‘Vietnamese Monastery’ in Sri Lanka marks 10 years

• The other main event for Vesak-other than the monastery marking10 years of existence- was the opening of a ‘Dhana Salawa’
• Vietnamese Ambassador Ho Thi Thanh Truc decared open a ‘Dhana Salawa’

It was morning on Vesak Poya day and I made my way to the monastery. There is no bus service to this religious place of worship. I had to take the rutty road to Ambakotte Village off Digna on the road to Victoria Falls.
Though there are many areas in the city of Kandy which need to be made familiar to the public through the newspaper, yet I approached this assignment to Ambakotte Village as a challenge given to me by Anthony David, the Deputy Editor of Sunday Times.

At first I was reluctant as there were many other areas that should be highlighted in Kandy during the Vesak week. But my conscience told me to ‘go’ and that is how I arrived at Ambakotte and to a monastery maintained by a Vietnamese and titled ‘Truc Lam Vietnamese Monastery’. 
The atmosphere was of serenity and dignity with everything in the right place.
Vesak was one great reason to be there, but the place also held so much importance as it has existed as a monastery for ten long years. 

The two acre monastery is on a land which belongs to a temple of the Siamese sect. The land was given to build a monastery, according to School Principal Gunasekera

When the monastery was started there was only a stone image of Gautama Buddha, which stands in the same place as it stood when this facility for religious practice 
was commenced.

The two acre monastery is on a land which belongs to a temple of the Siamese sect. The land was given to build a monastery, according to School Principal Gunasekera.
The other main event for Vesak-other than the monastery marking10 years of existence- was the opening of a ‘Dhana Salawa’ (A hall where alms are served and partaken). The opening of this new facility was graced by Vietnamese Ambassadress Ho Thi Thanh Truc.  

When I entered the main entrance of the monastery the view took me by surprise as there were members of all the communities present in this two acre land.  The plot of land was once occupied by residents, mainly the Tamil community. The place has now become cosmopolitan in nature, except 
this monastery. 

When the monastery was started there was only a stone image of Gautama Buddha, which stands in the same place as it stood when this facility for religious practice was commenced

I was introduced to a charming (I should not use this term, but it is not a sin) Ven. Myanmar Dhammaloka Therini. I spoke to her and this Therini told me that this monastery has meditation classes for all; irrespective of their religion or their community. Classes are especially held for children on Sundays. She also said that going by the suggestions made by many, the doors would be open to foreign visitors for meditation classes with no fee charged.
Vietnamese Ambassadress Ho Thi Thanh Truc declared open a ‘Dhana Salawa’ at the Truc Lam Vietnam Monastery.

The invitation to this special guest to open the facility was given by Ven. Myanmar Dhammaloka Therini. 
A meditation programme was held for monks and lay people. 

Vietnamese Ambassadress Ho Thi Thanh Truc offers a birthday cake to Ven. Myanmar Dhammaloka Therini

Ven. Myanmar Dhammaloka Therini addressing the gathering

The first Stone Buddha Statue stands at the entrance to the monastery 

The cutting of a ribbon by the Ambassadress Ho Thi Thanh Truc and Ven. Myanmar Dhammaloka Therini in the presence of those who attended the medication session