The inaugural session of ‘Living in the UK’ seminar series was organised by the APSL in collaboration with the Jethawana Buddhist Vihara in Birmingham on 20th June 2010. The event was attended by APSL President and executive committee members and many devotees and well wishers of the Sri Lankan community in the Midland.
Mr. Rohan de Alwis delivered an excellent presentation on ‘Sri Lankan Cultural Values’ and discussed aspects of ”why we live in the UK”,“what we may be missing”, the differences between Sri Lankan and UK cultures, differences between friends, family and office friends, what are our obligations to society, what individuals can do to enjoy Sri Lankan culture in the UK, and what parents can do to introduce Sri Lankan culture to youngsters growing up in UK. No doubt the presentation was an eye opener to the parents, as well as the young Dhamma School pupils who were present. Rohan also pointed out the importance of the parents’ role in guiding and highlighting the value of our Sri Lankan traditions and cultures so that they will be passed on and not disregarded.
The second session on 24th October 2010 focused on both ‘Eastern Values’ and ‘Western Values”. The event was attended by APSL President and executive committee members, Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lanka High Commission, Mr. Chaminda Kularatne and many devotees and well wishers of the Sri Lankan community in the Midlands.
The third session of the “Living in the UK & Eastern Values” series was held at Kethumathi Buddhist Vihara in Manchester. Using the concept of Solar Villages as an example, the then APSL President Prof. I. M. Dharmadasa explained how Buddhist teachings can be put into practice through use of technological advancements to help the needy.
Latest event was on 15th May 2011 at Jethawana Buddhist Vihara, Birmingham. The main speaker was APSL vice president Ms. Shirani Joseph de Saram. The session lasted over an hour was highly interactive and very much enjoyed by the children. Feedback from parents who were present, was to have these interactive discussions on a more frequent basis. The session concluded with a book donation to the temple.
Team Leader – Thushara Madurasinghe
Up Coming Events – Living in the UK’ – Discussion Series – Sunday 28th January 2018 – Redbridge Buddhist Vihara