Remarks of Ven. Dhammananda Thero Thich Phuoc Ngoc in the inauguration ceremony of president of Isuru Sevana Children Development Center

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha

Honored Maha Nayaka Thero, honored Government’s leaders and authorities, and dear fellow citizens in Buddhist country Sri Lanka

In today's significant solemn ceremony, first of all, we, Ven. Dhammananda Thich Phuoc Ngoc International Envoy to Sri Lanka Buddhist government Commendation Committee would like to pray to the Buddha to bless all of us here, and all the people in the countries and territories infected with terrible Corona disease.

Ladies and gentlemen! Today, I am very happy and honored to be appointed by the Executive Committee of the ISURU SEVANA Center as the President of the ISURU SEVANA Children Development Center.  On the path of serving humanity, I has took on a lot of responsibilities but this position is especially meaningful because it is the work of developing the young generation, which is an extremely ideal work for my religious path and my life. I have built the first Buddhist Orphanage Center “The Stream of Love” in my homeland in Vietnam and it also was the starting point in my path of children care and protection.

Nowadays we have many more facilities to look after children. However, there are still significant challenges from caring and developing the spiritual life for the children to be good and not dependent on technology, closer to nature and imbued with Dharma teachings. That is the mission of people like us. I can contribute my little energy to the ISURU SEVANA Center and the children care and development in general, connecting with Buddhists and sharing initiatives between the countries and organizations concerned. All for the sake and the common good for children.

Perhaps it is a destiny that in this life I have always considered Sri Lanka as my second homeland, because here are many things like my homeland in the Mekong Delta  in Vietnam, such as the green of the tree, rich nature, friendly people and the spirit of Buddhism everywhere. Every time I come here, I feel like coming home well and peacefully. The unique thing is that Sri Lanka always upholds the spirit and tradition of Buddhism as the state religion, so Buddhism permeates life deeply. Monks like us find ourselves happier here, and have opportunities to explore the beautiful country and learn ways to bring Buddhism into human life, such as a parallel Buddhist and secular education system. Children are taught about Buddhism and kindness from early age. This is why many billionaires in the world want to come here and stay. They feel the peaceful energy from the sacred land of the Indian Ocean of Sri Lanka.

And in this solemn moment, I would say from my heart: "Before the truth and light of the sacred Dharma, I - Dhammananda Thero Thich Phuoc Ngoc solemnly sworn to always support, obey and protect the Charter of children care and protection. I sincerely thank the nomination and appointment of the Organization entrusted to me, and I will strictly carry out my duties as the President of the Center with absolute loyalty, serving human life and the Buddha truth ".

Sincere thanks and best wishes to all of you!