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2023-03-31-accounts

DHAMMA NIKETHANAYA

BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31[st] MARCH 2023

Charity Number 1116187

A. Dervish & Co. Ltd Accountants 496-498 Bearwood Road Bearwood Birmingham B66 4HB

DHAMMA NIKETHANAYA BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE

Reference and Administrative information Charity Name Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre Registered Charity Number 1116187 Principal Address 69 Pix Road Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 1PZ Board of Trustees Rev Akurala Samithasiri Padmalatha Wijeratne Gary A L Gland John Williams Nicola Butler Emma D’Avilar Independent Examiner A. Dervish & Co. Limited Accountants 496-498 Bearwood Road Bearwood Birmingham B66 4HB Bankers Barclays Bank PLC Leicester LE87 2BB

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(HARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Sèction A Independent Examingr's Rgport Report to the trustees Dhamma Nikethanay8 Buddhist Cultural Cenlre On accounts for the year ended 314 March 2023 Charity no 1116187 Set out on pages 3-5 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Yhe Trust") for the year ended 3110312023. Responsibilities and basis of report As the chartvs trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (°the Acr}. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carr￿d out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out Fny examination. I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I c(mfirm that no material mailers have examinerfs sLitement o)me to my attention in connection wtlh the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material reS[￿t.. the accountiTrJ records were n¢X kept in acco￿an￿ wilh section 130 of the Charities Act: or the accounts did not accord wth the accounting records; or the a(￿Ounts did not comply V￿th the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accourrts give a and fair. view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no wncerns and have come atxoss no other matters in connection with the examinalion lo whith attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 0810712025 Name- Ahmet Dervish Relevant professional qualification{s) or body): Institute of Financial Acu)untants Address: 496498 BeaTh￿d Road. Bearwood, Smethwick, B66 4HB

Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31[st] March 2023

Income
Donations
HMRC Gift Aid
Expenditure
Monks expenses
Rent and housing costs
Light and Heat
Rates and water
Salaries and wages
Repairs and maintenance
Telephone and mobile
Travel and motor
Printing postage and stationery
Bank loan interest and charges
Sundries
IE Fee
Blessings and Sponsorship
Events
Depreciation
Surplus/(deficit) for the financial year
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 2023
112,538
112,538
12,464
40,749
2,957
4,352
12,000
445
839
13,196
1,512
255
2,045
500
18,839
4,099
1,491
115,745
(3,209)
22,086
18,877		 2022
80,682
20,875
101,557
16,509
35,980
2,140
1,071
12,000
0
947
7,996
618
0
5,760
0
4,450
930
1,987
90,388
11,169
10,916
22,086

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Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre

Balance Sheet as at 31[st] March 2023

2023 2022
Fixed Assets
Motor vehicle 33,500 33,500
Accum. Depreciation (27,538) (22,900)
Annual Depreciation (1,491) 4,472 (1,987) 5,962
Meditation Hall 24,693 24,693
29,165 30,655
Current Assets
Cash at bank 6,710 19,389
Current Liabilities
Loans 15,900 13,177
Creditors and accruals 1,098 (16,998) 14,781 (27,958)
Net Assets 18,877 22,086
Funds
Brought forward 22,086 10,916
Surplus (Loss) from (3,209) 11,169
I&E
18,877 22,086

These financial statements were approved by the members of the committee on the:

11/07/2025

………………………………

These financial statement are approved by:

…………………………….

Reverend Akurala Samithisiri

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DHAMMA NIKETHANAYA BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31[st] March 2023

1. Accounting policies

Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost Convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP 2005) issued in March 2005, and the Charities Act 1993.

The charity has historically prepared accounts on the accruals basis, despite there being no requirement.

Income

Voluntary income is received by way of donations

Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicles are not held in the name of the charity, but are held in the name of Reverend Samithisiri. The vehicle is paid for by the charity on the understanding that it’s use is for the charity and should Reverend Samithisiri leave the services of the charity that the vehicle will be returned to the charity. Due to the terms of the provision, the charity elects to show the vehicle as an asset of the charity even though the title is not in the charities name.

Rent and Housing Costs

The charity directly and indirectly pays for the housing and property expenses associated with the provision of Buddhist services to the public and for the accommodation of the monks. Some of these expenses are capital in nature but are not directly owned by the charity and therefore are not listed in the assets of the charity.

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Charity Trustees Annual Report 2022

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: buddhistacademy@gmail.com Telephone: 01462 641 688 Mobile: 07983 466 105

Sunday 02[rd] April 2023

Dhamma Nikethanaya International Community Centre for Education Meditation Psychotherapy & Counselling

Charity Commission Registration Number: 1116187

Charity Trustees Annual Report:

This meeting was held online and at the centre.

On Sunday 02[nd] April 2023

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

Other Members Present: Mr. Dharshana Jayaratne, Mrs. Harsha Silva, Mr Udena Wanniarachchi, Mrs Himali Reid, Mrs. Manel Perera, Mr. Rasika Jayawardana, Mr Ram Murthi Summan, Mr Dinura Sonal De Silva, Mr Glenn Everard, Mrs Vipuli Gunasena, Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi, Mr Paul Martin, Ms Emma Davilar, Mr Manohar Summan, Mr Indika P P Daluwathu Mullage and Mrs Malindi, Mr Dayal Summan and Mrs Bhaksho Summan.

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 members who passed away.

Miss Padma Wijeratne presented the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi suggested the minutes as accurate and Ms Emma Davilar seconded it.

Reverend Akurala Samithasiri requested to elect the trustees and new office bearers for the New Year 2023-2024 . Miss Padma Wijeratne suggested Reverend Akurala Samithasiri to reelect as the trustee and the president. Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi seconded it. Mr Dharshana Jayarathna suggested to elect Miss Wijeratne as the secretary and trusee and Mr Indika Daluwathu Mullage seconded it. Mrs Harsha Silva suggested to re-elect Mr Gary Bland as the treasurer and the trustee and Mr Rasika Jayawardana seconded it. Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi suggested to elect Mrs Nikki Butler as the assistant secretary and the trustee. Mrs. Manel Perera seconded it. Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi suggested Mr John Williams as the trustee and the vice president. Mr Dinura Sonal De Silva seconded it. Mrs Harsha Silva suggested to elect Ms 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 2023-2024.

