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Published: 30 November -0001
The Buddhist Cultural Center Letchworth (BCCL) celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on Saturday, 14th April 2018 at The Free Church Hall, Norton Way, Letchworth. The chief guest was Hon. Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in The United Kingdom, Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna and the distinguish guests were the veteran musician and actor Mr. Bandula Wijeweera and the famous TV broadcaster, journalist from Sri Lanka Mr. Narada Wijesuriya.
The Maha Sangha arrived at the hall at 9.00 a.m. followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. The morning session was allocated for the traditional indoor and outdoor Sri Lankan games/sports. All the children and adults participated in various games and all had a very enjoyable fun time.
In the afternoon, after lunch the traditional oil lamp lighting ceremony was carried out by the distinguish guests and Ven. Dediyawala Wimala Thero. the chief incumbent of the Letchworth Buddhist temple conducted the Puncha Seela and welcome the guests. There were several Sri Lankan classical music and dancing performed by children and young adults of the Dhamma class, under the guidance of the respective parents, teachers, and friends. Mr. Prasaj de Silva provided the music and sound system and the master of ceremonies was Mr. Narada Wijesuriya. Hon. Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna delivered a speech and wished all Sri Lankans a very happy and peaceful New Year. The president of BCCL Mr. Haris Kodagoda thanked the distinguished guest and all the guests who attended the event. He extended his special appreciation to the New Year celebrations organizing committee and the volunteers for their commitments and hard work for making this event a great success.
The event was well attended by Sri Lankans living in the UK and the local residence who had a pleasant day. The venerable Monks and the BCCL management committee members wish to extend their appreciation to all those who attended the event and extending their support.
