BIJDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs 3111 MARCH 2024 Charlty Number 1116187 ]krvlsh & Cth Ltd AeeountaDts 49H98 Bearwo[￿ R￿d Birmingham B66 4HB Reference and Athnlnlstr￿i￿ infOrn￿on Charity Name Dhamma Nikah*wa B￿lst Regi#era Charity Nwnb 11161SI Principal Addre&8 69 Pix Road Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 IVL Rev Akurnla Samithasiri Padmalalh Wijerathe Gary A L Gland John Williams Nicola Bullet FAnma D'Avilar Inde￿dent Examiner Dervish & Co. Limited 49&498 BearW￿ Road Birniin8ham B66 4HB Barclays Bank P Le1￿$ter LE87 2BB Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Report to the trustees Dhamma N￿ethanaya Buddhist Cullural Centre On accounts for the year 31d March 2024 Charity no 1116187 Set out on pages &5 I report to the trustees on my examinalion of the accounts of the above charity fthe Trusn for the year ended 31103r2024. Responslbilities and basls of report As the charivs trustees. you are resportsible for the preparalion of the accounts in accordan￿ with the wuirements of the Charilies Act 2011 fthe Adl. I rq)ort in res￿* of my examinatK)n of the Tr￿VS accounts ￿led out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the applicable Direcaions gi￿ by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the A Independert I Iwe completed my examinalion. I confim) that no material matters have examlnerfs statement come to my attention in ojnnectlon with the examinalion which gives cwse to believe that in. any rnaterial respect of the Chaiities A¢ or . the accounts not accord wilh the accountiry records: or the accou￿ (fKI not o)mply wilh the applicable requirements concerning ￿ form and content of accounts set out in the Charilies (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirenHrt that the accounts give a 1rue and fai¢ vi&M which is not a matter considered as part of an indeperKlent examination. I have no Corw￿ and have ¢crfne acr(w no ther matters in connection with the examination to ￿lch attention should be drawn in this report in orderto enable a prow Under&￿1ng ofthe accounts to be re&hed. Signed: 2310212026 Ahmet Dervish Relevant profe881onal qualificatlon(s) or body): Address: Dhamma NikethaD a BuddbASt Culturnl Centre Statement of FiDaDcial Activities For The Year Ended 31￿ March 2024 2024 2023 Income Donations HMRC GiftAid 129,447 41.173 11¥38 170,621 112.538 endltu Monk's exp￿3¢3 Rent and housing CA>sts Light and Heat Rates and water Salaries and wag¢s Repairs and maintenance Telephone and mobile Travel and motor Printing postage and stationery Bank loan interest and charges Sundrie5 IE Fee Legal fees Blessings and Sponsorship Events Depreciation HMRC PAYE write off 15,149 34,581 3228 3,697 12,000 10,963 1206 19,021 8,532 3,987 1717 lJ20 2200 11,534 22,318 8204 2370 12,464 40,749 1957 4J52 12,000 445 839 13.196 1512 255 1045 500 18,839 4,099 1.491 163,026 115.749 Surplusl(deficit) for the financial year Totsl funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 7.594 (3209) Dhamma Nikethan Buddhilt Clllthral Centre BAlanee Sheet as at 31￿ Marth 2024 2024 2023 Fixed A￿ts Molor vehicle Accum. Depreciation Annual Depr￿latIOn 58.950 (29.028) 33.500 (27538) (1.491) 22,165 4,472 Fixtures & Fittin8S Annual Depreciation 2239 448 1,791 Meditation Hall 24.693 24.693 4&649 29,165 Cash at bank 9251 6,710 Current Liabiliti Loans Creditors and a¢¢n￿lS (32,101) 672 15,900 (31,429) (16,998) Net Assets Funds Brought forward Surplus (Loss) from I&E 18.877 7.594 21086 (3.209) 18.877 These financial statemthts were approval by the members of the rAMnmittee on the: 23-02-2026 These financial statements are approv￿ by: Reverend Akurala SamithisirA Notes to the F5n*neA￿ Statements Year ended 31*1 Mareb 21ll4 l. Aeeoonllog poliei Basis of ac¢ounling The financial statements been Prep￿￿1 under th¢ historical cost Convention and in aLyorda￿e with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by ChaTiIics" {SORP 2(M)S) issueAI in March 2(X)5, and the Chariti&s Ad 1993. The charity has historicalty wepared accounts on the accruals bAsi4 despite th￿C ￿ing rK> requiremenL Ineome Voluntary iw*me is rtt¢ivAI by way of d{￿￿10Th8 Motor Vehid¢8 Motor vehi¢l&s are n(A held in the Mne ofthe chrity. but are held in the name of Reverend Samithisiri. The vehicle is paid for by tkK charity on the UThle￿n8 that it's ￿ is for the charity and should Reverend Samidllsiri leave the wvices ofthe charity that the vehicle will be rdwnal to the charity. to the lan￿ ofthe provisio￿ the dwity elects to show the vthicle as an asset of the dwity even the title is not in the ehariti&s nam Rent and Housing Costs The charity di[￿dY and indirffdy pays for the housing and prowty expatses as￿￿lated with the provision of Bwldhist Servic￿ to the public and for the accommodation of tk monk& Sme of these expenses are capitsj in nahre Ixrt are not difedty owned by the charity and therefore are not listed in the &ssets of the charity. ## Charity Trustees Annual Report 2023 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 07[th] April 2024 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 07[th] April 2024 Present Trustees: Reverend Akurala Samithasiri, Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne, Mrs Nicola Butler, Mr Gary Anthony Lewis Bland Ms Emma D’Avilar & Mr John Williams Other Members Present: Mr. Amalka Hewa Naimanage, Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi, Mrs. Nilanthi Gamlath, Mr. Dharshana Jayaratne, Mrs Himali Reid, Mr Glenn Everard, Mrs. Harsha Silva, Mr Udena Wanniarachchi, Mrs. Manel Perera, Mr. Rasika Jayawardana, Mr Ram Murthi Summan, Mr Dinura Sonal De Silva, Mr Dayal Summan, Mrs Vipuli Gunasena, Mr Manohar Summan, Mrs Gayathrie Chandrasekara, and Mr Osandha Weerawansa. Most Venerable Gunnapana Sumanarama Thera; head monk of London Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre attended as the 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 Gary Bland suggested the minutes as accurate and Mr Udena Wanniarachchi seconded it. Reverend Akurala Samithasiri requested to elect the trustees and new office bearers for the **New Year 2024-2025** . Ms Emma D’Avilar suggested Reverend Akurala Samithasiri to reelect as the trustee and the president. Miss Padma Wijeratne seconded it. Mr Osandha Weerawansa suggested to elect Miss Wijeratne as the secretary and trusee and Mr Mrs Vipuli Gunasena seconded it. Mrs Dharshana Jayaratne suggested to re-elect Mr Gary Bland as the treasurer and the trustee and Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi seconded it. Mr Amalka Hewa Naimanage 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 Dayal Summan seconded it. Mr Rasika Jayawardana suggested to elect Ms Emma Davilar as the trustee and the assistant treasurer. Mr Dinura Sonal De Silva 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 2024-2025. ## **- - - - - 2023 2024 Annual Report: (01 04 2023 & 31 03 2024)** Welcome to the **20[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 2024** . We all have been growing with our services over the time and being able to extend our services into many others in the wider community. 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, Romania and Ireland in this year). ## **Sri Lankan New Year Festival Celebrated on 14[th] April 2023** 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 **13[th] and 14[th] April 2023** . 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 2023** 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 **20[th] Year of the Centre and our** **organization** and also the **18[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 passed away being supporters of the centre. Venerable Monk attended for a special chanting, meditation programme, dhamma talk and pooja on Wednesday **19[th] April 2023** to appreciate all the help from the community and bless them all in gratitude sharing. **Milton Keynes Vihara Sri Lankan New Year 16[th] April 2023:** Our community joined with Milton Keynes Vihara to celebrate the Sri Lankan New Year. ## **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 2023** 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 2023** 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 2023** for offering dana and doing a special Bodhi pooja. Children and adults joined = Saq Jott ; aeJ Z - - singing the devotional songs at the centre and at online programme. The Centre was decorated with typical Vesak lanterns and celebration atmosphere. ## **Sri Lanka Charity Work: Helping Needy with clothes, food and Temple Construction & Building work.** ## **Sri Lanka Child Sponsorship, Community Welfare Support, Charity Projects: For 2023-2024:** 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. With the support of our centre community, we gave some school uniform to needy children in Sri Lanka for the New Year 2024. ## **Charity Projects in Sri Lanka for the Financial Year 2023 / 2024:** 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. 