March 2022: On A Series of Four Talks on Dependent Origination. The Mental Formation & Consciousness; Dependent Origination . By Dr Kamal Witharana (MD, MSc, FRSPH, PTLLS, IfI) (Medical Doctor in Public Health & Clinical Lecturer in UK; Divisional Director of Health Service in Sri Lanka; Associate Member of Positive Psychology Guild UK, Member of Pali Text Society & Mindfulness Meditation Researcher & Teacher). Everyone enjoyed the webinar and appreciated the opportunity. A large number of listerners joined the programme.

Webinar on Sunday 20[th] March 2022: on A Series of Four Talks on Dependent Origination. The Distinction between The Mental Formation & The Consciousness; Nature of Birth (re-arising). Dependent Origination . By Dr Kamal Witharana (MD, MSc, FRSPH, PTLLS, IfI) (Medical Doctor in Public Health & Clinical Lecturer in UK; Divisional Director of Health Service in Sri Lanka; Associate Member of Positive Psychology Guild UK, Member of Pali Text Society & Mindfulness Meditation Researcher & Teacher). Everyone enjoyed the webinar and appreciated the opportunity. A large number of listerners joined the programme.

Webinar on Sunday 27[th] March 2022: On A series of four talks on Dependent Origination: Insight Path to free from cycle of stress: By Dr Kamal Witharana (MD, MSc, FRSPH, PTLLS, IfI) . Everyone enjoyed the webinar and appreciated the opportunity. A large number of listerners joined the programme.

Mindfulness Meditation Courses and Psychotherapy Counselling Session:

Centre organizes Mindfulness Meditation Courses in Letchworth, Bedford, Milton Keynes and Godmancheste r. It has been very beneficial to our multicultural community and those courses have been very popular. It also brought funds to the centre. Everyone deeply appreciated the wellbeing and happiness brought into their lives through teachings of Reverend Akurala Samithasiri (Bhante Samitha Akurala).

Mindfulness Meditation Retreats: Few One Day retreats were held in Letchworth during this year (2021-2022). Those were included from 6AM till 6PM whole day programme with silent meditation, guided meditation, mindfulness teaching, webinars, seminars, workshops, presentations, guest speakers, sharing lunch and discussions on selected topics. One Day retreats were held on 29[th] May 2021 , 06[th] January 2022 and 03[rd] March 2022 At Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Meditation Centre.

Seven Days Residential Retreat at London Kairos Spirituality and Conference Centre Harpenden. From 30[th] June 2021 till 07[th] July 2021 . Dr

Shiroma Bandaranayake oraganized a seven day retreat at Kairos Spirituality Centre. Venerable Akurala Samitha stayed during that seven days and provided talks and guided meditations. 25 people attended for the residential retreat.

Letchworth Children‟s Mindfulness Course is held on every First Saturday from 3.30PM till 5PM . Significant number of children attended the session. Parents had real interest to up keep the course as those are very beneficial to the children for concentration and dealing with emotional difficulties.

London School of Management Education: Mindfulness Sessions: Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne hosted few mindfulness sessions for the staff and the students of the college on 21[st] May, 05[th] December and 07[th] December 2021.

Milton Keynes College (MK College) Mindfulness Meditation Workshops

on 24[th] November 2021 : Venerable Akurala Samitha did a Mindfulness Meditation Session at MK College, Chaffron Way to children aged 15-17 who had a horrid time but want to make a change. Mr Simon Wendt who is the tutor, organised the session with Mrs Lisa Boyd .

Jobs 22UK hosted Health Coach Mindfulness Session in Milton Keynes on

30th November 2021 . Mrs Linda Mather (Health Coach) organized the session under the title “Time to Fly”. Jobs 22UK is a group of health coaches that offer physical and psychological health interventions to those in the employability sector. They support clients in preparing and returning to work by providing them with helpful strategies to support this transition. They consist of psychotherapists, nurses and occupational therapists. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the session and it was very well recieved.

Letchworth Adults Beginners Mindfulness Courses:

Centre held five courses during this year for adults in Letchworth area. These were 08 weeks courses. Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne dedicated a lot to keep these courses up and raise funds for the centre. We are very grateful for her volunteer support.

Letchworth Course I: Started: 29-04-2021 Finished: 17-06-2021 Letchworth course II: Started: 24-06-2021 Finished: 12-08-2021 Letchworth Course III: Started: 19-08-2021 Finished: 07-10-2021 Letchworth Course IV: Started: 14-10-2021 Finished: 02-12-2021 Letchworth Course V: Started: 06-01-2022 Finished: 24-02-2022

Following are the pictures from Letchworth Adults Mindfulness Meditation Courses 20212022.