- - - - - 2022 2023 Annual Report: (01 04 2022 & 31 03 2023)

Welcome to the 19[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 2023 . 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 2022

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 2022 . A large number of member families joined for the annual event and blessings. It goes alone with the Easter holidays. Everyone appreciated this opportunity to experience the culture while living miles away from home country.

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 19[th] Year of the Centre and our organization and also the 17[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 Tuesday 19[th] April 2022 to appreciate all the help from the community and bless them all in gratitude sharing.

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 14[th] May 2022

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 14[th] of May 2022 all 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 14[th] May 2022 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.

Charity Work in Sri Lanka: Corona Pandemic, Food and Economic Crisis Appeal for Sri Lanka: 5[th] till 13[th] June 2022:

After the pandemic and economic crisis, new born babies, pregnant women were having serious health issues due to malnutrition. There arose a critical baby 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 in particular to pregnant women and to the families with babies. All the members supported the good course. Over £7000/= were raised. Over 600 families received the food parcels worth the shopping of a month.

Sri Lanka Charity Work: Helping Needy with clothes, food and Temple Construction & Building work.

Our devotees supported some of the incomplete temple works in some parts of Sri Lanka. General donations were made to few

temples in Sri Lanka. Boxes with clothes, food items and other sanitary facilities were sent from our centre to Sri Lanka.

Mr H. Chadha at School Uniform Shop at High Street, Southall donated a large number

of School uniforms . Distribution of Free School Uniform Jackets (Sweatshirts) to Over 300 Very Poor Children (3-12 year olds) in Nuwara

Eliya, Bagavantalawa, Sri Lanka. Mr Janapriya Gallege or Mr Chamara Sampath Gamage distributed these on 10th October 2022 . Mr Chaman Lal & Mrs Asha Virdee from London Southall initiated these donations. Mrs Sandya Silva (UK), Mrs Jennifer Dissanayaka (Ceylon Shipping Sri Lanka) and Miss Padma Wijeratne (UK) helped with the shipping initiatives. Our Sri Lankan Charity co-ordinators Mrs Anuradha Madaduwage and others made the great efforts to take them to the very rural areas of hilly and cold side of the upcountry.

Free Food Stall in Sri Lanka (Dansela) Sri Pada / Adam's Peak Mountain in

Sri Lanka: Annual people climbe Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) for spiriutual reasons. It is a pilgrimage. For the people (Devotees) we organized one to share free food on 27[th]

November 2022.

Essential Medical supplies to Sri Lanka: A Special fund raising was held to raise funds to buy essential medicine and supplies to Sri Lankan Hospitals. A group of doctors lives in UK, together with some wellwishers from Swindon Sri Lankan community organized this. They sold food, held cultural events and made an appeal for general donations to raise funds. This project managed to raise £11315/=. Together with bank charge of £20/=, we sent Sri Lanka £11335/= to buy medical supplies for hospitals. Mr Hasanka Don co-ordinated

the project.

Offering Food to Residents of a Home with Special Needs People in Kalutara, Sri Lanka 20[th] December 2022:

Members of our centre community provide regular food donations to different people in need in Sri Lanka. On 20[th] December, morning and lunch was

provided for over 60 residents (male and female and young and adults) in a nursing home in Kalutara Sri Lanka on 20[th] December 2022 .

Supporting Temple’s Building Pojects in Sri Lanka: Our members support regularly through our charity recommended project to build community facilities in temples in Sri Lanka. Donations worth RS 500000.00 (£450) were given to Balapitiya Kovilawatta Bodhirukkharama for their building fund on 17th Feb 2023.

Caring for the sick and supporting hospitals in Sri Lanka: Special event was held on Saturday 14[th] January 2023 to raise the awareness of support needed to hospitals in Sri Lanka. Director of Hospital Services Council of Sri Lanka, Most Venerable Rajawelle Subuthi Thero attended to do the presentation. Our members pledged to support this charitable course.

Our centre donated medical equipments to Sri Lanka. Those were donated by our community.

Sri Lanka Child Sponsorship, Community Welfare Support, Charity Projects: For 2022-2023:

We are very grateful to all our members for supporting the child sponsorship programmes and other welfare activities in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is still going through economic problems and people are facing with sortage of essential items, including medicine, food, fuel, etc. This made the need of extra to help our children. We continued to sponsor financially our children in Sri Lanka. They all have shown outstanding success in their education.

Mrs Louise Alan William Moore helped to raise funds for Christmas gifts for Children in Sri Lanka . With the support of our centre community, we gave some school uniform to needy children in Sri Lanka for the new year 2023.

Charity Projects in Sri Lanka for the Financial Year 2022 / 2023:

We shipped food items, baby food, medicine and sanitary items to Sri Lanka through out our financial year. 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.

Special Programmes in Other Countries : Romania : Venerable Akurala Samitha

visited the community in Romania on 16[th] and 17[th] January 2023 and conducted few meditation sessions,

blessings programmes and talks. Mr Brixious Anthony and Mr Sisira Gunawardhane also attended.

Hungary: Venerable Akurala Samitha visited Hungary on 23[rd] January 2023 and conducted few sessions of Meditation, talks and blessings’ Miss Padma Wijeratne also attended. Ms Brigitta Monore hosted some of the events.

Poson Full Moon Poya Day Programme on 11[th] June 2022

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 11[th] June 2022 to observe Poson Full Moon Poya Day with observing Ata (eight) sil (precepts), meditation, Buddha pooja, Bodhi pooja and dhamma discussions.

Milton Keynes Vihara celebrated Poson with a replica of Mihintalaya Rock, Bhakthi (devotional) songs and free food stall on 03[rd] July 2022 .

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

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).

After the pandemic we continued to host our programmes onsite as well as online. Regular Saturday evening programmes have been very useful most of the time. As a result we continued most of the weeks 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.

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.

Monks also attended Milton Keynes Vihara Dhamma School on regular Sunday evening practice sessions for childrena and addults.

Bracknell Dhamma School: Venerable monks regularly attend the Dhamma School in Bracknell and paretns and teachers do the Dhamma School regularly on Every Saturday.