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. **Building a Shrine for a School: 27[th] April 2023** . Ambalangoda, Kuleegoda Sumana Collage needed a shrine for the children to practice their spiritual i | observations daily. We donated roof and the tiles for that project worth of £1000/= (Sri Lankan Rupees 400000/=). Our Sri Lankan Charity co-ordinators **Mrs Anuradha Madaduwage** and others administered the project. **Stupa Building Project Sri Lanka: 17[th] May 2023.** Our devotees supported a building of a Stupa in Trincomale in Sri Lanka and innogarated for Vesak Fulll Moon Poya Day. **Releasing Cows: 10[th] June 2023:** With the help of the charity members, we managed to release three cows from slauter house and give those to three families to look after them and eventually make a living from them. This was done in parell to Vesak Full Moon Poya Day celebration. **Distributing Dry Food Parcels to 150 families on 10[th] July 2023 in Tissamaharama, Sri** **Lanka:** After the pandemic and economic crisis in Sri Lanka, people were having difficulties. We regularly distribute welfare support. We selected 150 special need families in Tissamaharamaya, Sri Lanka and gave them a month worth dry food parcel each. This was coordinated by Mrs Himali and Mr Lalith Prasanna Kokuhannadige. **Donating a laptop to a child in Sri Lanka:** Child in Bandarawela requested us to support with a lapto to help the IT studies. One of our devotees support to make that happen. We handed over the laptop on **26[th] July 2023** . **Free Uniform to Children at Sadathenna, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on 04[th] October 2023:** We sent a large amount of clothes for needy children in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. With the guidance of Most Venerable Molligoda Mahinda Thero, head monk of Sri Saddharma Nikethanaya we distributed clothes to the children on **04[th] October 2023** . **Special Chanting Blessings Ceremony and Offerings to monks at Kataragama in Sri** = **Lanka on 28[th] November 2023.** With the guidance of Most Venerable Helle Gnanananda Thero, head monk of Dharma Nikethanaya Sella Kataragama, Sri Lanka. **Day of Meditation and Spiritual Practice held in Ambalangoda Sri Lanka on 26[th] December 2023.** We sponsored a day of Spiritual Practice and Meditation in Ambalangoda in Sri Lanka to support the village community. **Full Sets of School materials were donated to Sri Lankan Children on 13[th] January 2024.** Mr Sasanka Mendis hott “9 f he, " administered the donation . i . 2 ie ¥ distribution. **Cooked Food Sharing Event was held in Ambalangoda on 27[th] January 2023** for needy families and annimals (street dogs). **A Volunteer from Sri Lanka: Charity Worker from Sri Lanka arrived on 31[st] January 2024** to serve the community in UK and help with centre projects for two years. Mr Sasanka Mendis will stay at the centre till 26[th] January 2026. **Other Volunteers From Sri Lanka:** Few our Sri Lankan volunteers in Sri Lankan charity piggies."f _ came do some studies in UK. They also continued to support the UK Charity work voluntarily. **Annual Dana (Offering food) for Monks were held in Akurala on 02[nd] March 2024.** In memory of departed parents, food and necessities were offered to temples in Akurala. Food parcels were also offered to needy as well. **Balapitiya Hospital Children Ward** : We donated a book shelf for the children ward with some books and toyes for new born babies and maternity environments on **30[th] March 2024** . **Children’s Home Balapitiya: Giving a meal on 30[th] March 2024:** Special meal was provided to all the children at Balapitiya Children Home with the help of our members. ## : **Special Programmes in Other Countries** Our member Mr Brixcious Anthony visited Romania and did some spiritual activities for the community there. We have a growing community in Romania. **Ireland Dhamma Tour on 06[th ] , 07[th] and 08[th] December 2023:** Venerale Akurala Samitha | and Venerable > diego er) |! ’ XR Aa 4 es eS Za Dammala Piyananda SSS RS Thero visited Ireland ine ae MAR Sk Se to do few sessions. Mr Mihira and Mrs Madhavi De Silva sponsored this whole programme. Mr Dhanushka and Mr Ruwan in Galway arranged few sessions in there as well. Mr Mihira and Mrs Madhavi arranged few sessions in Cork. ## **Poson Full Moon Poya Day Programme on 04[th] June 2023** 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 **04[th] June 2023** 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 **10[[th]] June 2023** . And also Programme on **10[th] June 2023** . (devotional) songs and free food stall on **10[[th]] June 2023** . And also Sil ## **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. **On 18[th] November 2023: Dr Karunamuni Chaminda Prasad Silva, Mrs Chamila** Lm, - ke =o 7 cr ALR = **Samarakoon, Son Thisen Mindinu Silva, Daughter** Lsre wy : aralI 4Seant a ‘ : **Pamara Anusadi Silva and Mrs Thilaka Padmini Silva and family** sponsored special pooja and special sermon on Cūḷa Puṇṇama Sutta that explains how indentify correctly true individual (sappurisa) and false (asappurisa) people to liberate from suffering. A large number of people joined online too. ## **Children Programmes and Dhamma School: Every Saturday 3.30PM till 5PM** | Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya organized a | regular programme for children on every Saturday 3.305PM. **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. A Guest Monk from Sri Lanka Most V **enerable Kagama Sirinanda Thero** , head monk of Galkiriyagama Siri Samadhi Buddhist Centre attended as guest speaker on **20[th] August 2023** and **Most Venerable Delgoda Gnanasumana Thero, Head Monk of Gnanagaveshi Meditation Centre, Kadawatha, Gonahena Sri Lanka** attended as guest speaker on **10[th] October 2023** . Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara, **Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero** gave a Dhamma Talk on **25[th] February 2024** in memory of Dr Ajith De Silva. Rest the programmes were conducted by **Venerable Akurala Samitha and resident monks** . ## **Annual Three Months Rains Retreat Opening Ceremony and Esala Full Moon Poya Day Programme - Saturday 29[th] July 2023** 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 29[th] July 2023** . 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 29[th] July 2023** respecting the advice of the Lord Buddha and in compliance with the 2600 years old tradition. Whole day programme was held onsite and 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 **29th July 2023** and **11[th] November 2023** . 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 **Mr Dharshana, Mrs Harshani Weerasinghe, Daughter Stesha & Son Shennon and Family.** This is the **20[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 2023. 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 & ehne F iy! =n place on **Sunday 30[th] July 2023** . Mr. Rasanga & Mrs Sab asi, PE", ol Wage Ay Se Anjali Amarasena and family, Mr Danushka & Mrs — oe Al “2 ie €4, ts b ng me \ 2) Nilochani Thrikawala and family, Mr Asiri & Mrs Himalka Jayawickrema and family, Mr Kapila & Mrs chathurika Warnakulasooriya and family and Mr Srilak and Mrs Nadee Wickramarathna and 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 24[th] & 25[th] June 2023.** 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 af — the centre on **Saturday 24[th] and Sunday 25[th] June 2023** . We all at the centre greatly appreciated their contributions with lots of blessings. Venerable Akurala Samitha appreciated the work of all, particularly **Mr Glenn Everad** and **Mr Sasanka Mendis** . ## **Centre Improvement Building Work at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre:** On **17[th] June 2023:** Bath room taps were replaced and improve the condition of toilets. ON **24[th] July 2023:** whole stair case and upstair bedroom were recarpeted. On **21[st] March 2024:** Conservatory roof was retached. ## **Special Atavisi Sambuddha Pooja, Held on Binara Full Moon Saturday 30th September 2023** A **Special Atavisi Sambuddha Pooja** was held to mark the **Binara Full Moon Poya Day** on **Saturday 30[th] September 2023** 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 online and onsite. **Binara Full Moon Poya Day Special Programme** : was held on **Saturday 23[rd] September** 1 - ay **2023** at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Vihara with + OL, i i = 2 meditation, dhamma talk and dana. Day was sponsored by Mr Nishandra Dissanayaka and Mrs Nisansala Dharmadasa and family. ## **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 Ivanthi Marasinghe & Mr Nilanka Rankothgedara’s** house in London **on 01[st] October 2023.