High Commission of Sri Lanka in London organized an alms giving and a Dansela (open house) to celebrate Vesak and the 2600^thSambuddhathva Jayanthi on 20^th May 2011 at the High Commission premises.

Chief Incumbent of London Buddhist Vihara Ven Bogoda Seelavimala, Chief Incumbent of Thames Buddhist Vihara Ven Pahalegama Somarathana, Chief Incumbent of Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara Ven Galayaye Piyadassi together with the Head Priests and other resident priests from Birmingham Maha Vihara in Birmingham, Jethavana Buddhist Vihara in Birmingham, Redbridge Buddhist Vihara in Ilford, Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa in Watford, Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya in Letchworth, Lumbini Vihara in East Ham attended the Daana and invoked blessings on H. E. the President and the people of Sri Lanka.

Hon Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Irrigation and Water Management who is in London on an official visit attended the event. Addressing the gathering the Minister said that he was pleased to see Sri Lankans living in the UK also have joined  national and international  celebrations to mark the 2600^th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi. Acting High Commissioner P. M. Amza stated that the High Commission attaches a great importance to cultural diplomacy. He said that in the context of coordinating religious activities with all Buddhist temples and other religious institutions in the UK, and also to liaise with Missions of other Buddhist countries in London particularly with a view to take action against the usage of Buddha image for commercial purposes, a separate  CULTURAL Division has been set up in the High Commission.

Minister Nimal Sirpala de Silva inaugurated the Dansela  which was attended by Sri Lankans as well as British nationals including those living in the neighbourhood. 

The High Commission premises were colorfully decorated with Vesak lanterns, Buddhist flags and decorations.