Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Rohitha Bogollagama, participated in the Sangha Nayaka Anuprapthi Felicitation Ceremony of Ven. Pidiwille Piyatissa Nayaka Thero in Manchester on December 10, 2023, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, UK said in a statement.
The event saw the presence of senior Buddhist monks, including Ven. Pahamune Sumangala Nayaka Thero, Lady Mayoress Yasmin Dar, Councillors, community leaders, and the British Sri Lankan community of Manchester.
During the ceremony, the High Commissioner presented the ceremonial Akthapatra (Credentials) to Ven. Nayaka Thero, conveying President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s applause and the Sri Lankan government’s appreciation for the newly appointed Sangha Nayaka Thero. The High Commissioner praised the Nayaka Thero’s service to the British Sri Lankan community in Greater Manchester.
On the sidelines of the event, discussions were held between the High Commissioner and the Mayoress, along with Councillors, focusing on ways to enhance cooperation between the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom and the Manchester City Council. The emphasis was on increased involvement of the Sri Lankan community in governance.
In recognition of Ven. Pidiwille Piyatissa Nayaka Thero’s significant contributions to the spread of Buddhism, he has been appointed the Chief Sanghanayaka of England by the Malwatte Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya.
The Nayaka Thero’s dedication to Buddhism in the United Kingdom is exemplified by establishing Ketumati Buddhist Vihara in Manchester in 1999 and Leeds Buddhist Vihara in 2017. His commitment to Dammaduta Mehawera has spanned continents, including Africa and Europe.