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. Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero , deputy head monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara attended as guest speaker on 21[st] August 2022 and Most Venerable Kassapa Thero of Great Bretain attended as guest speaker on 28[th] August 2022 . Rest the programmes were conducted by Venerable Akurala Samitha and resident monks.

Most Venerable Kothmale Kumara Kassapa Thero visited Milton Keynes Community as the guest Dhamma

Speaker from Sri Lanka on 04[th] March 2023 . He delivered a Talk and meditation session.

Annual Three Months Rains Retreat Opening Ceremony and Esala Full Moon Poya Day Programme - Sunday 10[th] July 2022

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 10[th] July 2022 . 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 Sunday 10[th] July 2022 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 10th July 2022 and 22[nd] October 2022 . 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 Shiromi Kariyawasam, Mr Rosco Philomin and family; Mrs Namali Kariyawasam, Mr Thusitha Danwatte and Family; Mrs Manjula Amarasooriya and family; Miss Jeevani Jayasuriya and family; Mrs Lakshi and Mr Rajitha Weerakkodi and Family, Mrs Lakmini Samaradiwakara and Mr Gosala Kulupana and Family. This is the 19[th] consecutive year Rainy Retreat of the Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre. Most Venerable Akurala Samitha Thero and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero observed the the three months rains retreat in this year 2022.

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).

Milton Keynes Vihara Esala (July) Full Moon Poya and Vas Aradhana Ceremony took place on Saturday 09[th] July 2022 . Dr Nanda and Mrs Swarna De Silva and the family were the main sponsors of this year Three Months Rains Retreat at Milton Keynes

Vihara.

Volunteers at the Centre: Deep Clean Project of Temple Sunday 25[th] June 2022.

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 Saturday 25[th] September 2022 . We all at the centre greatly appreciated their contributions with lots of blessings.

Special Atavisi Sambuddha Pooja, Held on Binara Full Moon Saturday 17th September 2022

A Special Atavisi Sambuddha Pooja was held to mark the Binara Full Moon Poya Day on Saturday 17[th] September 2022 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. A large number of devotees attended the ceremony.

Binara Full Moon Poya Day Special Programme : was held on Saturday 03[rd] September

2022 at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Vihara with

meditation, dhamma talk and dana.

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 Mrs Shiromi Kariyawasam and Mr Rosco Philomin’s house on 01[st] October 2022 .

Mr & Mrs Kalyani Thennakoon, Mrs Chintani Perera, Dr Tamara & Mr Gunawardana, Mrs Sujeewa Lokuwaduge, Mr Sanjaya Rajapaksha, Mr Godfry De Silva and few others also hosted a Kathina Robe receiving house ceremonies during the vassana season.

Mr Rajitha and Mrs Lakshi Weerakkodi and family also hosted a special pooja by having the Kathina Robe to their house inviting all the community to receiving the blessings of the Kathina Retreat on Saturday 15[th] October 2022 .

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

Oxford community hosted special religious ceremony to get the community together. Our centre members live in Oxford, Didcot and Newbury area organized this. Mr Kasun and Mrs Minoli Fernando organized a Dhamma Programme on 10[th] September 2022 and Mrs Nilanthi and Mr Amalka organized a community programme on 03[rd] December 2022 . Few other special dhamma programmes were also held. A large number of local devotees attended.

centre members live in Oxford, Didcot and Newbury area organized this. Mr Kasun and Mrs Minoli Fernando organized a

Nikini (August) Full Poya Day Programme was held on Saturday 13[th] August 2022 . Most

Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero delivered a dhamma talk and Most Venerable Akurala Samitha thero conducted the meditation programme. The day programme was sponsored by Mrs Lakshi Weerakkodi and family.

Mother’s Day Pooja: 19[th] March 2023: A special pooja and blessings chanting was held on Mother’s Day 19[th] March 2023 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.

Mr Dharshana Jayaratne and Mrs Harsha sponsored the evening programme by inviting his mother from Sri Lanka.

The Annual Kathina Ceremony: 19[th] Consecutive Year (Sangha Day Community Event) Celebration held on Saturday 22[nd] October 2022:

The Annual Kathina Ceremony is the biggest community event at the centre. It was held on Saturday 22[nd] October 2022 at Garden City

Academy, Radburn Way, Letchworth Garden City . This was the 19[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 Shiromi Kariyawasam & Mr Rosco Philomin and Family, Mrs Namal Kariyawasm & Mr

Thusitha Danwatte and family. Mrs Manjaula Amarasooriya & Miss Jeevani Jayasuriya and Family. Mrs Lakshi & Mr Rajitha Weerakkodi and family. Mrs Dr. Lakmini Samaradiwakara & Mr Gosala Kulupana and family. And All the Devotees of the Buddhist Meditation Centre. A large gathering of over 21 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 Dammala Piyananda Thero observed this year’s Three-Month Rainy Retreat on Esala Full Moon Day that fell on Sunday 10[th] July (Esala) 2022 and successfully completed the three months on Vap Full Moon Day Which fell on Saturday 09[th] October 2022 . 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 Monday 07[th] November 2022. 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 Dr Witharandeniye Kassapa Nayaka Thero (Head Monk of Birminham Maha

Vihara, Stoke On Trent Vihara and Leicester 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 Rakwane Sumanananda Maha Thero (East London Lumbini Vihara), Most Venerable Nepal Sumana Thero (Head Monk of London Vipassana Mindfulness Meditation Centre), Most Venerable Mapalaga Soratha Maha Thero (Deputy Head Monk of Birminham Jethavana Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Kohukumbure Siridhamma Thero (Head Monk of Thames Buddhist Vihara Croydon), Most Venerable Amunugama Siri Nivasa Thero (Resident Monk of London Kingsbury Temple), Most Venerable Bangladesh Dharmapriya Thero (Resident Monk of East London Lumbini Vihara), Venerable Thalangalle Sumedha Thero (Birminham Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple), Venerable Wiharagama Kusala Thero (Acting Head Monk of Leicester Dharmasoka Buddhist Centre), Venerable Sukhithamano Thero (Resident Monk of London Buddhist Vihara) and Most Venerable Munwatte Mangala Thero (Resident monk of Thames Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Rathnapure Nandaloka Thero (Resident monk of Birminham Buddhist Maha Vihara), Most Venerable Kottawaga Dhammajothi Thero (Resident monk of Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara), Most Venerable Tittagalle Arunasiri Thero (Resident monk of Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara), Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero (Resident monk of Milton Keynes Vihara and Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya and also Dutugemunu Vihara Galle Sri Lanka).

