Washington Embassy celebrates Vesak

In celebration of the 2015 Vesak Poya Day, during the Vesak month of May, the Ambassador and the staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC organised an almsgiving ceremony at the Embassy and offered alms to the resident monks of Sri Lankan Buddhist temples located in the Washington region.

Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Vihara presided over the event attended by Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Maryland Buddhist Vihara, as well as resident Theros of the Mahamewna Monastery.

Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam and members of Embassy staff also participated in the well-attended Annual International Vesak Celebration organised by the International Buddhist Committee of Washington DC held at Wat Thai Temple in Maryland.  The International Buddhist Committee is co-Chaired by Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Thero of the Washington Buddhist Vihara and Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Thero of Maryland Buddhist Vihara, together with Ven. Thanat Inthisan of Wat Thai DC. Well-known American Buddhist Monk Bhikkhu Bodhi delivered the keynote sermon at this event.