** **Mr Sanjaya Rajapaksha and Mrs Kumari Gunathilaka** and family hosted the Kathina Robe on **08[th] October 2023** and allowed the community in Hatfield to participate to it. **Mrs Dayani Jazn** and family hosted a special blessings programme at their residence during the Vassana Season with the participation of large number of devotees on **Saturday 14[th] October 2023** . **Mr Des Raj & Mrs Pushpa Chauhan, Mrs Suresha & Mr Chaminda Ranaweera Vitharana, Mrs Nilanthi, Mr** ; can “ . **Amalka Hewa Naimanage, Mr Manohar Summan and few others** also hosted a Kathina Robe receiving house ceremonies during the vassana season on **Saturday 21[st] October 2023** . **Mr Sujeewa and Mrs Sujeewa Lokuwaduge and family** also hosted a special pooja by ru having the Kathina Robe to their house inviting all the community in > SATO aiYh to receiving the blessings of the Kathina Retreat on **Saturday 28[th] October 2023** . **Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe** hosted a special pooja by having the Kathia Robe at home with the b 5 participation of friends and community in Northampton on **Saturday 04[th] November 2023** . **Miss Chamari Jayasinghe** and family in London hosted a special blessings ceremony by hosting the Kathina robe with the participation of their friends and family eeecaulk on **08[th] November 2023** . ## **Other Special Poojas During the Vassana (Rains Retreat Season):** **Luton & Dunstable Community** hosted special religious ceremony to get the community i y : > & together. Our centre members live in Luton, Dunstable, Bedford, Aylesbury, Peterborough, London, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Bracknell, Oxford, Didcot and Newbury area. **Mr Anuruddha Dissanayake & Mrs Poorna Vithanage and family** organized a Dhamma Programme on **13[th] August 2023** and **Mr Isuru** **Siriwardana** organized a community programme **on 27[th] August 2023** . Few other special dhamma programmes were also held. A large number of local devotees attended. **Mrs Shilani Porage and Mr Pradeep** organised a programme on **17[th] August 2023 and 03[rd] September 2023. Mr Amalka and Mrs Nilanthi Gamlath** organized a = tt 72 : blessings programme with the participation of our members in the areas of Oxford, Didcot and Newbury on **17[th] September 2023** . eaiteg DE. **Mrs Ruwanthi Katuwawala** and family hosted a blessing programme at their home with the community and friends in Bedford on **23[rd] September 2023** . **Nikini (August) Full Poya Day Programme** was held on **Saturday 26[th] August 2023** . 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 **Mr Harsha Deepal** and **Mrs Sujani Rathnayaka** and family. Evening pooja was sponsored by **Mr Aloka Hettiarachchi** and family. **Mother’s Day Pooja: 10[th] March 2024:** A special pooja and blessings chanting was held on **Mother’s Day 10[th] March 2024** at the centre. It was a good relief for those who live miles away from ee eee 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 Chaminda Liyanage and Mrs Anuja Perera and family and friends** sponsored the evening programme in loving memory of their beloved parents. **The Annual Kathina Ceremony: 20[th] Consecutive Year (Sangha Day Community Event) Celebration held on Saturday 11[th] November 2023:** The Annual Kathina Ceremony is the biggest community event at the centre. It was held on **Saturday 11[th] November 2023** at **Free Church Hall** in **Letchworth Garden City** . This was the **20[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 **Mr Dharshana, Mrs Harshani Weerasinghe, Daughter Stesha & Son** ig re oxa J) iy 4 **Shennon Family, Mr Sithanga Vithanage and Mrs Prashadi Family, Mr Thushan Sampath and Mrs Inoka Sandamali Family. And All the Devotees of the Buddhist Meditation Centre.** A large gathering of over 16 Venerable Monks representing Buddhist Temples in UK graced the ceremony. Over **300** **(three hundred)** devotees representing cosmopolitan member families of the centre attended. —— a The Kathina Ceremony is the highly meritorious and significantly blissful festival in the Buddhist tradition. vs My adage. |W 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 **Saturday 29[th] July (Esala) 2023** and successfully completed the three months on **Vap Full Moon Day** Which fell on **Saturday 28[th] October 2023** . 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 **Sunday 26[th] November 2023** . 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 Tawalama Bandula Thero** (Deputy Head Monk of London Buddhist Vihara), **Most Venerable Makure Mangala Nayaka Maha Thero** (Head Monk of East London Lumbini Buddhist Vihara and Chief Prelate of Judiciary in UK), **Most Venerable Kamburawala Sri Rewatha Nayaka Maha Thero** (Head Monk of Scotland Buddhist Vihara and Chief Prelate of UK), **Most Venerable Gunnapane Sumanarama Maha Thero** (Head Monk of Edmonton Samadhi Meditation Centre), **Most Venerable Mathugama Palitha Maha Thero** (Head Monk of Cambridge Buddhist Centre), **Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Maha Thero** (Deputy Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara), **Venerable Kohukumbure Siridhamma Thero** (Head Monk of Thames Buddhist Vihara Croydon), **Most Venerable Galtamwatta Punnananda Maha Thero** (Head Monk of Dematamal Vihara, Buttala Sri Lanka), **Most Venerable Bowala Rakkhitha Maha Thero** (From USA), **Most Venerable Nagala Upananda Maha Thero** (London Buddhist Vihara), **Most Venerable Delgoda Gnanasumana Maha Thero** (Head Monk of Gnanagaveshi Meditation Centre, Gonahena, Kadawatha, Sri Lanka.), **Most Venerable Galayaye Dhammadassi Maha Thero** (Deputy Head Monk of Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara), **Most Venerable Munwatte Mangala Maha Thero** (Thames Buddhist Vihara Croydon) & **Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Maha Thero** (Principal of Sri Rathanasara Pirivena College and resident monk of Dutugemunu Vihara Baddegama Galle). el SS SS a ir **Most Venerable Dr Handupelpola Mahinda Maha Thero** administered the five precepts to mark the beginning of the ceremony. **Venerable Kohukumbure Siridhamma Thero** conducted the Sath Budu we = . Vandanava and Buddha Pooja. **Most Venerable Makure Mangala Nayaka Maha Thero** conducted the Kathina Dana and Kapruka (wish fulfilling tree). **Most Venerable Tawalama Bandula Maha Thero** conducted Kathina Robe offering. **Most Venerable Kamburawala Sri Rewatha Nayaka Maha Thero** delivered a Dhamma Talk in English 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 with his skills in Psychotherapy and Counselling. The Sinhala Dhamma Sermon was given by **Most Venerable Gunnepana Sumanarama Maha Thero** explaining the significances of the day and commended the importance of mental health services rendered by Venerable Akurala Samitha and Dhamma Nikethanaya Centre. **Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Maha Thero** conducted the punnanumodana (sharing of merits) and special appreciations were given to Miss Padma Wijeratne and shared merits with her parents and blessing with her family for her dedication for the Dhamma School and upkeep of the centre. **Master Nisaja Dissanayaka and the children of Dhamma School** sang beautifully songs that brought extra delight to the ceremony with their skills and talents. **Venerable Akurala Samitha** thanked everyone who supported to make this year ceremony a great success. The Ceremony arrangements and temple decorations were not possible without the earnest support of **Padma Wijeratne, Glenn, Emma, Aloka, Chaminda, Suresha, Dishna, Sithanga, Sadun, Rasika, Wipuli, Indika, Chamari, Nadee, Sunethra, Godfry, Dharshana, Harsha and Asoka.** Venerable Akurala Samitha especially thanked Miss Padma Wijeratna for her selfless dedication and giving access to anyone come to meet their needs around the clock and also shared heartfelt gratitude and blessings with all those who supported to many ways. **Venerable Akurala Samitha shared the blessings with those who offered Atapirikara, Robes, Monks’ gift items and other donations.** Their support greatly counted for the blessings for wellbeing and for the success of the ceremony. **Special thanks** were invoked upon By the Head Monks Most Venerable Akurala Samitha to **Hertfordshire Police Safer Neighbourhood Team** he *T xt Letchworth and Boldock **Sgt Lisa Perks and Inspector James Lant** and all **the officers** who gave enormous courage and support to make the Kathina Procession proceed through town making blessings to the community. 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** **28[th] October 2023** and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it. **London Kingsbury Temple** hosted their **Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 29[th] October 2023** and Venerable Akurala Samitha attended representing the centre. **Stroke-On-Trent Buddhist Vihara Kathina Ceremony** was held on **Saturday 04[th] November 2023** . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended the ceremony. **London Buddhist Vihara Chiswick** hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on **Sunday 05[th] November 2023** and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable al Pic. - = Dh ie <4 messerre Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it. Venerable Akurala Samitha did a guided meditation for the community. **East London Lumbini Vihara** hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on **Sunday 12[th]** **November 2023** and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it. **Leicester Dharmasoka Vihara** Annual Kathina Ceremony was held on **Sunday 18[th]** irseTyeefi—etee aae| **November 2023** Piyananda Thero attended the ceremony. . