Special Puja at the LBV in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to bless His Majesty King Charles III

Special Puja at the London Buddhist Vihara, in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to bless the newly proclaimed, His Majesty King Charles III

A simple yet dignified Puja Ceremony was held at the London Buddhist Vihara on Tuesday 13th September in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to bless the newly proclaimed His Majesty King Charles III.

The Worshipful Mayor of the London Borough of Ealing, Councillor Mohinder Midha with the Mayor's Consort Mr. Harban Midha attended the programme as special invited guests.

Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain Most Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera and all the resident monks conducted the religious programme.

Ven. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera welcoming the gathering said " Her Majesty the Queen was a huge inspiration to many. She travelled the globe, including the Commonwealth Countries, on state visits connecting the world together. In her first visit to Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, she fondly remembered the warmth and affection she and Prince Philip received from the masses in every place she visited. She said in an interview in a BBC television programme " I still remember the wonderful occasion in Kandy, central Ceylon, where I had to address the gathering of dignitaries in an exquisitely decorated open audience hall used by the former Kandyan Kings." She was referring to the Magul Maduwa near the Dalanda Maligawa, in Kandy. To King Charles 3rd, our deepest sympathies, on the loss of his mother, Queen Elizabeth 2nd. As Prince of Wales, he visited the Vihara on the 6th January 2005, to see the work being done by volunteers to help the people of Sri Lanka affected by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami disaster. On that occasion The Prince said “I wanted to take this opportunity to visit the London Buddhist Vihara to show support and solidarity to all those in Sri Lanka and elsewhere who have suffered so terribly as a result of this incomprehensible disaster"

We wish King Charles 3rd good health and long life to serve the nation and the Commonwealth as it's leader."

Ven. Nayaka Thera later read out the content of a letter sent to the Palace, expressing the condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of the Queen.

The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Ealing, Councillor Mohinder Midha gave a short speech expressing her sadness. She said " Late Queen Elizebath the 2nd was a wonderful person who did her utmost to serve the country and the Commonwealth during many years of her Reign. We all have so much respect for her. She will be missed greatly in these difficult times."

On behalf of the co-ordinators of the London Buddhist Vihara Dr. Lucky Panagoda thanked the Maha Sangha, The Worshipful Mayor of the London Borough of Ealing Councillor Mohinder Midha, Mayor's Consort Mr. Harban Midha and everyone who attended the programme.

Programme concluded with chanting of Meththa Suththa.