Ampara - The Panama Bodhiraja Pirivena attached to the “Mani Naga Pabbatha Bodhigiri Purana Rajamaha Vihara”, Shasthrawela, Panama is one of most difficult and underprivileged Pirivenas in the country. The Dhamma Voice International Centre (DVIC) at Pattivila, Kelaniya, on the advice and directives of Ven. Yatamalagala Sumanasara Thera, the Chief Executive of the Centre, had selected the “Bodhiraja Pirivena” this year to offer assistance under the Project “Give the Best to Underprivileged Pirivenas”. The DVIC last week visited the Pirivena run under trying conditions and conducted a Pirith chanting ceremony at the Shasthrawela Pirivena premises, presided over by Ven. Sri Chandrasrathana Nayaka Thera of the Sri Boodhirukkarama Maha Vihara, Panama. Ven. Unavatune Vajirawansa Thera of the Parivendhipathi, Bodhiraja Pirivena, Ven. Naaravila Vijithavansa Thera along with Ven. Vithiyala Kavidhaja Thera and the student bhikkhus joined in chanting of pirith. This was followed by the offering of robes and other essential items worth more than 300,000 to a group of Samaneras and Theras numbering around 30 residing at the Pirivena. Singaporian, Malaysian, and Chinese devotees had donated the money necessary to purchase robes and other essential items on a request by Ven. Yatamalagala Sumanasara Thera, the Adviser of the Qinlin Vihara, Singapore. Here he is seen addressing the devotees and the Buddhist clergy at the ceremony. (Wiruma)
The body of the Chief Adikarana Sanghanayake of France and Chief Incumbent of Jethawana Vihara, France, Rajakeeya Panditha Dr. Murungagasyaye Gnanissara Nayaka Thera lying at Sri Sambodhi Vihara, Fort for his disciples and the people to pay their last respects. Pic: Rukmal Gamage