Advanced Mindfulness Course: Every Wednesday 7-9PM Every Wednesday Advanced Mindfulness Course is being held at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya. Five groups were completed during the whole year.

Letchworth Advanced Mindfullness Course I: Started: 28-04-2021 Finished: 16-06-2021 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course II: Started 23-06-2020 Finished 11-08-2021 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course III: Started 18-08-2021 Finished 06-10-2021 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course IV: Started 13-10-2021 Finished 01-12-2021 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course V: Started 05-01-2022 Finished 23-02-2022

Bedford, Milton Keynes and Godmanchester Mindfulness Meditation Beginners Courses:

We did not have onsite Mindfulness Meditation Sessions after the pandemic. Therefore Bedford, Milton Keynes and Godmanchester people joined online on Thursday and Wednesday. Quite a few them visited centre too.

All our Mindfulness Meditation courses had been very successful. It has been a great help to the community. These also enabled funds to the up keep the centre.

Sunday Drop In Mindfulness Meditation in Letchworth: Every Sunday evening 7-9PM we regularly host a session for the community to drop in for Mindfulness Meditation. With the outbreak of the pandemic, we hosted it online. It was a great success. Dr Thura Limbin and Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne facilitate with teachings and hosting. It focuses on teachings from original sources and practice. It has been a very educational and our community has been benefiting from it. Different subjects were discussed and guide the community to attend the meditation regularly on every Sunday throughout the year.

Tuesday Drop In Mindfulness Meditation Session : Mr Paul Goddad facilitate the Tuesday evening 7.30-9PM drop in session with Miss Padma Wijeratne . It focuses mainly on practice and questions and answers.

Psychotherapy & Counselling Sessions:

Our Psychotherapy and Counselling Sessions were going very well. A good number of people regularly get the service. Venerale Akurala Samitha, Miss Padma Wijeratne and Mr Mark Brumwell continued to provide the services. Few other professionals requested to join

the team. We provide online and also onsite sessions. Those sessions have brought good amount of funds to upkeep the centre.

Licence to Operate as a Buddhist Centre & A place of Worship:

Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation granted Reverend Akurala Samithasiri “Licence to operate as a Buddhist Centre at 69, Pix Road, Letchworth Garden City”. Also it is a place of worship.

TBSUK (Theravada Buddhist Sangha in United Kingdom) & Sri Lanka Monks Council UK:

Venerable Akurala Samitha and the centre is a member of the above organizations. On 30th March 2022 , Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the annual general meeting of TBSUK.

School Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE): Venerable Akurala Samitha is the Buddhist Advisor to both Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council. He contributes into the School Advisory Council for Religious Education as a member.

North Herts Interfaith Forum: Venerable Akurala Samitha is a committee member of the North Herts Interfaith Forum and contributes to its activities to bring cohesion among the faith groups.

Fund Raising Financial Insights of the Year 2021-2022:

All our courses and teaching programmes are on donation basis. We managed to raise funds to the centre as follows.

Following list is just a general outline to show how the donations received and expenses maintained. Please look into the accountant’s report for more accurate figures.

Fund raising programmes:

•  Beginners Mindfulness Meditation onsite and Online Courses in Letchworth, Bedford, Milton Keynes and Godmanchester.

•  Diploma Mindfulness Meditation Courses online and onsite in Letchworth.

•  Advanced Mindfulness Meditation Courses Online and onsite in Letchworth.

•  Buddhism Online Courses in Letchworth.

• Children’s Mindfulness Meditation Online Course in Letchworth.

•  Psychotherapy & Counselling Sessions in Letchworth.

•  Dana Donations received to the centre.

•  Blessings Gratitude Donations received to the Centre.

•  General Donations received to the centre.

•  Donations received to the travel expenses towards the car.

•  Child Sponsorship Project.

•  Reverend Akurala Samithasiri contributed to the centre all the personal donations received to him (these are in addition to the above course funds.)

•  Standing Order Subscriptions received to the Centre.

•  General Donations Received to the centre account.

•  Disaster Emergency help Fund received for helping Sri Lanka.

•  Kathina Donation Received individually.

•  Centre Standing Orders and General Donations.

