Trustees’ report for the year ending 31[st] July 2020
The Trust completed another successful year, both in terms of expanding its services to the community and improving its financial position.
The monthly Dhamma sermons conducted by Buddhist monks who reside in Leeds Buddhist Vihara and Ketumati Buddhist Vihara in Manchester continued to be held with the attendance of devotees until March 2020. In addition, special Dhamma sermons were conducted by monks visiting from Sri Lanka. Monthly suthra discussions also took place at the Temple and devotees were able to observe sil on poya full moon days.
The Trust had to meet the challenge of continuing its services to the community in the face of restrictions imposed as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. Some of the key events organised by the Trust had to be cancelled to comply with Government regulations as well as ensure the safety of the community. These included the New Year Festival which was scheduled for April 2020 and the Vesak ceremony which was scheduled for May 2020.
The Trust organised a special Pirith chanting session to invoke blessings on everyone affected by the pandemic. It was broadcast live via the Leeds Buddhist Vihara Facebook page so that it was accessible to all devotees from the safety of their homes.
Following this, the Trust organised weekly Dhamma discussion sessions and online meditation sessions. Monthly Dhamma sermons were organised and these were held online too. These sessions were well attended by the devotees and were appreciated by them as it gave them an opportunity to engage with religious activities from their homes. It also fulfilled their spiritual needs in times of great distress for people across the world.
Continuing on with the online theme, the Trust continues to upload videos of the Dhamma sermons and Dhamma discussions on to its YouTube channel. This gives devotees all over the world an opportunity to listen to these sessions at their own time.
A Dhamma School for children was held monthly but this had to be moved from face-to-face teaching to online classes due to the pandemic. In addition to Buddhist lessons, the classes also include teaching children Buddhist stanzas ( gaatha) and Sinhala lessons.
The third Kathina ceremony that marks the end of the rainy season retreat took place during a period when the social distancing guidelines were relaxed with the attendance of only the two families who sponsored the event and who looked after the monks during the rainy season retreat. The session was broadcast live via Zoom.
The Trust continues to receive contributions for the New Vihara Project. The Trust is planning to purchase a property in the name of the Trust by the end of 2021.
There were no serious incidents to report during the reporting period.
Signed on behalf of Trustees
S. C. Mudalige
Trustee
09 May 2021
Leeds Buddhist Vihara Trust Statement of Asstes and Liabilities As at 31 July 2020 2019120 2018119 Assets Current assets Bank current account Bank savings account Petty cash Rent deposit 7,114 20,131 12,734 5,025 900 900 28,146 18,659 Liabil ities Current lia bilities Loan Net income b/f Transferred to Building Reserve Net income over expenses 13,659 10,000 4,487 28,146 9,130 5,000 4,529 18,659
Signed on behalf of Trustees
S. C. Mudalige
Trustee
09 May 2021
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
For the year ended 31 July 2018 the organisation is entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the organisation to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.