The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome organised the second series of ‘Buddhism in Dialogue – Sri Lanka Meets Italy’ in collaboration with the Italian Buddhist Union at the Associazione per la Meditazione di Consapevolezza Vipassan in Rome on June 16.
The programme was conducted in the Italian language. The Italian followers of Buddhism and the Italian language-speaking Sri Lankans, especially the second generation of the Sri Lankan community were invited to the event. President of the European Buddhist Council Stefano Davide Bettera graced the event.
In his welcome remarks, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome Ratnasingam Kohularangan highlighted the importance of celebrating Vesak for the spiritual elevation of followers of Buddhism and invited the participants to visit Sri Lanka to witness how Buddhism is being practised in its true sense in Sri Lanka.
The programme consisted of observing five precepts, a moment of meditation and reflection conducted by Head Teacher of the Associazione per la Meditazione di Consapevolezza Vipassan Neva Papachristou.
A procession comprising Buddha pooja was organised with the participation of the Buddhist monks and other dignitaries. The procession captivated the participants and the foreigners around.
During the event, religious observances were conducted by Chief Incumbent of Sri Bodhi Viharaya in Rome Ven. Bandirippuwe Vineethathissa Thera. Dhamma sermons were conducted in Italian language by Ven. Liyanwala Uditha Thera and two Italian monks, Ven. Meththananda Thera and Ven. Dario Doshin Thera.
Ven. Kalawane Mahanama Thera of Nugegoda Nalandaramaya and Chief Incumbent of Pagoda Bhikshu Vivekaramaya Ven. Bandarawela Nanda Thera also attended the event.
Sri Lankan traditional dances were performed by the Sri Lankan students of Viterbo, Maheshi Dancing Academy adding colour to the event. All the participants were served with Sri Lankan cuisine and refreshments. The programme provided the opportunity to strengthen the link between the Buddhist followers and the Sri Lankan Buddhist monks in Italy and the Vipassana centre.
In addition, the Embassy organised another event to celebrate Vesak, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan community on May 23 at the Embassy premises. During the event, Ven. Wilachchiye Dhammavijaya Thera and Ven. Welangapola Dhammajothi Thera conducted the religious observances.
Ven. Dario Doshin Thera of Centro Zen l’Arco delivered a dhamma sermon in Italian and English languages. In addition, Ven. Wilachchiye Dhammavijaya Thera presented a poetic dhamma sermon. The students of the Heladiwa Thaksalawa and the members of the ‘Empower Her’ Association presented Buddhist devotional songs.