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) dedicated the dana sanghika. Most Venerable Dr Witharandeniya Kassapa OBE Maha Thero (Head Monk of Birminham Maha Vihara, Stoke On Trent Vihara and Leicester Buddhist 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 explained 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 Dammala Piyananda Maha Thero (principal of Sri Rathanasara Vidyayatana, Baddegama, Galle) 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 Members of the main sponsors.

Gift Donations Offering to Venerable Monks were supported by all the members of the community with the main support of main sponsors.

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, Ms 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 15[th] October 2022 and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it.

Thames Buddhist Vihara Croydon hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 16[th]

October 2022 and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it.

East London Lumbini Vihara hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 23[rd] October 2022 and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it.

Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 30[th]

October 2022 and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it.

London Buddhist Vihara Chiswick hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 30[th] October 2022 and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it.

Stroke-On-Trent Buddhist Vihara Kathina Ceremony was held on Saturday 05[th] November 2022 . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended the ceremony.

Leicester Dharmasoka Vihara Annual Kathina Ceremony was held on Sunday 06[th] November 2022 . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended the ceremony.

Milton Keynes Vihara Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 09[th] October 2022:

Under the patronage of Venerable Akurala Samitha, Milton Keynes Vihara Community celebrated their annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 09[th] October 2022 . This was their 04[th] consecutive ceremony at Bletchley Youth Centre , Derwent Drive, Bletchley. Over 300 (three

hundred) devotees attended the ceremony. 25 (twenty five) most venerable monks representing all the temples in the United Kingdom attended to grace the ceremony. Dr Nanda and Mrs Swarna De Silva sponsored the Annual Kathina Pinkama with the advice of Venerable Akurala Samitha.

Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero (Chief Prelate of Great Bretain and Head Monk of London Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala Thero (Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara) Most Venerable Tawalama Bandula Nayaka Thero (Deputy Head Monk of London Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Dr Dedunupitiye Upananda Nayaka Thero (London Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Sukhithamano Thero (London Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Dr Handupelpola Mahinda Maha Thero (London Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Keppitiyagoda Gunawansa Nayaka Thero (Head Monk of Birmingham Jethawana Buddhist Vihara and Liverpool Sambhodhi Vihara), Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero (Principal of Sri Rathanasara Vidyayatana, Baddegama, Galle), 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 Rakwane Sumanananda Maha Thero (East London Lumbini Vihara), Most Venerable Rotumba Gunaratnana Thero (Resident Monk of Birmingham Jethavana Vihara), Most Venerable Amunugama Siri Nivasa Thero (resident Monk of London Kingsbury 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 Hanwelle Gnanarathana Thero (East London Lumbini Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Kaduwela Pannathissa Thero (Resident Monk of Birmingham Jethavana Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Wewala Samitha Thero (resident monk of Birmingham Jethawana Vihara), Most Venerable Mathugama Palitha Maha Thero (Head Monk of Cambridge Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Kongaswela Piyarathana Maha Thero (Resident Monk of Thames Buddhist Vihara), Most Venerable Nepal Sumana Maha Thero (Head monk of London Mindfulness Meditation Centre), 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.

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Visiting Monks & Resident Monks: Most Venerale Dammala Piyananda Thero 07[th] March 2021 till 13[th] January 2024:

Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero arrived to our centre on 07[th] March 2021 and currently the resident monk to stay at the centre with Most Venerable Akurala Samitha during this year.

Celebrating Members’ Special Moments:

Mr Dharshana Jayarathna celebrated his 50[th] Birthday on 25[th] May 2022 with

the family and monks. Offered dana to venerable monks.

Mr Kasup De Silva celebrated his 40[th] Birthday on 11[th] September 2022: family and monks joined a special blessings programme.

Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe celebrated her 88 birthday on 13[th] October 2022 . Special blessings programme was held at her house.

Late Mrs Rathnawalie Dep Birthday Celebration on 30[th] December 2022: 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 2022 .

Most Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Thero’s Birthday on 24[th] January 2023 : 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 2023 by doing a special pooja and invoke the blessings to him.

Mr Glenn Everard celebrated his 52[nd] Birthday on 25[th] January 2023: Mr Glenn Everard was a long standing dedicated member of the centre. He celebrated his very special 52[nd] birthday in the centre. Centre community organized a special pooja to invoke blessings to him on his 52[nd] birthday on 25[th] January 2023 .

Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne celebrated her Birthday on 25[th] January 2023:

Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne has been a long standing member and also holds responsible positions like

trustee and secretary 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 06[th] February 2023 to invoke blessings to Miss

Padmalatha Wijeratne . Dana ceremony was held at her resident on 25[th] January 2023 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) and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero . 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 2023 . 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 also shared the merits with Mrs Piyaseeli Pagoda Arachchi and Mr Lional Gamini Wijewardhane on 18[th] February 2023 .

Mrs Niranjala Perera celebrated her 80[th] Birthday with special dhamma dana Saturday Evening programme on 25[th] February 2023 .

Mr Brixcious Anthony Hettiarachchi celebrated his 52[nd] Birthday on 12[th]

March 2023 . 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 2023 at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre.

Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero celebrated his 41[st] Birthday on 24[th]

March 2023 . 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 51[st] Birthday - 25[th] March 2023: Centre

community took the privilege to pay tribute to the outstanding work of Venerable Akurala Samitha on his 51[st] birthday by organizing a special dana (food offering to monks) ceremony and guest speakers talks and Bodhi pooja blessings on 25[th] March 2023 . Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne organized the event. A large gathering of over 06 monks representing 4 temples in UK attended to grace the ceremony. Most Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Thero (Head monk of London Edmonton Samadhi Meditation

Centre) gave a Sinhala Dhamma talk, Most Venerable Professor Medagampitiye Wijithadhamma Thero (University of Sri Jayewardenepura Sri Lanka) delivered a talk. Dr. Elliot Cohen , Senior Lecturer Leeds Beckett University School of Social Sciences - Psychotherapist, Mindfulness Teacher & Member of Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Academy delivered a talk. 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) delivered a talk. Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero (Principal Sri Rathanasara Vidyayathana Piriven Baddegama Galle, Sri Lanka) and Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero (Deputy Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Centre) conducted the pooja and blessings. Children of the Dhamma School gave tribute presentations. Among them Seth Katuwawala, Sanketh Nissanka, Suhas Rodrigo, Thisan Samarakoon gave tribute presentations on behalf of all the children. Mr Manohar Summan, Mr Mark Brumwell, Ms Nicky Brass and Mrs Caroline Whitelock gave tribute presentations on behalf of all the members of the meditation community and temple members.

Mrs Brigitta Monore came to attend from Hungary. Mr. Godfry , Mrs Sunethra De Silva , Mrs Nikki Butler , Mrs Emma Davilar , Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe, Mrs Nadika Athuraliya , also helped the programme and the ceremony. A large number of over 300 devotees joined the special blessings.

Mrs Anuradha Madhadhuwage and members in Sri Lanka also made a special food parcel distribution to needy families in Sri Lankal to bless Venerable Akurala Samitha.

Chaplaincy Team: We have a team of chapains at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya. They are both monks and lay members. Miss Padma Wijeratne administers them. They regularly attend hospitals, schools, hospices and other community organizations to help with their spiritual and meditation needs.

Interfaith Activities by the Centre and NHS Services:

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

Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne another chaplains 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.

Lister Hospital arranged some video recording to help the NHS staff and volunteers with customs, religious rights and rituals for end of life patients and deceased patients. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended to record the Buddhist part of it on 08[th] of June 2022 at Lister Hospital .

NHS Staff Award 2022 Ceremony 07[th] July 2022: This year lister hospital made over 230

entries to the staff award. Out of those, 10 were short listed as finalists. Our team of NHS Chaplains was one

of the 10 finalists. It is a great achievement to recognize the work we do in the NHS. The award night took place at Twin Bury Farm in Welwyn on Thursday 07[th] July 2022 . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended the award ceremony.

NHS Seminar for Spirituality on 27[th] July 2022: A seminar was held for MA students at NHS Hospital. The theme was how might chaplains better respond to the distinctive spiritual and religious needs of dialysis patients. Venerable Akurala Samitha delivered a talk on Buddhist perspective on Kidney disease and how mindfulness meditation and Buddhist teachings can help patients as well as staff who treat kidney patients and also manage with dialysis patients. Seminar took place at Lister Hospital on 27[th] July 2022 .

Bishops Wood Hospital: On 18[th] October 2022 , a special session was held to introduce different faith services at Bishops Wood Hospital. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended this CPD counted seminar. Venerable Akurala Samitha gave a talk on Spiritual Services within Buddhism.

different faith services at Bishops Wood Hospital. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended this CPD counted seminar.

General meeting of the Chaplaincy (interfaith) team was held on 26[th] October 2022 at Sister Lorita’s house and her Chapel. 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.

Remembrance Day Interfaith Prayers: 11[th] November 2022

All faith groups joined for a service at Lister Hospital to observe a minutes silence with all the members of the public to remember the war victims and Heros. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne joined on behalf of the centre and offered prayers from Buddhist Tradition.

Inter-faith meeting and prayers by the chaplaincy group at Lister Hospital on 07[th] December 2022

Miss Padma Wijeratne and Venerable Akurala Samitha have been attending various kinds of interfaith activities locally and nationally. They host weekly meditation programmes and support important occations with Buddhist blessings, meditation and chanting. Final meeting for 2022 was held at Lister Hospital Chapel to review the work and plan for the future.

Inter-faith Volunteers appreciation meeting and joint prayers on 14[th] December 2022

Special event is organized to get together all the volunteers of the chaplaincy group. Prayers and meditation were offered by all different groups. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne offered a guided mindfulness meditation and chanting of blessings. Volunteers support is deeply appreciated at the end of the year.

Lister Hospital celebrated Buddhist Parinirvana Day on 15[th] February 2023

Miss Padma Wijeratne and Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted blessing programme with mindfulness meditation sessions to mark the parinirvana day at Lister Hospital on 15[th] February 2023.

Ceremony to appoint the New Vicar at Woburn Sand Church: 14[th] March 2023:

On behalf of the centre, Miss Padma Wijeratne participated to the special service of Reverend Dr Rachel to appoint as the vicar of Woburn sand church on Tuesday 14th March 2023

Hertfordshire Faith Leaders’ Forum: 17[th] March 2023

Revered Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended online meeting and get together forum of Hertfordshire Faith Leaders’ on 17[th] March 2023. Faith Covenent is an umbrella body of herts faith leaders. Hertfordshire Bishop Jane Mainwaring also joined.

Home Visits, Nursing Home Visits and Hospital Visits By the Centre:

Home visits, Hospital Visits and Nursing Home Visits are a very active part of the centre. Venerable Monks and lay chaplains do the regular visits to homes, nursing homes and

hospital for spiritual and cultural needs. This is something they really appreciate. Few of those visits are included below.

Dr Sharmala Bandaranayaka and Dr Anura Liyange and family in Welingbarough hosted a home visit blessing on 14[th] May 2022 with the participation of their friends.

Mr Godfry and Mrs Sunethra and family in Hatfiried hosted a dana and blessings ceremony at their house with the participation of their local communities on 27[th] May 2022

Dr Anura Herath and Mrs Chandani and family in Boston hosted a dana ceremony to bless their new home and all the family and friends on 03[rd] June 2022 with the participation of their local community.

Mr Sujeewa and Mrs Sujeewa Lokuwaduge in Stratford-Upon-Avon and family hosted a special blessings ceremony at their house on 27[th] June 2022 with the participation of large number of family and friend.

Mrs Rashmi Adikari and family in London hosted a dana and chanting programme in memory of their parents with the gathering of large number of their family and friends on 29[th] June 2022.

