Addressing the gathering, the Chief Incumbent of the Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara and the President of the Midlands International Buddhist Association in the UK, Ven. Dr. Witharandeniye Kassapa Thero – O.B.E. appreciated the High Commission’s participation. The stupa is said to become the largest in Europe.

The High Commissioner extended sincere thanks to Ven. Dr. Witharandeniye Kassapa Thero for the invitation to participate in the meritorious event, a rare opportunity that one gets during their lifetime. She also appreciated the contribution by the venerable Thero for the advancement of Buddha Sasana and towards other religious dialogue and harmony in the Midlands region.

The punyanumodana was delivered by Ven. Dr. kamburawala Rewatha Thero, Chief Incumbent of Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara.

The High Commissioner also met with the business community of Brimingham on the sidelines of the ceremony to encourage the entrepreneurship amongst the expatriate Sri Lankans.

Later in the day, the High Commissioner and officers of the High Commission paid a visit to Ven. Kappitiyagoda Gunawansa Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Jethavana Buddhist Vihara, Birmingham