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala **Thames Buddhist Vihara Croydon** hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on **Sunday 19[th]** . ae E (pea 4 , ’ **November 2023** and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it. Venerable Akurala Samitha gave a talk on significances of Kathina. **Cambridge Buddhist Vihara** hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on **Saturday 25[th]** **November 2023** . Venerable Aurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended. Venerable Akurala Samitha gave a talk. **London Mindfulness Meditation Centre** hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sen Qooem **Saturday 25** Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero **[[th]] November 2023.** Venerable Aurala attended. Venerable Akurala Samitha gave a talk. **Saturday 25[[th]] November 2023.** Venerable Aurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero **Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara** hosted the Annual Kathina Ceremony on **Sunday 26[th]** **November 2023** and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to it. **Milton Keynes Vihara Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 29[th] October 2023:** MT | — &3 bi + : Under the patronage of **Venerable Akurala Samitha, Milton Keynes Vihara Community** celebrated their **annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 29[th] October 2023** . This was their **05[th] consecutive ceremony held** at **Summerlin Centre** , Woburn Sands. Over 300 (three hundred) devotees attended the ceremony. 16 (Sixteen) most venerable monks representing all the temples in the United Kingdom attended to grace the ceremony. **Mr Rasanga & Mrs Anjali Amarasena and Family, Mr Danushka & Mrs Nilochani Thrikawala and Family., Mr Asiri & Mrs Himalka Jayawickrema and Family., Mr Kapila & Mrs Chathurika Warnakulasooriya and Family., Mr Srilak & Mrs Nadee Wicramarathna and Family and All Devotees of the Vihara** sponsored the Annual Kathina Pinkama with the advice of Venerable Akurala Samitha. **Most Venerable Dediyawela Wimala Maha** | i y f ; DT ae” **Thero** , (Head Monk of Letchworth Buddhist Vihara), **Most Venerable Tawalama Bandula** é A” eS **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 **25[th] February 2024** . **Mrs Rukmani Shillam celebrated her 92[nd] Birthday on 30[th] January 2024:** Venerable ~ Akurala Samitha and Venerable Gunnapana Sumanarama Thero attended. ci Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted a meditation and gave talk. **Dr Thura Limbin celebrated his birthday on 20[th] February 2024:** He is long standing rhe member at the centre. He conducts teaching meditation and Buddhism sessions at the centre. Our community is very grateful for his contributions. **Mrs Niranjala Perera celebrated her 81[st] Birthday** with special dhamma dana Saturday oe i } Evening programme on 02[nd] March **2024** . **Mr Brixcious Anthony Hettiarachchi celebrated his 53[rd] Birthday on 12[th] March 2024** . He is one of the main and dedicated supporters of the centre. A special | mn. + oon r pooja was held with the friends and family on 12[th] March 2024 at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre. **Mrs Brigitta Monore celebrated her Birthday on 17[th] March 2024** . A special pooja was held at the centre and appreciated her support to the centre. ## **Venerable Akurala Samitha’s 52[nd] Birthday - 25[th] March 2024:** Centre community took the privilege eyesGesRO ny POz “ASEe. «zaee 7aS eR.)) BY yD~ to pay tribute to the 7s Ss Gare... v =) Bee outstanding work of **Venerable Akurala Samitha on his 52[nd] birthday** by Ae oN organizing **a special dana** (food offering to monks) **ceremony** and **guest speakers talks and Bodhi pooja blessings** on **24[th] March 2024** . **Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne** organized the event. A large gathering of Children of the Dhamma School gave tribute presentations. A few Members of the community 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** , **Mr Sasanka Mendis, Mr Dharshan Jayaratne, Mrs Sunethra De Silva** , **Mrs Nikki** : Ls, gl. = | J anr 2 =)ag lesGo = ~ee **Butler** , **Mrs Emma Davilar** , **Mrs Alicija Rathnayaka, 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. **Mr Sasanka Mendis, Mrs Dilini Kehelkotuwa** and **Mrs Gayathri Weerawansa** also coordinate the projects. 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 and other 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. **Baby Funeral Service Harwood Park on 26[th] April 2023:** Venerable Akurala Samitha and ‘ost i 1 A — — Miss Padma Wijeratne attended an interfaith religious service done Lister Hospital Chaplaincy team to remember the babies lost during the last 12 months. **Felicitation to Imam Rizwan Rawat on 23[rd] August 2023: Lister Hospital Chaplaincy** m4 = Cs <3 BS **Team** held a special felicitation to appreciate the work done by Imam Rizwan to the interfaith activies. He was leaving the team and we all paid our gratitude. Meeting was held at Lartista at Letchworth Garden City. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the occation. **Annual Baby Memorial Event was held on Sunday 15[th] October 2023** at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street. This was organized with East and North Herts Trust ~ Ae, eS Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team and North Herts Sands. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the event and offered a service. ## **Remembrance Day Interfaith Prayers: 11[th] November 2023** 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. **Spirituality and Distress USA Webbina on 21[st] November 2023:** Venerable Akurala Samitha and Padmalatha Wijeratna joined the webina organized by the national interfaith groups in UK. **Interfaith Week Celebration on 19[th] November 2023:** Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padmalatha Wijeratna attended a special event of interfaith members to celebrate the interfaith week. This was held at Lister Hospital Chapel on 19[th] November 2023. **Lister Hospital Christmas Carols on 13[th] December 2023:** A special carol and devotional lea ae Oe =, ve , songs session was held at Lister Hospital. A large number ‘ i of staff of the hospital attended. Miss Padmalatha Wijeratna attended the singing. ## **Stevenage Mayor’s Civic Service 2024 held at Council Chamber at Stevenage Borough** **Council on 03[rd] March 2024:** Mayor’s Civic Service 2024 led by Fr Michael Doherty, Parish Priest, with the theme on Faith, Intergration and Togetherness for the community. It was the newly appointed Mayor’s wishes to celebrate our diversity and harmony. There were reflections by the Mayor Cllr Myla Arceno, Mary Porter (Humanist Chaplain at the East & North Herts NHS Trust, Lister Hospital Stevenage), Council Leader Richard Henry, an Imam from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK, and Bhante Akurala Samitha (Buddhist Monk at the Trust) and Miss Padma Wijeratne (Honarary Buddhist Chaplain). Pupils from the Marriotts School Choir gave a performance. Miss Padmalatha Wijeratna also did a guided meditation. The event was supported by many neighbouring Mayors and Chairs, and both the Labour and the Conservative Prospective Parliament Candidates. ## **Inter-faith meeting and prayers by the chaplaincy group at Lister Hospital on 13[th] December 2023** Miss Padma Wijeratne and Venerable Akurala Samitha have been attending various kinds of interfaith activities locally and nationally. They 1 nak Rn 3 host weekly meditation programmes and support important occations aire oh) fs . 5; with Buddhist blessings, meditation and chanting. Final meeting for 2023 was held at Lister Hospital Chapel to review the work and plan for the future. ## **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. **Ms Mary Barr Stewart Moncaster** was 93 years old good friend of the centre. She was at **Osbourne Court Care Home** end of life situation. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padmalatha Wijeratna visited her regularly and supported her spiritually and emotionally. **On 20[th] June 2023** Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padmalatha Wijeratna did a special blessing at the care home. **Mrs Ramya Wijewardana and Mr Darshana Mohandiramge and family** hosted a blessings chanting ceremony to mark the end of year and invited the devotees in Watford area **on 31[st] December 2023.** Monks attended the evening chanting blessings Ceremony. **Mr Harshaka Kanangara and Mrs Madhu Jayathilaka organized a dhamma talk session in London on 17[th] May 2023:** This was held at Kingsbury Temple in London. They invited all friends and families in London area for this session. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended and gave a Dhamma Talk. **Dhamma and Meditation Session at Stoke On Trent on 10[th] June 2023:** Mr Rathnasiri and Mrs Nadeera Kariyawasam organized a special Dhamma talk and Meditation session for the benefit of community in Stoke on Trent. brass coats Over 150 people participated. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the session. **Special Programme in Chesham on 04[th] November 2023:** Mr Vishal Dhoke and Mrs Shruti Kamble organized a special blessings programme with a Dhamma Talk at their residence with the participation of large number of Indian communities. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Dammala Piyananda Thero attended and conducted the session. **Special Programme in London Southgate on 17[th] December 2023:** Dr Tamara Wijeweera and Mr Gunawardana organized a special session with a Dhamma Talk and Q&A session at their residence to benefit for the young children. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda conducted the programme. **A Special Programme** was held by **Mrs Niranjala Dissanayaka** on **07[th] February 2024** at her house in Braintree in Essex with the participation of family and friends. Venerable Akurala Samitha and resident monks attended and delivered a dhamma talk. **07[th] Day Dana** in Memory of **Mother Mrs Reslin Pathirage** was done by Mr Lasantha on **11[th] March 2024** at Milton Keynes Vihara. **On 18[th] February 2024: Mrs Cheryl Green:** Venerable Akurala Samitha, Miss Padma Wijeratna and Mr Sasanka Mendis visited Mrs Cheryl Green’s house to has appreciate her contribution to the charity by being a long standing friend of Sri Lanka, member of the centre and also hosting the meditation sessins in Bedford. ## **Year End Blessings: Christmas Blessings programme on 24[th] December** **2023:** 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. Dr Mallika Samaraweera, Mrs Dilini Kuruppu and Miss Padma Wijeratne sponsored the evening pooja. **Special programme in Luton & Dustable on 28[th] December 2023:** Mrs Menaka Tam. , Karunarathna and Mr Sanjaya Jayasinghe organized a special blessings programme with the participation of interested communities in Luton and Dunstable. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the session with the other monks of the centre. **Mr Sanjaya and Mrs Madhu** hosted their annual dhamma and dana programme at their residence at **Hatfield** on **06[th] January 2024** . Large number of friends and members of the community participated the programme. Seven monks 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. **Master Chetha Vimath at Milton Keynes Hospital on 05[th] March 2024:** Venerable Akurala Samitha visited Master Chetha as he had an injury while doing his sports and underwent an operation. Venerable Akurala Samitha did some blessings at hospital and also visited home when he was discharged. As he was preparing for the GCSE, it was a big relief to him and his family. ## **2024 Happy New Year Blessings: A Special Atavisi Buddha Pooja to welcome the New Year was held on 1[st] January 2024** Nike: ry 4 ah The Community of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya organised Atavisi Buddha Pooja Special Blessings ceremony on **Monday 01[st] January 2024** to share the blessings with all on the dawn of the **New Year 2024** . All members and devotees attended both online and onsite. The blessings programmes were sponsored by all the members. Special sponsorships were , i y Pr ) extended by **Mr Ninantha Muthukumarana, Mrs Jeevanthi, Mr Nilanka Hapugoda, Mrs Lakshika Weerakkodi, Mr Nishendra Dissanayaka, Miss Padma Wijeratne and Mr Prasad Jayasinghe.** A large number of devotees gathered at the centre to **start the New Year 2024 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 New Year Celebration Blessings on 01[st] January 2024:** A large number of people attended the special blessings programme to welcome the New Year in Milton Keynes. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero conducted the blessings ceremony. **Bracknell New Year Day Celebration 01[st] January 2024:** Community in Bracknell gathered at Bullbrook Community centre to get the blessings for New vio RLU ET ITS Ne eggs Year. Samitha Sri Dhamma School also organized annual price giving for the students who did their exams. Large number of devotees in Bracknell joined the session. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended to do the session. **Venerable Akurala Samitha’s Father’s (05-05-1929 | 27-01-2022) Second** ioe i - hi - **Death Anniversary was on 27[[th]] January 2024:** a U5 hK. **Venerable Akurala Samitha’s Mother’s (20-02-** f E' bee : 1) Peig + =| **1936 | 02-03-2016) 08[[th]] Year Death Anniversary was on 02[nd] March 2024** **Death Anniversary was on 27[[th]] January 2024: Venerable Akurala Samitha’s Mother’s (20-021936 | 02-03-2016) 08[[th]] Year Death** Special Dana ceremony was held in Sri Lanka to mark the **2[nd] Year of passing** of the beloved father of Venerable Akurala Samitha on **27[th] January 2024** . **Venerable Akurala Samitha’s mother’s 08[th] Year Remembrance** also held on **02[nd] March 2024** . Food and other necessities were donated to local temples and 50 dry food parcels were distributed in the village in Akurala. Venerable Akurala Samitha also held a remembrance ceremony in **the United Kingdom at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya** on **27[th] January 2024** and **02[nd] March 2024** to transfer merits to parents. **27[th] January 2024 and 02[nd] March 2024** , A special Dana Ceremony and chanting was held in **Sri Lanka and UK** in memory of parents of Venerable Akurala Samitha to mark the **02[nd] Year Remembrance** **Anniversary** of beloved father **Mr. Siripala De Silva** and **08[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 r »& PA) 2 WA rig) 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 **02[nd] Death Anniversary** on **Sunday 16[th] July 2023** . ## **Mr Frederick Charles Day (26-07-1935 and 15-10-2021): Mr Frederick Day’s Internment on 09[th] June 2023:** **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 **Friday 09[th] June 2023** for **his internment** at **Wilbury Hills Cemetery** and at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre to rest his ashes and mark his **02[nd] 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! **Most Venerable Aggamahapanditha Galayaye Piyadassi** (28th June 1947 - 19th 52 eee | December 2022) Adhikarana Sanghanayaka (Chief Prelate of Judiciary) m4 acv} i p ee a Maha Thero MBE. Head monk of Sri Saddhathissa International Buddhist Centre, Kingsbury Temple and the Director of The World Buddhist Foundation. **First Anniversary of Remembrance Merits sharing** took place at Kingsbury temple on **17[th] December 2023** with whole night chanting and dana ceremony. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the ceremony. He is the founder patron of our Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre. 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!** ## **Full Moon Day and Monthly Retreat Sessions:** **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 08[th] April 2023** . Mr Nishantha and Mrs Anandi and friends in High Wycombe area sponsored it. 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 28[th] October 2023** , Our centre celebrated the October full moon poya day with chanting blessings. **Mrs Chathurika Nanayakka** and **Mr Ranil Adhikari** and family sponsored the programme. Evening pooja was sponsored by **Mr Godfry De Silva** and **Mrs Sunethra** and family and friends. **November (ILL) Full Moon Poya Day** was held on **Saturday 25[th] November 2023** at the centre. **Mrs Asha Karunathilaka** and **Mr Priyantha Herath** sponsored the day programme. Evening Pooja was sponsored by **Mr Nirosh Patel** , **Mr Nuwan Ferdinando** and friends of Ananda Colleage old boys association. **Uduvap (December) Full Moon Poya** was on **Saturday 23[rd] December 2023** . Centre organized a year end merits sharing pooja. **Mr Ranil Adhikari** and **Mrs Chathurika Nanayakkara** sponsored the day programme. **Duruth (January) Full Moon Poya Day: Saturday 20[th] January 2024:** 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 20[th] January 2024** to mark the Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day. A large number of devotees joined online and onsite to the programme. a[ Mee,wide **Mr Kanchana Wickremaratne** and **Mrs Shamain Rajapakse** sponsored the day programme. **Mr Godfry De Silva** and **Mrs Sunethra** sponsored the morning programme. **Navam (February) Full Moon Poya Day** was held on **Saturday 24[th] February 2024** . This rte } was sponsored by **Miss Padma Wijeratne and Family** ; to mark } i> + the 61[st] Birthday and transfer merits to parents. **Madin (March) Full Moon Poya Day** was held on **Saturday 23[rd] March 2024** . This ~~ es ’ —— programme was sponsored by **Miss Chamari Jayasinghe** and =e* Les karoge. 