Mrs Caroline Whitelock and Mr Paul and family hosted a blessing at their home in Roxton by inviting Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne on 03th June 2022.

Miss Padma Wijeratne together with friends hosted a dana and blessings ceremony at her home in Letchworth on 30[th] June 2022.

Mr Samuel Heaps hosted a special blessings ceremony at his place in Stevenage to bless his new Meditation and Shrine room on 22[nd] July 2022.

Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe organized a blessings ceremony in her home in Northampton with the participation of her family and friends on 23[rd] July 2022.

Ms Mary Moncaster : Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratna visited Mary Moncaster on 12[th] August 2022 at Osbourne Court Care Home and support her with blessings and spiritual company.

Mrs Nawamali Ranathunga : Dr M B Ranathunga and family organized a blessings ceremony on 09[th] August 2022 at their home in Stockport, Manchester to do a special blessing to Mrs Nawamalie Ranathunga who was in end of life. Mr Janaka Alahapperuma also joined. Our monks visited the house and did a blessing. It made a big impact on her to live much longer than hospital predicted. Family and friends deeply appreciated the visit and service.

Mr Des Raj and Mrs Pushpa hosted a special blessings ceremony in Letchworth on 01[st] September 2022 to bless the house and family. They wanted to bless the new baby too.

Mrs Nisansala Dharmaratne and Mr Nishendra Dissanayaka hosted a blessings programme at their house for the community on 11[th] September 2022 . Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda and Venerable Nepal Sumana Thero also joined the house blessings.

Mrs Sandya De Silva in Dartford hosted a dana and blessings chanting ceremony in memory of Mr Upali Rohith De Silva on 26[th] October 2022 .

Mr Chathura and Mrs Thushara Samarasinghe hosted a dana ceremony at their house on 26[th] November 2022 and Mrs Ramya Wijewardana and Mr Dharshana Mohandiramge organized a Dhamma Programme at their house on the same day.

Dr Shantha Godagama and Mrs Ranji Godagama organized a dana ceremony at London Buddhist Vihara in memory of parents on 18[th] December 2022 . Venerable Akurala Samitha attended and delivered a dhamma talk.

Dr Nanda and Mrs Swarna De Silva in Milton Keynes hosted a special dana and blessings with the participation of the family and frend on 24[th] December 2022 in memory of their late son.

Professor Arosha Bandara and family hosted a dana ceremony at home in Northampton on 27[th] December 2022 . Venerable Akurala Samitha attended and delivered a dhamma talk.

Mr Srilank Wickramarathna and Mrs Nadee and family hosted a dana ceremony at home on 31[st] December 2022 and facilitate the community to share the blessings of the Dhamma. It was significant as their father was invited from Sri Lanka to have the memorial ceremony for mother and also to warm new home with

blessings.

Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi and Mrs Veena and family hosted a special ceremony with dana, dhamma talk and blessings chanting on 03[rd] January 2023 . A large number of devotees in Bracknell participated for the Dhamma Programme. This ceremony was done in memory of loving mother and also good friend of our centre Mrs Piyaseeli Pagoda Arachchi to mark the 3[rd] months remembrance merits transfer.

Mr Sanjaya and Mrs Madhu hosted their annual dhamma and dana programme at their residence at Hatfield on 07[th] January 2023 . Large number of friends and members of the community participated the programme. Seven monks attended.

Mr Indunil Rajapaksha and Mrs Nadeeka hosted a dana and chanting programme at their home in Milton Keynes on 10[th] January 2023 .

Ms Nikki Butler hosted the chanting and blessings programme at home in Luton on 10[th] January 2023 . Miss Padma Wijeratne and Venerable Akurala Samitha also attended.

Mrs Rekha Kasthuriarachchi hosted a dana at home in Watford on 14[th] January 2023 . Large number of community in that area attended.

Mrs Niranjala Perera hosted a special Dhamma programme with dana and blessings on 26[th] February 2023 at Kingsbury Temple . Large number of devotees attended.

Providence Court Quantum Care Nurisng Home Baldock at Ms Mary Moncaster : Venerable Akurala Samitha and Padma

Wijeratne visited on Friday 10th March 2023 quantum Care Nursing Home Providence Court at Baldock . To see Ms Mary Moncaster . She was a Buddhist and wanted to have some blessings.

Luton and Dunstable Hospital: Mr Andrew Dep was admitted to Luton and Dunstable Hospital for few checks and an operation. Miss Padma Wijeratne and Venerable Akurala Samitha visited to do some blessings on 17[th] March 2023 . It was a really helpful as not many visitors are allowed due to pandemic situation.

Year End Blessings: Christmas Blessings programme on 24[th] December

2022: We hosted an online and onsite blessings and meditation programme to share spiritual blessings on Christmas. A good number of people joined the online as well as at the centre session.

2023 Happy New Year Blessings: A Special Atavisi Buddha Pooja to welcome the New Year was held on 1[st] January 2023

The Community of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya organised Atavisi Buddha Pooja Special Blessings ceremony on Sunday 01[st]

January 2023 to share the blessings with all on the dawn of the New Year 2023 . All members and devotees attended both online and onsite.

The blessings programmes were sponsored by all the members. Special sponsorships were extended by Dr Anura Herath , Miss Padma Wijeratne, Mr Ram Murthi Summan and Mrs Hasintha Motamure. A large number of devotees gathered at the centre to start the New Year 2023 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.

Milton Keynes Vihara also held a special blessings pooja for the New Year. A large number

of devotees attended to the centre in Milton Keynes to get the blessings at the dawn of the New Year 2023 .

Venerable Akurala Samitha’s Father’s (05-05-1929 | 27-01-2022) First Death

Anniversary 27[th] January 2023:

Venerable Akurala Samitha’s Mother’s (20-02-1936 | 02-03-2016) 07[th] Year Death Anniversary on 17[th] February 2023

Special Dana ceremony was held in Sri Lanka to mark the 03[rd] Month of passing of the beloved father of Venerable Akurala Samitha on 26[th] April 2022 . Venerable Sigiriye Indravansa Thero did the memorial Dhamma Talk on 25[th] April 2022 . Venerable Akurala Samitha and devotees of the centre attended from UK as Venerable Akurala Samitha came from Sri Lanka few months ago after participating the funeral and 07[th] Day dana. Venerable Akurala Samitha’s mother’s 06[th] Year Remembrance also held at the same time. 25 Buddhist Monks from local Buddhist centres attended in Sri Lanka. Venerable Akurala Samitha also held a remembrance ceremony in the United Kingdom at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya on 27[th] April 2023 to transfer merits to parents.

