Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera honoured with lifetime achievement award in UK

Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Canterbury Christ Church University in recognition of his global spiritual leadership and decades of community service.

The award was presented on April 1 during a special ceremony held at the Anselm Building chapel of the university, coinciding with the Venerable Thera’s official visit to the institution in England.

The honour acknowledges his longstanding contributions to international spiritual leadership, interfaith harmony, education, and community development. Venerable Dr. Assaji Thero currently serves as the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo, and as the Sanghanayake of the Western Province.

University authorities praised his enduring influence, stating that his “combination of spiritual wisdom and practical leadership” has positively impacted thousands of lives across the world.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, also addressed the gathering, delivering a lecture on the global impact of Sri Lankan spiritual traditions.

Expressing gratitude upon receiving the award, Venerable Dr. Assaji Thera said the recognition belongs not only to him but also to the communities he has served throughout his life. He highlighted the importance of Buddhist teachings in fostering unity in a divided world.

“True peace begins within ourselves. When there is peace of mind, there will be peace in the world,” he said, stressing that sustainable progress must be grounded in compassion, understanding, and wisdom.

The Venerable Thera further highlighted the need to integrate modern education with moral and spiritual values, noting that the award symbolises a shared journey of service and commitment.

The visit also included participation in interfaith dialogues and a tour of Canterbury Cathedral, underscoring efforts to strengthen cultural and academic ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

Among those in attendance were Dr. Dulan Hettiarachchi, Dr. Janagan Vinayagamoorthy, Vice-Chancellor Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohamed Abdel-Maguid, along with senior university officials, diplomats, and community representatives.

The recognition marks a significant moment not only for Sri Lanka but also for the wider international community, reaffirming the importance of peace, compassion, and shared human values in shaping the future.