3). Jt 3. at\ family to share blessings wishing Venerable Akurala Samitha and a 2 ¥m | a Epee : ra : all at the temple on his birthday. ## **School Children Visit to The Buddhist Centre for 2023/2024:** **On 16[th] May 2023** , **The Children of Woolgrove School, Letchworth** visited the centre and one hour session was held with Miss Padma Wijeratne and Venerable Akurala Samitha. 4 adults and 10 children with special educational needs were atteneded. They learnt about culture and meditation. **Mrs Sharon Streater** organized the visit. **On 07[th] July 2023** , another group of children from **Woolgrove School with special educational needs academy at Pryor Way** , Letchworth Garden City visited the Buddhist Centre. A group of 18 children and 9 staff members attended. **Mrs Sharon Streater** organized it and Ven Samitha and Venerable Piyananda conducted the session with meditation, Buddhist Stories and explain what centre does. **On Thursday 16[th] November 2023, St Christopher School at Letchworth Garden City** , visited the centre. 26 children of year 5 and 4 adults were in the group. **Ms Claire Plain** , Junior School E Group Teacher & Science Coordinator organized it. Miss Padma Wijeratna and Venerable Akurala Samitha did a presentation on Buddhism, Culture, Community and Meditation. **On Wednesday 13[th] March 2024, Lady Zia Wernher Leagrave (LZWL) School, Luton** . Venerable Akurala Samitha visited school in Leagrave, Luton and did talk on Meditation and gave a guided meditation session to the staff. 30 staff members attended and Mrs Mithila 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, Garden House Hospice and White House Care Home** regularly. ## **Training & Higher Education Programmes for Members of the Organization:** Our volunteers and chaplains attended **Basic Safeguarding** training and health and safty training. ## **Sri Lankan Independent Day was celebrated on Saturday 04[th] February 2024:** Sri Lankan National Day is on **04[th] February** . Centre community celebrated the **Sri Lankan Independence Day** on **Saturday 03[rd] February 2024** and commemorated the **76[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. **Dr Chaminda Prasad Silva and Mrs Chamila Samarakoon** and family sponsored the day programme. **Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisation in London Harrow** organized a Special cultural event to celebrate the **76[th] Independeence Day** of Sri Lanka on **02[nd] February 2024** . Sri Lankan High Commissioner to London **His Excellancy Mr Rohitha Bogollagama** , **Most Venerable Thiniyawala Palitha Thero** and few distinguish guests were attended. Venerable Akurala Samitha, Mr Sasanka Mendis and Miss Padma Wijeratna attended representing the centre. Venerable Akurala Samitha gave a talk on Independence Day and Sri Lankan Heritage. ## **- New Round up 2023 2024:** Venerable Akurala Samitha attended few events, extending Our Services and Valuable Contributions of Venerable Akurala Samitha to other temples and organizations in UK. - **On 10[th] April 2023 Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda Japanese Temple and their** “ **Community** Venerable Akurala Samitha attended and gave a talk. celebrated the **flower festival (Vesak Buddha Day).** - **On 19[th] April 2023: Never Forget Tibet: The Dalai Lama’s Untold Story:** Film was screened at The Broadway Cinema, Letchworth on 19[th] April 2023. It was screened nationwide across the UK. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended with a number of devotees from the community. - **On 22[nd] April 2023 A Special Dana Merits Transfer Ceremony** was held at **London Buddhist Vihara** . This was held in memory of **Most Venerable Bogoda Seelavimala Thero’s sister** who passed away three months ago in Sri Lanka. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended. - **On 24[th] April 2023, Most Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero** made a **visit to Sri Lanka** to do some charity activities. - **On 06[th] May 2023, King’s Coronation Celebrations at Milton Keynes:** Milton Niiey Keynes Vihara celebrated King Charles Coronation ceremony at Milton Keynes Village Hall. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss - . C4 [Me Padma Wijeratna participated the event representing the centre. - **07[th] May 2023 Milton Keynes Vihara celebrated Vesak Buddha Day** and Venerable Monks at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya conducted the programme. A large number of devotees attended. - **On 13[th] May 2023, GCSE Exam blessings.** Venerable Akurala Samitha organized a special Blessings programme for the children who are going to sit for the GCSE exam. - **21[st] May 2023: Miss Hansini Mallikarachchi and Mr Stanislav Natzmudinov** ¥ ie? Abi engaged as a couple after offering Dana (food) the monks. Venerable monks blessed the couple. - **On 22[nd] May 2023: Watford Sri Lankan New Year Celebration.** Watford community - organized their Sri Lankan New Year Festival and Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padmalatha Wijeratna joined representing the centre. - **On 30[th] May 2023 Bracknell Community celebrated Vesak Sambuddha Day Festival** on 30[th] April 2023 at Bullbrook Community Centre. Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the - ceremony. - **On 14[th] June 2023: Most Venerable Ananda Mangala Thero at Royal Free Hospital.** Venerable Akurala Samitha, Venerable Dammala - at Piyananda and Miss Padma Wijeratna visited the hospital to see Venerable Ananda Mangala Thero and did some chanting of - blessings for get well soon. - **On 21[st] June 2023: Miss Padma Wijeratna went to Sri Lanka** to do some charity work. - **On 18[th] June 2023 Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda 43[rd] Anniversary Celebration:** Venerable Akurala Samitha attended and gave a talk. Children - ~ \ NE oe - aaa a MA of the centre gave some presentation and sang few devotional songs. - **On 01[st] July 2023: Felicitation Ceremony of Receiving Credentials as Chief Prelate of England to Most Venerable Pethigamuwe Hemaratana Thero** , head monk of Redbridge Buddhist Cultural Centre in East London. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended representing the centre to the ceremony held at Woodbridge High School Auditorium, Essex. - **On 04[th] July 2023: Most Venerable Udakarave Wimalajothi thero** visited from Sri Lanka. He gave a dhamma talk to our community. - **On 14[th] July 2023: Visit to British Meseum in London:** Professor Arosha Bandara, Son Kanthika Bandara, Venerable Dammala Piyananda and Venerable Akurala Samitha visited the - Wg. British Meseum in London as an educational trip. - **On 15[th] July 2023: Felicitation Ceremony of Receiving Credentials as Chief** sleessyRo Sty = **Prelate of Judiciary in Great Britain to Most Makure Mangala Thero** , head monk of East London Lumbini Vihara in East London. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda attended the ceremony - is and also the whole night chanting ceremony. Venerable Akurala Samitha gave a talk and also gave a congratulation letter to the souvenir. - **On 22[nd] July 2023 Thames Buddhist Vihara 42[nd] Anniversary:** Venerable Akurala ee I a Samitha attended with Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero to the £ By ] mF whole night pirith chanting and following day dana ceremony. - **On 23[rd] July 2023 Manchester Kethumathi Vihara:** Venerable Akurala Samitha visited Manchester Kethumathi Vihara to meet Head Monk Most - st ie i Venerable Pidiyaville Piyathissa to discuss matters about Sri Lankan Monks council. - **On 23[rd] July 2023: Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero Chief Prelate of Great Britain and Most Venerable Makure Mangala Thero Chief Prelate of Judiciary in UK** visited Venerable Akurala Samitha at Milton Keynes Vihara to discuss matter regarding the Monks Council in - UK. Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero also attended. - **On 24[th] July 2023 Dr Kamal Witharana Dana Ceremony at Letchworth Buddhist Vihara:** Dr Kamal & Mrs Samanmali Witharana hosted a - a: a +3 ga> : ait |eehe poids* special dana ceremony in memory of parents. Venerable P : : Akurala Samitha attended with Venerable Dammala Piyananda - Thero and gave a Dhamma Talk. - **On 24[th] July 2023 Buckingham Blessings Ceremony.** Mr Mihira and Mrs Madhavi a". De Silva came from Ireland and hosted a blessing ceremony with the friends and family in Buckingham. Venerable Monks attended to conduct - the ceremony. - **06th August 2023 Hiroshima Day Lanterns 78[th] Remembrance:** Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda e, oy ee LS Thero attended annual **Hiroshima Day Ceremony** bf sarees **and floating of candle-lit Laterns of Willen Lake** , organized by Nipponzan Myohoji Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda Buddhist Temple, Willen Lake Milton Keynes. Mr David Rennie, Mrs Astrid Ubas, Rev Akurala Samitha, Rev. Paul Smith, Imam Fazle Khundkar, Mrs Lynda Gilbert, Nagase Shonin sama, Mrs Debbie Brock DL High Sheriff of Bucks, Councillor Amanda Marlow, Mayor of Milton Keynes, Jake Lomax (young practitioner), Tony Kempster (sing) delivered speeches. 