17[th] February 2023 , Special Dana Ceremony and chanting was held in Sri Lanka and UK in memory of parents of Venerable Akurala Samitha to mark the 1[st] Year Remembrance Anniversary of beloved father Mr. Siripala De Silva and 07[th] Year Remembrance Anniversary of beloved mother Mrs Dedimuni Dasawathi Mendis of Venerable Akurala Samitha.

Special Tribute to Our Devoted and Dedicated Member 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. A special Dana Ceremony and Merits Sharing were held at the Centre to mark the 01[st] Death Anniversary on 17[th] July 2022 .

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 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. A special ceremony was held on Saturday 15[th] October 2022 at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre to mark his first year remembrance merits transfer.

Most Venerable Bhikkhu Assaji Maha Thera (1950 – 09-10-2022): He was a long standing visiting monk who supported all centre religious, cultural and social activities. He passed away on Vap Full Moon Poya Sunday 09[th] October 2022 at London Croydon Hospital . His body was donated to Medical School. He is a very humble, wise, kind, very skilful and highly respected Buddhist Monk who spent over 30 years in UK and

extended a great service to monks, temples and the communities in UK, Sri Lanka and many parts of the world. He spent his whole life very generously in service especially to children, adults and monastics without much attention even to his health. He is a great, resourceful and active Dhammaduta Bhikkhu (Missionary Monk). It is a great loss of Sambuddha Sasana and all of us. We all are indebted to his life and service. May he attain Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!

Special funeral service was held at London Thames Vihara on 13[th] October 2022 with a large number devotees and over 19 Venerable

Monks representing all the temples in UK.

Most Venerable Aggamahapanditha Galayaye Piyadassi (28th June 1947 - 19th December 2022) Adhikarana Sanghanayaka (Chief Prelate of Judiciary) Maha Thero MBE. Head monk of Sri Saddhathissa International Buddhist Centre, Kingsbury Temple and the Director of The World Buddhist Foundation.

Head Monk of Kingsbury Temple passed away at the age of 76. He is the founder patron of our Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre. He was not feeling well and admitted to the hospital. Venerable Akurala Samitha , Most Venerable Gunnapana Sumanarama Thero and Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero visited London Stanmore Hospital and did some blessings on 16[th] December 2022 .

Aggamaha Panditha The Most Venerable Galayaye Piyadassi MBE Nayaka Thero. The

Chief Prelate (Sanghanayake) of Judiciary in the United Kingdom and Chief Incumbent of Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre,

Kingsbury London, Founder of The World Buddhist Foundation and The Honourable Patron of Sri Lanka Sangha Sabha of United Kingdom very peacefully passed away on Monday 19th

December 2022 . Funeral took place on Saturday 31st December 2022 . Venerable Akurala Samitha, Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended the funeral. Most Venerable Galayaye Piyadassi Nayaka Thero has rendered a yeoman service to the international community based in London, United Kingdom. We will always his remember the incomparable service and boundless humanity. May the Most Venerable Galayaye Piyadassi Nayaka Thero Attain Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!

Third Months dana was held at London Kingsbury Sri Saddhathissa International Buddhist Centre in memory of Most Venerable Aggamaha Panditha Galayaye Piyadassi Nayaka Thera on Sunday 19th March 2023 . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended.

Full Moon Day and Monthly Retreat Sessions: 16[th] April 2022

Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya hosts regularly a monthly programme with mindfulness meditation retreat on Full Moon Day of the month. A day programme was held to mark the Bak (April) Full Moon Poya Day on Saturday 16[th] April 2022 . Programmes were continued on the following months too. 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 08[th] October 2022 , Our centre celebrated the October full moon poya day with chanting blessings.

November (ILL) Full Moon Poya Day was held on Saturday 05[th] November 2022 at the centre.

Uduvap (December) Full Moon Poya was on Saturday 07[th] December 2022 . Centre organized a year end merits sharing pooja.

Duruth (January) Full Moon Poya Day: Saturday 07[th] January 2023: 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 07[th] January 2023 to mark the Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day. A large number of devotees joined online and onsite to the programme.

Navam (February) Full Moon Poya Day was held on Sunday 05[th] February 2023 . This was sponsored by (1). Miss Padma Wijeratne and Family ; to mark the 60[th] Birthday and transfer merits to parents.

Madin (March) Full Moon Poya Day was held on Saturday 04[th] March 2023 . This programme was sponsored by Mrs Niranjala Perera and family to share blessings wishing a happy 80th Birthday to Mrs Niranjala Perera. Mrs Rosy and Mr Victor and family also joined to sponsor the programme.

School Children Visit The Buddhist Centre for 2022/2023:

On 31[st] October 2022 , The Moss Bury Primary School, Webb Rise, Stevenage held one hour session with Miss Padma Wijeratne and Venerable Akurala Samitha. 90 children attended from Years 5 & 6 (aged 9-11). They learn Buddhism for the curriculum. They were delighted to learn Buddhist Philosophy, Meditation and life of Buddha. Mr Joe Henley, Deputy Head Teacher organized it.

Nursing Home Visit:

Vising nursing homes and providing spiritual care is one of the activities we deliver from our centre . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss 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:

Basic Safeguarding training was held on Tuesday 28th March 2023 . It was delivered by Mrs Irem Syed . It was organized by Education, Learning and Inclusion Milton Keynes City Council . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended.

Graduation Ceremony: London School of Management Education: 06[th] May 2022.

Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne completed Diploma In Education course and completed with

distinctions. The Graduation ceremony was held on 06[th] May 2022 . Mr Sam Tarry , Member of Parliament, United Kingdom. Shadow Minister (Transport) was the guest of honour. Venerable Akurala Samitha delivered the speech on behalf of the students. Both Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne achieved special awards for their outstanding contributions during the academic year.

