UPASAMPADA on Kukule Ganga waters at Meepagama, Kalawana

The 65th Upasampa- Ven. Kalawane Dham- da Ceremony of the Sri mananda Nayaka Lanka Ramanna Thera, the Viharad- Nikaya took place with- hipathi of Sri Sudar- in a spectacular enclo- shanaramaya, sure, the “Udakukhepa Wethara, Polgasovita, Seemamalakaya” con- who is the Executive structed on Kukule Director of the Gnano- Ganga waters at Meep- daya Foundation. agama, Kalawana, The organizers under the guidance of received unconditional Ven. Pilapitiye cooperation of the Sri Gnanawansa Nayaka Lanka Navy in all Thera, from June 29 to arrangements in con- July 08 amidst a large nection with the cere- gathering of Buddhist mony. devotees, among whom The 10 day long reli- were the parents, rela- gious ceremony was tions and well-wishers organized on the “Dear sons, may this be a smooth passage to cross this river of Samsara... Two mothers gazing at of 500 instructions of the the floating . bhikkus who received Most Ven. Weweldeniye Higher Ordination on Medhalankara Maha the occasion. Nayaka Thera, the Ven. Kalawane The Upasampada Mahanayaka of the Sri Dhammananda ceremony was orga- Lanka Ramanna Nayaka Thera Text: nized by the Mavupiya Nikaya, and under the Sevana of Meepagama, patronage of President Kalawana, on the ini- Mahinda Rajapaksa Chathura tiative of Gnanodaya and Prime Minister Geethanath Foundation of Meep- Ratnasiri Wickra- Bandara agama at the request of manayaka.

Pix:

Saman Sri Wedage

The ritual of re-entering bhikkhuhood

Close relatives who have come to see the Upasampa- Inside the Seema Malaka, listening to the Upasampada rules da ceremony, talking to . Observing Precepts

Walking in line after receiving Higher Ordination. The students of Kalawana Gamini Central College seen here were among the many who participated in the celebration.

Illuminated Seema Malaka afloat on the Kukule Ganga waters under the night sky.

Ready with Atapirikara, wherewithal for the life of a .

This school girl is among the many hundreds who partook of the meals served at the Dansala which provided meals for all who congregat- ed for the cere- Reading the poster on the Upasampada ceremony...... a spectacular mony. event to remember..... Preparing a dish for the alms. !