Vesak Observed at the University of Oxford

The Sri Lankan Society at the University of Oxford officially observed the Vesak Full Moon Poya day on Monday the 19th of May. . A Buddhist Sermon was organised under the patronage of the Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala, Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara.

The Patron of the Society is H.E. the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Ven. Seelawimala Thera, delivering a Sermon at the University, emphasized on the significance of Wesak. The discourse also included an introduction to Buddhism and the basics of Buddhism. The sermon was well received and was followed by a Q & A session, which the audience participated enthusiastically. Many moral and spiritual dilemmas were discussed at length.

It was held amidst a large gathering, comprising of both Sri Lankans and foreign guests: including Thai, Indian and Chinese delegations. A free distribution of VCD’s containing Dharma Talks by Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda (courtesy of the Mrs. H.M. Gunasekera Trust) followed the Sermon. There was also the presentation of “pirikara” and the tying of “pirith nool.”

The Sri Lanka Society was founded in November 2007 by Arosha Gunasekera (current President) and Dilan Fernando (Secretary). Since its inception the society have achieved many “firsts”, including celebrating the Independence Day for the first time. Thus a forum to promote Sri Lanka was established.

Press Release - Sri Lanka Society, University of Oxford