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. - **On 17[th] August 2023, Visit to Woolsthrorpe Manor, Grantham, the place where Isaac Newton change the world.** An - 0 é ad — 1 = . educational trip was organized by monks to learn history and science. - **20[th] August 2023 Late Reverend Handa Shoni’s 17[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. - **On 22[nd] August 2023 Visit to Cardiff Wales:** A large number of Sri Lankan students \, ae \ptoey arrived in Cardiff to study. Venerable Samitha visited them to oe ee | support with the sipiritual needs. - **27[th] August 2023: Car Boot Sale for Charity Fun Raise:** Members of the community pm 4 occationally host different fund raising events to raise funds for the - 2 ee charity. Monks and Volunteers raised some funds by attending a car boot sale. - **On 31[st] August 2023: Onam Festival:** Onam is an annual harvest and Hindu cultural I —= ~ Teyas et7 aea 7 ore a festival celebrated mostly by the people of Kerala and is traditionally associated with the - legend of the benevolent Asura King Mahabali, who once ruled Kerala, returning each year to visit his people. A group of Kerala community held a special celebration at Lister Hospital with the participation of interfaith members. Venerable Akurala Samitha attended. - **On 16[th] & 17[th] September 2023: Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara Opening Ceremony and 70[th] Birthday of Most Venerable Dr** **Witharandeniye Kassapa Thero:** Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the ceremony and gave a talk.  **17[th] September 2023 London Vihara 159th Birthday Day of Anagarika Dharmapala The Founder of London Buddhist Vihara** ~~ Gy be mt eI **& 97th Anniversary of The London Buddhist Vihara Celebrated Sunday 17th September 2023** . A Memorial lecture, and paritta chanting was held at the Vihara on Sunday 17th September 2023. 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** . 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.  **On 21[st] September 2023: Chief Prelate (Sangha Nayaka) of England, Most Venerable Pidiville Piyathissa Nayaka Thero Visit:** yy Rd} A rae . The patron of Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha Most Ma S = | | st - | Venerable Pidiville Piyathissa, Head Monk of Manchester Kethumathi Vihara visited to discuss the progress of the community of monks. The meeting was hosted at the residence of Dr Shantha Godagama and Mrs Ranji’s house. **Monks also visited Dr Nanda De Silva who was in the hospital.** Dr Nanda De Silva is long standing supporter of the centre. - **On 30[th] September 2023: A Speicial Dhamma Talk to Children and Adult at Stoke on Trent Buddhist Vihara:** Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the Binara (September) full Moon Poya Day celebration at Stoke On Trent Buddhist Vihara and delivered a Dhamma Talk. - **On 07[th] October 2023: A Special Dhamma Talk by Most Venerable Delgoda Gnanasumana Maha Thera,** Head Monk of - | iN Gnanagaveshi Meditation Centre, Gonahena, - > Kadawatha, Sri Lanka, held at Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya. **Mr Godfry De Silva** , **Mr Rasika Jayawardana** and **Miss Hansini Mallikarachchi** and **Mr Stanislav Natzmudinov** and family and also community sponsored the dhamma talk. - **On 08[th] October 2023 Miss Padma Wijeratna** hosted a special programme at her residence. Most Venerable Akurala Samitha and - ea a 2 ee 3 Most Venerable Delgoda Gnanasumana Thero, - Head Monk of Gnanagaveshi Meditation Centre, Kadawatha, Gonahena Sri Lanka attended. - **On 27[th] October 2023, Halovine Celebration:** Children of the community celebrated the halovine day with different activities. Centre supported them to experience it. - **17[th] November 2023: Malaysian Community** Special Programme was held at maT Fs Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya to share blessings to all. - **On 18[th] November 2023, Festival of Light at Milton Keynes Gallary:** Mrs Jessica **e** asWen,8 + aoitaieackiy ty Memon organized this to bring different communities together and find the unity in cultures. 20 children from our centre - attended and offered signing and traditional dancing. Mrs Cheryl Green also offered laughing yoga session. Venerable Akurala Samitha also attended.  **On 11[th] November 2023 offering Gift Parcels and Donation Items to 30 local** i aaa - ee **temples and community centres:** Mrs Himali Reid, eer aoe. | Re rgere Pere pe raps Mr Asitha Wijethunga and Mrs Lasanthika : ge ‘\ his epee NS Eo ora Las bead Tees Chithrapathra sponsored 30 parcels of special food items and toiletries to be distributed to local Buddhist community centre in UK to mark the end of rains retreat season. - **On 10[th] December 2023: Manchester Kethumathi Vihara Head Monk Most Venerable Pidiville Piyathissa Felicitation ceremony.** Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda Thero attended to the felicitation ceremony to - a& oe tae mark the award of Chief Prelate to England to Most ty ’ ms,: Venerable Pidiville Piyathissa Maha Thero.  **On 25[th] December 2023: Christmas Decorations:** Children of the community join the AE on 7 Ak activites to make Christmas decorations. Mr Ashitha Wijethunga and Mrs Lasanthika Chithrapathra organized and sponsored the blessings sharing lunch dana on Christmas day for the monks and community. - **On 06[th] January 2024: Redbridge Buddhist Vihara in London Annual Pirith Chanting Ceremony:** Venerable Akurala Samitha attended whole night chanting. - **On 07[th] January 2024: Mr Thejana and Mrs Pesala Nawarathna and family** hosted = 21a a?a a dana and blessings programme at their home. **Head Monk of Scotland Buddhist Vihara, Most Venerable** - **Kamburawala Rewatha Thero** also attended with resident monks of the Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre. - **On 20[th] January 2024: Mr Chathura Vidyaratna and Mrs Menaka** hosted a dana - ceremony at their home in London. Venerable Akurala Samitha gave a dhamma talk for the children.  **On 16[th] February 2024: Book Launch by Dr Laura Woodward: Mental Wellbeing** eoaeal wson« ig 4 ¥ **and Positive Psychology** oo 8 **for Veterinary Professionals: A Preemptive, Proactive and** bi = i : >a **Solution-based Approach. Mental wellbeing and Positive Psychology for Veterinary Professionals.** Dr Laura Woodward published her new book and presented the book to her Father, Children & Bhante Samitha Akurala. Dr Laura states in the book dedication: " _To Bhante Samitha, who introduced me to mindfulness and meditation, who taught me with compassion and wisdom, and who shares laughter and joy with me at every available opportunity."_ Dr Laura Woodward, MVB; CertVR; CertSAS; Dip Couns; MRCVS is the Founder of a counselling and mindfulness practice for veterinary professionals based in the United Kingdom. She is also a surgical veterinarian at the Hampstead Village Vet Hospital in London. ## **Obituaries:** - **27[th] March 2023: Dr. Nihal Elapatha (08/12/1949 – 27/03/2023):** Long standing good friend of Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre and regular participant of our meditation weekly ) . sessions passed away with a short term health condition. Venerable Monks from our centre conducted funeral service on **12[th] May 2023** at **Vinters Park Crematorium** and did some blessings for the burial at **Maidstone Cemetery** . - **21[st] April 2023: Mr Paul Bodhipala Bohitige** (25th October 1937 - 26th March 2023). q “ Venerable monks conducted funeral on **21[st] April 2023** at West - eebes Herts Crematorium, Watford. Special remembrance dana was - held at the Buddhist Centre. - **04[th] May 2023: Rev Canon Jane Halton:** is long standing Chaplain at East and North Herts NHS Trust Lister Hospital. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratne worked very closely with her on interfaith activities. Venerable Monks attended the funeral service on 04[th] May 2023. - **11[th] June 2023: Mrs. Kalyani Princey Perera: (12[th] April 1926 – 16[th] June 2022)** A Service was held for interment (resting the ashes) at Amarawathi Monastery Hemel Hempstead. Venerable Monks attended. - **05[th] July 2023: Mr Roshan Kankanamge (05-07-2023 - 1970)** passed away at his residence on 05th July 2023 and funeral took place on **17th July** at **Befordshire Crematorium** . Venerable Akurala Samihta and resident monks conducted the ceremony. - **05[th] July 2023: Mrs Navamalee Ranatunga (07[th] February – 05[th] July 2023)** passed away on 05[th] July 2023. Beloved wife of constultant psychiatric **Dr M** - **B Ranathuna** and mother of Mr Arjuna. She is a long standing member of our centre. Venerable Akurala Samitha did the **07[th] Day Dhamma Talk** on **10[th] July 2023** . Large number of friends participated online and at home. Resident Monks participated and our temple community participated for the dana on **11[th] July 2023** . Funeral took place at Manchester on **23[rd] July 2023** . Venerable Akurala Samitha participated with other monks in UK. - **05[th] July 2023: Ms Mary Barr Stewart Moncaster (17[th] March 1930 – 05[th] July** kame **2023** ) passed away at the age of 93 years old. Monks and devotees Wa regularly visited her at nursing home and spiritually supported her. Family deeply appreciated those contributions from monks and temple. She was at **Providence Court Quantumcare Boldock.