Leeds Buddhist Vihara Trust
Trustees’ Annual Report - For the Year Ended 31 July 2025
The Leeds Buddhist Vihara Trust continued to provide religious and community services to the community through the financial year 2024/25. From organising sermons, meditation sessions and religious education classes to cultural events.
1. RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES AND CEREMONIES
Kathina Ceremony 19 October 2024
The annual Kathina Ceremony took place at the Leeds Trinity University with the attendance of a large number of devotees. This marks the end of the rainy season retreat for Buddhist monks.
Pirith Chanting sessions 1 January 2025
The Trust oganised all-day pirith (sacred verses from Buddhist scriptures) chanting for devotees. The sessions took place every hour as devotees came with their families to receive blessings from the Maha Sanga at the beginning of a new year.
– Vesak Day Celebration 24 May 2025
A major highlight of the year was the Vesak Day Celebration held at Leeds Trinity University. The event attracted a large number of participants and served as a significant spiritual gathering commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha.
Key activities included:
-
Observance of the Eight Precepts (Sil) by adults and children
-
Buddha Puja, chanting, and devotional practices
-
Dhamma sermon delivered by a visiting Buddhist monk
-
Meditation sessions and Dhamma discussions
-
Activities for children in the afternoon around Vesak
The children of Leeds Dhamma School also delivered a number of presentations around the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.
Poson Day Celebration 29 June 2025
The Trust also marked Poson Poya, commemorating the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. The event included a Dhamma sermon, Bhakthi Gee (devotional songs) sung by both adults and children as well as a dan sala (food donated by, and served to, all attendees).
2. CULTURAL EVENTS
New Year Festival 12 April 2025
The New Year Festival took place at the Woodhouse Grove School in Bradford. The morning session included a cultural show where the children of Leeds Dhamma School performed a number of songs and traditional dance items. They were joined by their dance instructors as well. The theme of the show was how the New Year is celebrated in different parts of Sri Lanka.
3. REGULAR EVENTS
Dhamma sermons and discussion sessions
The Trust organised regular, monthly Dhamma sermons where the sessions were streamed online so that devotees could watch to it in real time and if they miss it, at a later date.
Children’s Dhamma School education
The Trust continued to deliver monthly Dhamma School sessions to children in Yorkshire. The sessions are held at the Moor Allerton Sports and Social Centre in Meanwood, Leeds.
The Trust also inaugurated a Dhamma School in York on 23 June 2024. Monks from Leeds Buddhist Vihara travel to York on the last Sunday of each month for the Dhamma School sessions which are held at the St. Luke’s Parish Church in York.
The activities organised by the Trust are open to all, regardless of background, aligning with the charity’s inclusive mission.
4. GOVERNANCE
The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for strategic oversight, compliance, and safeguarding charitable objectives as well as operational matters.
The day-to-day religious and spiritual leadership is delivered by resident monks, supported by volunteers from the local community.
No trustees received remuneration during the year.
5. Financial Overview
The Trust maintained stable operations during the year through donations and community support.
Reported income for the financial year were £36,528
Reported expenditure for the financial year were £30,294
Funds are applied primarily to:
Servicing the mortgage
Religious programmes
Venue hire for major events
Educational activities
Visa expenses for the resident Monks
Maintenance of the Vihara and facilities
Trustees continue to ensure prudent financial management and sustainability.
There were no serious incidents to report during the reporting period.
This report was signed on its behalf of the Trust by:
Chanaka Mudalige
Trustee and Treasurer
Leeds Buddhist Vihara Trust
----- Start of picture text -----
Leeds Buddhist Vihara Trust
Statement of Income and Expenses
For the year ending 31st July 2025
2024/25 2023/24
Income £ £ £ £
Donations 33,664 28,418
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
2024/25 2023/24
Income £ £ £ £
Donations 33,664 28,418
Gift Aid Claim 2,864 6,806
Total Income 36,528 35,224
Expenses
Event expenses 14,295 10,056
Utilities 4,013 3,228
IT expenses 1,035 1,054
Insurance 902 912
Visa expenses - 1,669
Mortgage interest 6,778 7,261
Building expenses 423 601
Travel expenses 2,655 2,134
Other expenses 193 9
Total Expenses 30,294 26,924
Net surplus 6,233 8,300
----- End of picture text -----
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 2025 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.