The inaugural Book Launch “Tharu Eliyak”, an anthology of Sinhala Lyrics, by Ven. Konwewe Ariyarathana

Photography by Rohan Herath, Hemadasa Liyanage & Tharaka Mohottige

The inaugural Book Launch “Tharu Eliyak”, an anthology of Sinhala lyrics, by Ven. Konwewe Ariyarathana took place on the 15^th of October 2011 in the London Buddhist Vihara with a participation of a large number of literature loving people including the venerable Maha Sangha. The ceremony opened at 3.00 pm with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by Most Ven Bogoda Seelawimala maha thera the Head of the London Buddhist Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain, Most Ven Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa maha thera the Head of the Birmingham Jethawana Maha Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain. Ven Theldeniyaye Amitha thero of the Letchworth Buddhist Vihara and Ven, Wanduramba Kassapa the Head of the New Heathrow Vihara.

Ven. Tawalama Bandula thera the Head of the London Buddhist Vihara Dhamma School, Solicitor and a popular journalist Anura Hegoda, Sangeet Visharadha Weerasiri Malwatte, Mr, Chaminda Kularatne , minister counsellor, Mr, Saman Ekanayaka, minister counsellor, from the High Commission, and the members of the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust in the UK, and the members of the Vihara Management committee.

Then the Five Precepts were administered by the Most Ven Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa maha thera the Head of the Birmingham Jethawana Maha Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and the welcome speech was done by Mr, Sugath Senevirathna .

Ven, K. Ariyarathana, the author of the Work “Tharu Eliyak” offered the first copy to the Most Ven Bogoda Seelawimala maha thera the Head of the London Buddhist Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and some other copies to the invited guests.

Thereafter a short admonition was done by the Nayaka Thera of the London Buddhist Vihara. The Key Note Address was delivered by Mr, Anura Hegoda and he highlighted the importance of such a work and quoted few lyrics from the book and appreciated them showing their literally values while going back and forth through the Sinhalese literature.

Visharadha Weerasiri Malwatte, Visharadha Anusha Malwatte, Visharadha Thisarani Malwatte and Visharadha Naveen Malwatte sang few of Ven. Konwewe Ariyarathana thero’s popular songs to the audience and a new duet was sung by singer Chandana Fonseka and Visharadha Nilakshi Gnathilaka .

Praveen Karunasena added a beauty to the event with his Sound system while Asiri Bandara compared the show in an artistic way.

The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka His Excellency Dr, Cris Nonis too came a little late to the function to acknowledge Venerable Ariyarathana and Ariyarathana thero offered a copy of the same to the High Commissioner in the evening at the London Buddhist Vihara.

Ven, K. Ariyarathana thanks everyone who helped him and participated in this event to make it a great success. May you all be well and happy!