A High Official of Royalty Visits Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre
One of The High Official representatives of Her Majesty Queen Ellisabeth II, The High Sheriff Lord Charles Cecil Visits Venerable Akurala Samitha together with The Chairman of North Hertfordshire District Council, Councillor Mr Michael Weeks and Mrs Weeks, The Chief Executive of NHDC Mr John T Campbell and Development Officer of NHDC Mr Allen Fleck were also present.
Official Press Release:
A High Official of Royalty Visits Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre
The Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre was graced with a visit by a High Official of Royalty on Monday 04th July 2011. In appreciation for outstanding services rendered by Venerable Akurala Samitha through Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre and the Buddhist Community, The Chairman of the North Hertfordshire District Council, Councillor Mr Michael Weeks hosted this special visit to The Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre in its own premises at No: 69, Pix Road Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 1PZ UK.
One of The High Official representatives of Her Majesty Queen Ellisabeth II, The High Sheriff Lord Charles Cecil, The Chairman of North Hertfordshire District Council, Councillor Mr Michael Weeks and Mrs Weeks, The Chief Executive of NHDC Mr John T Campbell and Development Officer of NHDC Mr Allen Fleck were among the distinguished delegates.
This is the first time such a high official visit has been made in good will to a Buddhist Centre especially in the Easter Region of England. Venerable Akurala Samitha, Head of the Centre welcomed them warmly to this historic occasion. The Chairman of NHDC Cllr Mr Weeks mentioned that North Hertfordshire is a very diverse county where we can experience outstanding harmony and grace of humanity. He was very impressed with the excellent services done by Venerable Akurala Samitha and The Buddhist Community of The Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre. Therefore he deserved that The High Sheriff should not miss visiting this Buddhist Centre and hence happily hosted this official visit.
Addressing the gathering, The High Sheriff Lord Charles Cecil mentioned that Buddhism is one of the greatest religions in the modern world. This has been accepted by other great religions for its strength of intellectuality and peaceful nature of its practice. He assured that Buddhist Principles and Buddhist way of life can certainly bring lots of benefit to the society. He shared his beautiful personal memories of visiting Sri Lanka and stunning Buddhist sites.
It had been highlighted that The High Sheriff and his delegates were particularly interested in social welfare issues and especially around youth disorder and the care and rehabilitation of offenders.
We trust that Buddhist Teachings have a lot to offer for these social states through Buddhist meditation, mindfulness based practices, transpersonal Buddhist Psychotherapy, Buddhist Counselling, Buddhist Psychology, Buddhist Chanting and so on. As Buddhism is a way of life, it's noble services proceed irrespective of race, religion, language, colour gender and belief.
This year 2011 marks a very important milestone in the history of Buddhism as it completes 2600 years of the Enlightenment Anniversary of the Buddha. The delegates were very impressed to see our members were wearing Buddhist Flag Amulets to celebrate 2600th Sambuddha Jayanthi. The High Official delegates also joined in solidarity with the Buddhists to celebrate the 2600th Sambuddha Jayanthi (Enlightenment Anniversary of the Buddha) by wearing especially made Buddhist Amulets.
Photographs by Mr Dudley Hewavitharana (Official Photographer)
Report By Miss Padma Wijerathna (Secretary)
WATCH VIDEO OF THE EVENT
1 Ven Samitha welcomes The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil to Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre 4-7-2011
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2 Ven Samitha welcomes High Official Royal Delegates to Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre 4-7-2011
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3 Friends of Dhamma Nikethanaya welcomes High Official Royal Deligates 4-7-2011
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4 The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil NHDC Chairman Cllr Michael Weeks & Mrs Weeks NHDC Chief Executive Mr John T Campbell 4-7-2011
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5 Ven Samitha conducted a Dhamma Talk Meditation Blessings Chanting
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6 NHDC Chairman Cllr Mr Weeks address the Buddhist Community
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7 Royal Deligate The High Sherriff adressed the Buddhist Community
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8 High Official Royal Visit to Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre
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9 The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil enjoy talking Buddhism with Ven Samitha
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10 Ven Akurala Samitha Lord Charles Cecil & Dudley Hewavitharana
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11 Mrs Weeks cuts The High Official Royal Visit Welcome Cake to Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre
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12 Devotees explaining the assets of a Buddhist Monk (Atapirikara Eight Requisits) to High Officials
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13 The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil request to join in 2600 Sambuddha Jayanthi Celebration by wearing a Buddhist flag amulet
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14 NHDC Chairman Cllr Mr Weeks enthusiastically join in 2600 Sambuddha Jayanthi Celebration by wearing a Buddhist flag amulet
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Mr Michael Weeks enthusiastically join in 2600 Sambuddha Jayanthi Celebration by wearing a Buddhist flag amulet
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The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil signs the Visitor's Book
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Ven Samitha welcome High Officials to be Monks one day and Experience the Happiness
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Mrs Ratnawalie Dep Offers Gifts to The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil
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Miss Padma Wijerathne Offers Welcome Gifts of Sri Lanka Tourist Board to Cheif Executive
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Ven Samitha Giving Buddhist Blessings Wall Art to The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil
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Mr Brian England explained benefits of Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre
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The High Official Royal Deligates appreciate Kindness of Buddhist Children & Community
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The High Official Royal Visit to Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre
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