Total income (Donations): = £81,997.00

 HMRC Gift Aid: £20874.00

Total income (Donations & Gift Aid): = £102,871.00

Expenses Break Down for the year 2021-2022:

•  House Mortgage Rent & Hiring Community Centre Halls to host meditation and other events.

•  Centre improvements.

•  Gas, Electricity & Water.

•  Telephone.

•  Food.

•  Motor, Travel & Transport.

•  Monks Expenses and other expenses.

•  Council Tax.

Total Expenses: = £93,826.00

Conclusion:

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, 2021-2022 Year of the Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre was a very progressing year. We are very grateful to all our members and friends by supporting us to achieve another successful year. However we continued to face the most ever challenging year due to the pandemic and also inflation (rice of cost of living) with the beginning of the year 2021 . It was even hard to survive. So we had to cut lots of cost and work hard to raise funds. However our members were very concerns about the welfare of the monks and helped the centre to survive through the difficult time. Monks even worked tirelessly to help the needy by taking a huge risk.

We managed to make a big difference to the livelihood in our local community especially through mental health services and children programmes and also our international community, particularly Sri Lanka. We are very impressed with the voluntary support and goodwill of our devotees to up keep our services and events.

Our projects in Sri Lanka were also very demanding due the economic crisis and pandemic in Sri Lanka. Cost of living had gone sky high in Sri Lanka. We had to do extra help. We were happy to help children to get their studies and other necessities. Our education projects for the needy children in Sri Lanka had been a great need. However their lives in Sri Lanka were getting much harder and they were in now experiencing financial crisis and country bankruptcy. We might have to do little bit more towards them. We endeavour to develop our support to them little bit more in the next year.

We are pleased to see a good and growing interest from our local community on our Mindfulness Courses, Meditation Sessions, Psychotherapy and Counselling session. We also determine to extend those services into our multicultural community in the forthcoming year. Those courses, voluntary services and teachings have changed the lives without any obligation to gender, race, religion, ethnicity or age.

On behalf of the trustees of Dhamma Nikethanaya International Community Centre for Education, Meditation, Psychotherapy & Counselling (UK Registered Charity Number 1116187), we would like to thank all our supporters and well wishes for helping our charity fundraising events encouraging us to continue our charitable services for the benefit of the public. We look forward to see more new members joining to strengthen our community wellbeing projects and make our charity efforts a success.

Thank you.

............................................ ........................................... ………………………… Reverend Akurala Samitahsiri Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne Mr Gary Bland President Secretary Treasurer

DHAMMA IYIKEfHANAYA BUDDHisf CULTURAL CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEME 311t MARCH 2022 Charfty Numb¢r 1116187 Dervtsh & Co. Lid Aecounlants 496498 Bearwood R￿d Birnilngh4m B66 4HB

MA NIKEThANAY BUDDHI Reference and Adminimraiive infonnaion Chariiy Name tknma Nikethanaya B￿jdhISt Cuhural Centre Regisiered Choriiy Nwnber 1116187 PrI￿[Pol Address 69 Pix Road Letchworth G•rden Cily Hertfordshire SG6 IPZ Board of Tn￿ee3 Rev Akurnla Samithasiri P&lrnalaiha Wijeratne R S Ratnavdi Dep Gary A L Gland JOM Williams Nicola Bu¢kT IndepeNlem Examiner A. Dervish and Co. L Accounian 49fA98 Bearwood Road Birmingham B66 4HB Bankers Bgrclays Bonk PLC Leicester LE87 2BB

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAW) AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Report to th• tru•tees Dhaftyna Nikelhanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre On accounls for tho year omlad 3111 Mwch 2022 Charlty no 1116187 S•t out p•g &5 I rewrt to thè trU￿ee9 on my examinalwjn of Ihe xcounts of Ihe above Chaity (Ihe Tru￿} lor th? year erKled 3110312022. Re8pon•lbllltl•s and ba818 of report As thè chaw8 you are respoNI)l• for the preparatbon of the acwunls ¥1 accord•)¢e ith tho Tequirements of the Chariltès kn12011 I re￿￿rt In resFCt of my examwwtK)n of th8 Trust's a¢¢ounts ￿rried OLrt under section 145 of the 2011 kt arKI in ¢arrylrJ out my examination. I have fdbwed am ap[41cat￿ t)irections given ty the Charity Commission urKler Mdion 145(S)(b) oftr Acl. Ind•p•nd•nt I have cornpb•l•d my 0X￿￿￿1•0n. I confffii th41 ng rnaterial matters have •xamln•Vs 8tat•mont cofrn lo my attention in Cor￿￿10n with the examination which me caLtse to bdi8ve that in. any material respect.. the aC￿untIng records not kept in xctyd•n(* with section 130 of Charities Act: or accounts ithd not Xeord with the accountiNJ record8: or the a¢￿Urts thd r￿t comply ￿ryth the apFth'cable requirements eoncwrthw the f(Thi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and ReprKts> Re9LAalions 2008 other th￿ any requlrement that the accoLNJts give a 1rue fairf view which is not a matter consid8red as part of an Indepe￿Ient examination. I ￿ve no Mn¢ems have C￿ne auoss no ¢)Iher matters in comectlon wilh the examination to which attention shwld be drawn in this roport in <xder to enable a w(yer urKIerS￿ln9 of t•￿ accounts to b? rexhed. Slgn•d: D¥t•: 1010512023 Name: Abdulah Der¥ish Relevant profegglonol qu•llficallon(sl or b¢dy): Institut• of Firwicial k¢tyJntants Addms: 49&498 Bearwood Road. Bearwood. SmetthvicK B66 4HB

