By Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
The Buddhist community in Great Britain gathered in joyous celebration as Ven. Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the East London Buddhist Cultural Centre (Lumbini Vihara), Deputy Head Priest of Makandura Sri Saranankaramaya, and Vice President of the Sri Lanka Sangha Sabha of the United Kingdom, was officially bestowed with the distinguished title of “Chief Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka” of Great Britain.
This prestigious honour was conferred upon him by the eminent Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera, the spiritual leader of the Malwatta Chapter of Siam Nikaya.
The Sannasa, symbolizing the appointment to the esteemed position, was ceremoniously presented to venerable thero by the Sri Lanka High Commissioner in London. The position of “Chief Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka” of Great Britain had been vacant since the passing of the revered Most Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Thera.
To mark this momentous occasion, a felicitation ceremony took place at the Lumbini Vihara on July 15, 2023. The event was graced by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including the Chief incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain, Most Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Thera. Joining him were the Head monk of Birmingham Maha Vihara Dr. Vitharandeniye Kassapa Thera, the Head monk of French International Buddhist Centre and Chief Sangha Nayaka of France, Dr. Paravahera Chandra Rathana Thera, Head monk of Manchester Buddhist Vihara Pidiville Piyatissa Thera, Head monk of Birmingham Jethavana Vihara Keppetiyagoda Gunavansa Thera, Thawalama Bandula Thera of London Buddhist Vihara, Head monk of Anuradhapura Sambuddha Jayanthi Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayaka (Asgiriya Chapter) of Northern & Central Province Nugethenne Pannananda Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweliseya temple and Chancellor of the Rajarata University Eethalawetunawewe Gnanathillaka Thera, Head monk of Allenmethiyarama, Kirulapona, Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera, and other esteemed members of the Maha Sangha.
Ven. Makure Mangala Nayaka Thera’s new role holds great responsibility, the legacy of the late Most Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Thera shall be carried forward. The felicitation ceremony witnessed a large gathering of devoted followers.