The Inauguration Ceremony

THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE VENERABLE K. SRI REWATHA THERO AS CHIEF SANGHA NAYAKA FOR U.K. AUGUST 2009.


The Venerable K.Sri Rewatha Thero, ( “ Bhante” ) was appointed the honorary rank of Chief Sangha Nayaka for The U.K. at a fantastic ceremony in Kotte.

The title of “Saddharma Keethisri Sobhitha,Vishwasamaya Sabhagacari” which translated means “ The High Ambassador for World Inter-Faith Dialogue, Peace and Harmony” was given to him by The Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte Maha Sangha Sabha ( The Supreme Council of Monks ) in association with its main Karaka Sangha Sabha ( The committee members ).

If this all seems like a mouthful to you then you should have been there to experience how it all came about for that in itself was an epic and well worth not just a blog but a book ( at this point its best not to mention the book! ).

The appointment was given to Bhante by The Chief Prelate ( Maha Nayaka Thera ) of The Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte Maha Sangha Sabha, the most Venerable Dr. Bellana Gnanawimala Maha Thera in the presence of its’ supreme committee members and distinguished guests including Mrs Nicole Cox who travelled all the way from New York to attend the ceremony and The British High Commissioner for Sri Lanka.
In addition to this a special delegation travelled from Scotland including Ms. Anne McLaughlin MSP.

Six bus loads of special visitors made the long journey from Bhantes’ village of Belena to Kotte to show their devotion and gratitude for all he has done for them and the community over the years.

Having travelled the Belena- Kotte road several times I can safely say that these amazing people who all stepped off of the buses in their immaculate white finery were an amazing sight for very tired, sore eyes ( due to the book, yes I’ve mentioned it again…stay posted! ).
The atmosphere was one of happiness and joy and a sense of everyone present being a part of a very special event and one which marked the recognition of a very special man who has devoted his life to helping and serving others being awarded the title of Chief Sangha Nayaka, ( I’ve finally managed to spell it without pausing having only written it what seems like a million times since July 2009! ).

I will be posting more information and photos on the ceremony including the meeting with The President.