Dhamma Nikethana a Buddhist Cultur81 Siatement of Financial Aetivitlts or The Year Ended 3151 March 202 022 Donation5 HMRC Gift Aid 80.682 20.875 63J79 101.557 63.379 Monks expenses Rent and housin8 ¢0$15 Light and Heat Raies and w81er Salaries and ivages Repairs And mainierlttnce Telephone and mobile Trnvel and moior Printing p051age and Sthiionery Bank loan Intere￿ and ¢hargcs Sundrie5 Accouniancy Depre¢ialion 16,509 35.980 2.140 1.071 12.IyA) 3.063 31.700 .322 3.639 12.(KiO 947 7.996 618 919 4.175 799 5.760 277 1.320 2.650 1.987 Blessin85 and spOn￿KshiP Events 4.450 930 120 SYJ,388 61,984 Surp]u￿{defI¢lt) for the financial year Toial funds broughi fonvard Tothl funds ￿rIed fonvard 11,169 10.916 22.086 1.395 9.521 10.916

hamm2 "kethana x Buddhisl ultural Centre •ee Sheet as at 31￿ March 2022 2022 021 ixed Assets Moior vehi¢le Accum. Depreciation Annual Deprttiation 33.yxl (25,550) 1.987 33.500 (22.9(KJi 2.650 7,950 MeditO1ion Hall 24.693 24.693 30.655 32.643 C￿h al bank 19J89 5,144 Loans Crediiors and ￿rualS 13.177 14.781 18.844 8.027 (27.9581 (26.871) Net Assels 22.086 10.916 unds Brought forward Surplus (Loss) from I&E 10.916 11.169 9,521 1.395 22.086 10.916 These financial swements were approved by the members of ihe commitlee on the: ! !th May 2023 . and are signed on their behalf by: Revertnd Akurala Samiihi5iri

DH MA ETHANAYA BUDDHIST CU TRE Notes to the FIA•¢il ￿tements ere 31" Aeeo¥ntlnt polleles Basls of ittOYDt148 The fina￿la1 sthiements have mred ihe hislorical co Convention and in accordance wilh Statemeni of Recommerhled Practice "Accourning and Reponing by Charities- (SORP 2￿5) issued in March VKIS. and ihe Charities A¢1 1993. Im¢ome Voluntary income is rtteived by way of doNiions Motor Vehl¢l¢J Motor v¢hi¢les are hdd in ￿me of the charity. Imrt 8rt held in ihe name of Reverend Samithi5iri. The vehicle is paid for by ihe charity on ih¢ undersiaThJing Ihat il's 1$ for tl ¢hariiy Dnd slw)uld Revercnd Samithisiri leave ihe services of the charity ihai ihe vehicle will be rciwncd io the charity. 10 the ienns ofihe prowsion. Ihe chariiy elecis 10 show Ihe vehicle as an assd ofihe c￿rilY even ihw the iiile is M in I1￿ chariiies name. Rent #nd HotrslA8 Cosls The chariiv dI￿¢11Y and iThJire¢ily pavs for ihe trwing orKI propen}, expe￿ ass￿l￿ed wilh the provision of B￿ldhiSt 5¢rvices io ihe ￿bIle and for ihe aCComm￿￿10n of ihe monks. Some or Ihese exp¢ns¢s are capital in natur¢ aTe dirflv oivned bi. chariiy and I￿refOre are n li￿ed in ihe #ssets of C￿n(Y.