Sri Lankan Independent Day was celebrated on Saturday 04[th] February 2023:

Sri Lankan National Day is on 04[th] February . Centre community celebrated the Sri Lankan Independence Day on Saturday 04[th] February 2023 and commemorates the 75[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. Mr Udena Wanniarachchi and Mrs Nilanthi and family sponsored the day programme in memory of their late mother.

- New Round up 2022 2023:

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

also attended.

18[th] September 2022 London Vihara 158th Birthday Day of Anagarika Dharmapala The Founder of London Buddhist Vihara & 96th Anniversary of The London Buddhist Vihara Celebrated Sunday 18th September 2022 . A Memorial lecture, and paritta chanting was held at the Vihara on Sunday 18th September 2022. 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 . The Memorial Lecture on the topic "Citizen’s responsibility to society: A revisit to Anagarika Dharmapala’s life and service" was delivered by Most Venerable Dr Dedunupitiye Upananda Nayaka Thero (USA) . 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.

attain supreme bliss of nibbana!

15[th] October 2022: Most Venerable Nepal Sumana Thero , head monk of Hendon Mindfulness Meditation Centre held a special dana Ceremony to mark the 01[[st]] Year Remembrance merits transfer in loving memory of his father Late Mr Chandra Bahadur Nakarmi at Barnet Multicultural Community Centre, Hendon . Venerable Akurala Samitha attended and gave a dhamma talk.

Mindfulness Meditation Centre held a special dana Ceremony to mark the 01[[st]] Year Remembrance merits transfer in loving memory

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 08[th] January 2023 . Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the programme. Venerable Dammala Piyananda 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.

they hosted a Musical Stage drama based on a pupular Buddhist Story named Patachara. It was held The Arts Centre, Hounslow . The Show has 13 songs. Famous, award winning, senior lecturer Prasanajith Abeysuriya narrated along with his son award winning actor. Mr. Maduka Ferdinand (Head Teacher of Arunalu Art Productions) written it and Mr Aruna Shantha Kotawella (Head of Arunalu Art Productions) produced it. Venerable Akurala Samitha, Venerable Dammala Piyananda and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended it.

Beg in Lodnon . Venerable Monks and temple community participated and supported the event.

Obituaries:

Long standing good friend of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre passed away with a short term health condition. Venerable Monks from our centre conducted a special merits transfer service on 16[th] April 2022 and funeral took place on 22[nd] April 2022.

Penkhull Village Hall, Trent Valley Road, in Stroke-on-Trent on Saturday 18th March 2023.

monk.

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 Saturday 04[th] March 2023 on “Rebirth is the Truth:” By Mr Madawala Hemananda BSc (Est.Man.) FRICS : Author of Nature and Buddhism, Quantum Theory and Buddhism, Emptiness Natural Selection and Buddhism, The Power of Reality (The Buddha Used) We are our Minds Not our Brains – The Buddha Discovered, delivered the talk.

Mindfulness Meditation Courses and Psychotherapy Counselling Session:

Centre organizes Mindfulness Meditation Courses in Letchworth, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard, Godmancheste r , Barcknell and London . 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 & Milton Keynes during this year (2022-2023). 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 21[st] May 2022 , 17[th] September 2022 and 11[rd] February 2023 At Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Meditation Centre.

Children’s Mindfulness Course (Letchworth, Milton Keynes and Bracknell) Letchworth Session 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: on Tuesday 28th March 2023 from 4.30PM till 6PM . Venerable Akurala Samitha, Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero, and Miss Padma Wijeratne attended to diliver it. Principal Dr Sarita Parhi, Mr King Adebayo and Miss Lydia Mireku (Teacher Training Programme Leader) arranged it. Over 30 members of the staff attended it.

YMCA - Milton Keynes: held a Mindfulness Meditation Session on 13[th] February 2023 : for their residents. Mrs Lisa Boyd and Mrs Emma orgainzied it and Ven Venerable Akurala Samitha did a Mindfulness Meditation Session.

MK College, Chaffron Way: A mindfulness session was held for 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 .

Letchworth Adults Beginners Mindfulness Courses:

Centre held five courses during this year for adults in Letchworth area. It was onsite and online. 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: 28-04-2022 Finished: 16-06-2022 Letchworth Course II: Started: 30-06-2022 Finished: 18-08-2022 Letchworth Course III: Started: 01-09-2022 Finished: 20-10-2022 Letchworth Course IV: Started: 03-11-2022 Finished: 22-12-2022 Letchworth Course V: Started: 05-01-2023 Finished: 23-02-2023

Following are the pictures from Letchworth Adults Mindfulness Meditation Courses 20222023.

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: 27-04-2022 Finished: 15-06-2022 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course II: Started 29-06-2022 Finished 17-08-2022 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course III: Started 31-08-2022 Finished 19-10-2022 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course IV: Started 02-11-2022 Finished 21-12-2022 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course V: Started 04-01-2023 Finished 22-02-2023

Bedford, Milton Keynes and Godmanchester Mindfulness Meditation Beginners Courses:

We contineue to meet people on those locations after the pandemic for Mindfulness Meditation Sessions. Some 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.

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 10[th] August 2022 , Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the annual general meeting of TBSUK . Special conference was held online 24th September 2022 . Title of the conference is The Customs and Lineage of the Elders . Special presentation by His Holiness Somdet Phra Buddhaghosajahn (P.A. Payutto), leading scholar and author of the seminal volume: Buddhadhamma – The Laws of Nature and Their Benefits to Life Keynote speech by the Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit (Prayoon Dhammacitto), member of Thai Supreme Sangha Council, Abbot of Wat Prayurawongsawat, Bangkok.

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 2022-2023:

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:

Total income (Donations): = £112,538.00

Total income (Donations & Gift Aid): = £112,538.00

Expenses Break Down for the year 2021-2022:

Total Expenses: = £115,745.00

Conclusion:

Despite the challenges of after math of the pandemic, 2022-2023 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 challenges as the demand for our services are increasing after the pandemic and also inflation (rise of cost of living) with the beginning of the year 2022 . 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 supportive and helped for the welfare of the monks and helped the centre to survive through the difficult time. Monks even worked tirelessly to help the needy timelessly.

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 economic situation. 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