High Commission of Sri Lanka, London

15/06/2026

LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA CELEBRATES HISTORIC CENTENARY

The London Buddhist Vihara, the oldest Theravada Buddhist monastery in the Western world, celebrated its Centenary on 6 June 2026, marking 100 years of dedicated service to the promotion of the Buddha’s teachings, spiritual practice, education, and interfaith understanding in the United Kingdom.
The event was attended by The Right Honourable Lord Benyon GCVO PC, Lord Chamberlain, representing His Majesty King Charles III, together with a distinguished gathering of members of the Maha Sangha, Ambassadors, senior diplomats, faith leaders, community representatives, and devotees from the United Kingdom and overseas. Ambassadors from the Republic of Korea and Cambodia, and senior diplomats from India, Myanmar, Thailand, and China, were among those present. The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom, together with senior officers of the High Commission, also attended the celebration.
Established in 1926 through the vision of Anagarika Dharmapala, the London Buddhist Vihara has played a pioneering role in introducing and nurturing Theravada Buddhism in the United Kingdom. Under the leadership of Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, it continues to serve as an important centre for spiritual guidance, meditation, learning, and community engagement.
A message from His Majesty King Charles III was read during the ceremony, recognising the Vihara’s significant contribution to spiritual life, community harmony, and interfaith relations in the United Kingdom. A message from the Anagarika Dharmapala Foundation of Sri Lanka was also presented, paying tribute to the vision and legacy of Anagarika Dharmapala.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera highlighted the enduring relevance of the Buddha’s teachings and noted that the values of compassion, mindfulness, and non-violence remain especially important in today’s world. He also paid tribute to Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, the Maha Sangha, and the generations of devotees, volunteers, and benefactors whose dedication has sustained the Vihara throughout its century-long journey. Several speakers, including Prof. Kate Crosby, Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Oxford, Dr Desmond Bidduph CBE, President of the Buddhist Society, and Dr Graham Dixon, a broadcaster and historian, reflected on the profound role played by the London Buddhist Vihara as a place of spiritual refuge, learning, and cultural connection. They underscored its contribution to promoting mutual respect, interfaith dialogue, social harmony, and community cohesion over the past hundred years.
As the London Buddhist Vihara enters its second century, the Centenary Celebration served not only as a commemoration of its rich heritage but also as a reaffirmation of its continuing mission to share the timeless teachings of the Buddha and contribute to the spiritual and cultural life of the United Kingdom and beyond.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
15 June 2026

15/06/2026

The High Commission extends its sincere appreciation to Liverpool Tamil Kalvikoodam for its generous contribution of £4,125 to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund in support of the people of Sri Lanka during this time of need.

High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera warmly acknowledged the contribution and conveyed deep appreciation for their compassion, solidarity, and continued support towards Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.

12/06/2026

The High Commission extends its sincere appreciation to the Netball Association of Sri Lankan Schools UK (NASS UK) for its generous contribution of LKR 500,000 to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund in support of the people of Sri Lanka during this time of need.

High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera warmly acknowledged the contribution and conveyed deep appreciation for their compassion, solidarity, and continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.

10/06/2026

The High Commission extends its sincere appreciation to the Sri Lanka Ex-Service Persons – UK for their generous contribution of £2500 to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund in support of those affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The donation was presented to the High Commission on 9 June 2026.

High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera warmly acknowledged the contribution and conveyed deep appreciation for their compassion, unity, and solidarity with those impacted by the disaster.

05/06/2026

High Commission of Sri Lanka Commemorates Vesak Day 2026 in London

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom hosted a Vesak Commemoration Ceremony on 03 June 2026 at the High Commission premises in London.
The ceremony was attended by venerable members of the Maha Sangha, members of the Sri Lankan community, Buddhist devotees, and well-wishers, with approximately 130 participants in attendance. The Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain, delivered a Dhamma sermon, reflecting on the significance of Vesak Day and the Buddha’s teachings on leading a meaningful and disciplined life.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera emphasised Vesak as the most important event in the Buddhist calendar and as a moment of unity and reflection for the Buddhist community worldwide, particularly Sri Lankans in the United Kingdom. He underscored the continued relevance of the Buddha’s teachings, especially the Middle Path and the principles of Maithri, Karuna, Muditha, and Upekkha, in fostering harmony and balance in society. High Commissioner Senadheera also underlined the importance of community participation in preserving cultural and spiritual traditions across generations and expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the programme.
Bhakthi Gee performances were presented by students of the Kingsbury Buddhist Temple Dhamma School and members of the High Commission staff, adding a devotional and cultural dimension to the ceremony.
Following the formal proceedings, the programme concluded with a traditional dansala, where Sri Lankan food was served, fostering a spirit of generosity, sharing, and community togetherness.
The High Commission was adorned with the Buddhist flags, colourful Vesak lanterns, and a traditional Vesak pandol, creating a vibrant Vesak ambience at the premises.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
04 June 2026

31/05/2026

30/05/2026

Happy and Peaceful Vesak!

30/05/2026

Vesak Day Message of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka HM Vijitha Herath

30/05/2026

Vesak Day Message of the Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

30/05/2026

Vesak Day Message of H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka