Nepali Buddhist association donates medicines to Sri Lanka

• The Chief Sangha Nayaka Thera, highlighted the strong religious bond between the two countries

A donation of essential medicines worth over Nepal Rupees 25 lakhs was handed over to the Embassy of Sri Lanka by the All Nepal Bhikkhu Association (ANBA) and the “Hands for Sri Lanka” committee formed under the ANBA to coordinate the project, on July 4, 2022, a statement from it said.  

The handing over ceremony was graced by the Chief Sanghanayaka of Nepal Ven. Bodhisena Maha Thera and monks representing the ANBA including its President Ven. Dhamma Sobhana Thera, ANBA Committee Members, coordinator of the project Ven. Pannasara Thera and lay representatives of “Hands for Sri Lanka”.  The Chief Sangha Nayaka Thera, who had made the first contribution, highlighted the strong religious bond between the two countries which led the ANBA to initiate the “Hands for Sri Lanka” project to help the Sri Lankan people at this time of need. He further underlined Sri Lanka’s contribution to Theravada Buddhism in Nepal, and the number of monks who have received education in Sri Lanka over the years. President of the ANBA, Ven Dhamma Sobhana Thera also addressed the gathering and highlighted the instances of mutual humanitarian assistance between Sri Lanka and Nepal including the assistance received from Sri Lanka after the earthquake in 2015. 

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal Himalee Arunatilaka conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to the Nepali people who have generously contributed towards the project. The Ambassador also thanked the ANBA and all members of “Hands for Sri Lanka” for their commitment and efforts in organising the donation of essential medicines to the Sri Lankan people. 

The event concluded with Seth Pirith chanting by the Venerable members of the Maha Sangha to invoke blessings on the people of both Sri Lanka and Nepal. 

“Hands for Sri Lanka” committee set up under the ANBA, comprises ANBA members and lay representatives from the Young Men’s Buddhist Association Nepal, Darmodhaya Sabha, Yubha Buddha Samuhain Bhaktapur, Women Buddhist Association of Nepal and Yubha Buddha Samuha in Kathmandu.