** Funeral took - place at **North Hertfordshire Memorial Park and Crematorium** , Holwel in Hitchin on **21st July 2023** and Venerable Akurala Samitha did a short blessing. **Ms Naomi Gruzeller** , independent celebrant conducted the funeral. - **11[th] August 2023: Mrs Nishanthi Udayakumar (25[th] December 1968 – 11[th] August 2023):** passed away and funeral took place at Golders Green Crematorium in London on 20[th] August 2023. Venerable Akurala Samitha and Venerable Dammala Piyananda attended and conducted the funeral service.  **01[st] September 2023: Denis Thomas Sampson (30th July 1935 – 01[st] September 2023)** passed away. He was a long standing member of the centre. He attended all our meditation session in 2016 and ever since help a lot of temple works. He also visited Sri Lanka two times in 2017 and 2018 with Venerable Akurala Samitha. Funeral ecs took place in Stevange on **22[nd] September 2023** . Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padma Wijeratna conducted the funeral. - **On 14[th] October 2023: Most Venerable Medagamuwa Vijaya Maithree Anu Nayaka Maha Thero** of Sri Lanka Ramannaya Maha Nikaya and Director in Education Ministry, passed away in Sri Lanka. **Mrs Yasa Amarasinghe** sponsored Saturday pooja in remembrance to him and share merits.  **30[th] November 2023: Dr Chandrika Worrall (11[th] Janury 1974 – 30[th] November 2023): passed** away and funeral took place at **West Berkshire Crematorium** , Thatchem on **Monday 15[th] January** B Tall **2024** . Venerable Akurala Samitha and the community conducted the funeral. **Mr Nissanka Pathirathna** , **Mrs Dinesha** and **Mr Kasun Fernando** offered the dana on **15[th] January 2024** for the monks. - **29[th] December 2023: Mr G G Gnanathilaka Rajapaksha (24[th] May 1943 – 29[th]** **December 2023):** Father of Mrs Shamain passed away in Sri Lanka. Funeral took place in Sri Lanka and Daughter Shamain and family hosted a religious service with offering dana monks and dedicating mathaka vatta at the centre on **30[th] December 2023** .  **20[th] February 2024: Dr Ajith De Silva (1952 – 20[th] February 2024):** A long standing member of the centre and also the founding member of Milton Keynes Vihara passed away. 3 esti aes Funeral took place on **Monday 11[th] March 2024** at **Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes** . Venerable Akurala Samitha conducted the funeral. 07[th] Day dana was held at Milton Keynes on **26[th] February 2024** . Most Venerable Gunnapana Sumanarama, Most Venerable Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero and Venerable Sister Maruth also participated. ## **Mindfulness Meditation Programmes:** **Lister Hospital Mindfulness Meditation Programmes:** Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne and Mr Sasanka Mendis visit **Lister** hs MO **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 08[th] July 2023 on “Cause and Effect Theory:” By Dr Thura Limbin** : Medical Practitioner and long standing meditation practitioner conducted the session and share the teachings on Mindfulness Meditation and EAE Early Buddhist Teachings. ## **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 (2023-2024). Those were aE See i. Sere included from 6AM till 6PM whole day programme By | sna qe i Bi 4 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 **06[th] May 2023** , **19[th] August 2023** and **27[th] January 2024** At Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Meditation Centre. **Year End Meditation Day was held on 04[th] November 2023:** A large number of devotees attended and **Mr Prasadh Uyanwaththa, Mrs Dharshi Ginige** oo ‘ o he = **& Daughter Thenuki Uyanwaththa and family** and **Mrs Iresha Embuldeniyage, Mr Darshana Opatha Kankanamge, Son Dylan and Son Shawn and family** sponsored the day retreat programme. **On 26[th] December 2023 Mr Samual Heaps** is a long standing member of the meditation group. Venerable Akurala Samitha dedicated a Buddha Statue for his newly build shrine and meditation room. **Children’s Mindfulness Course** (Letchworth, Milton Keynes and Bracknell) Letchworth | nf y/ a B —F Session is held on every **First Saturday from 3.30PM till 5PM** . A significant number of children attended the ‘ih clio bt 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. **Lister Hospital Renal Department: End of Life in Advanced Kidney Disease Master Class: Wednesday 11[th] October 2023:** Venerable Akurala Samitha and Padma Wijeratna gave a presentation and guided meditation on Mindfulness Meditation to the students of Master Class as part of their educational programme in Advanced Kidney Disease. Purposes were to increase the knowledge and understanding of end of lie pathways, recognise patients who are dying in an acute setting and understand the nature of renal palliative care. Rev John O’Neil and Rev Michael Sijuwade aso contributed on Culture and Relgious needs. **Birmingham University, University of Wales: Mindfulness in the workplace on 01[st] November 2023:** Venerable Akurala Samitha and Miss \ vere = a — = Padmalatha Wijeratne attended to Birmingham University and delivered a paper for the undergraduate students as part of their course on Inteligence Reciliances. **Dr Sujewa Herath Course Cordinator organized** this. Students and also staff were given opportunity to learn Mindfulness Meditation and how to manage stress and anxiety. Session was well attended. **Second Year Course, Birmingham University, Mindfulness in Degree Course on 04[th]** - eel **and 07[th] February 2024:** Venerable Akurala Samitha, Miss Padma liek Wijeratna and Mr Sasanka Mendis delivered a paper at Birmingham Campus, University of Wales for the undergraduate students as part of their modul on Inteligence at work environment. **Dr Sujewa Herath Course Cordinator organized** this. ## **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: 27-04-2023 Finished: 15-06-2023 Letchworth Course II: Started: 29-06-2023 Finished: 17-08-2023 Letchworth Course III: Started: 31-08-2023 Finished: 19-10-2023 Letchworth Course IV: Started: 02-11-2023 Finished: 21-12-2023 Letchworth Course V: Started: 04-01-2024 Finished: 22-02-2024 Following are some pictures from Letchworth Adults Mindfulness Meditation Courses 20232024. **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: 26-04-2023 Finished: 14-06-2023 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course II: Started 28-06-2023 Finished 16-08-2023 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course III: Started 30-08-2023 Finished 18-10-2023 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course IV: Started 01-11-2023 Finished 20-12-2023 Letchworth Advanced Mindfulness Course V: Started 03-01-2024 Finished 21-02-2024 ## **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** since **30[th] August 2018** under Democratic and Statutory Services, Hertfordshire Registration Services. UK home office also granted the licence sponsorship on **28[th] July 2023** . ## **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 04[th] April 2023** , Venerable Akurala Samitha attended the annual general meeting of **TBSUK** . **Sri Lankan (Sangha Sabha) Monks Council in UK held on 28[th] July 2023** . Venerable Akurala Samitha ai il was selected as the secretary. This nineth meeting was held online. Tenth meeting was held at **London Buddhist Vihara Chiswick** on **30[th] August 2023** . **Eleventh Meeting** was held online on **24[th] October 2023** . **Twelth Meeting** was held at **Birmingam Maha Vihara on 16[th] January 2024** . **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 2023-2024:** 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, Bracknell, London, Leighton Buzzard 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): = £129,447.00** -  HMRC Gift Aid: £41,173.00 ## **Total income (Donations & Gift Aid): = £170,621.00** ## **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: = £163,026.00** ## Conclusion: Despite the challenges of after math of the pandemic, 2023-2024 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 2023** . **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 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. ............................................ ........................................... ………………………… Ca A Baim Chaad— Reverend Akurala Samitahsiri Miss Padmalatha Wijeratne Mr Gary Bland President Secretary Treasurer