The 100th anniversary of the Berlin Buddhist Vihara, Frohnau, Germany was held at Temple Trees recently.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was the Chief Guest, while German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Felix Neumann was the Guest of Honour. Speaker MahindaYapa Abeywardana was also present. Ambassador of China Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of Europe Carmen Moreno, High Commissioner of New Zealand David Gregory Pine, Deputy High Commissioner, India, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey and chargé d’affaires of Vietnam Le Van Huong and other members also participated.
Ven. Panadure Chandaratana Thera of Mithirigala Nissarana Vanaya delivered the Anusasana. The speech on Berlin Vihara was delivered by Ven. Olande Ananda Thera. The Prime Minister and German Ambassador also delivered the guest speeches. The German Ambassador addressed the meeting on 100 years of cultural harmony between two countries.
Several videos on Buddhism in Germany and the Berlin temple were shown on the occasion. A short drama was also played. The book titled “100 Years Das Buddhistische Haus” coauthored by Senaka Weeraratna was launched at the meeting. He delivered a speech on the book. A first day cover and Rs. 25 stamp issued by the Postal Department was presented to the Prime Minister by the Postmaster General. The vote of thanks was delivered by the President of the German Dharmaduta Society (GDS), which governs the Berlin Temple, Major General Sardha Abeyratne.
