Sri lankan expatriates in United States gathered on Saturday the 6th of May in various places around the country to perform Bodhi Pujas and Satya Kriyas to invoke blessings on the armed forces and to bring about Peace & Unity to Sri Lanka.

San Jose, California:
On Saturday, May 6th, a large group of Sri Lankans living in the San Francisco Bay area gathered at Dharmapala Institute in Campbell, CA, to perform Satya Kriya, Loving Kindness Meditation, and a Candle Light Vigil for Peace in Sri Lanka.
Ven. Ketawala Gnanadhaja Thero led the first part of the program, attended mainly by the Buddhist community. But the candle light vigil that followed brought together Sri Lankans from other religious denominations as well. The several speeches given by members representing the various religious communities evoked common themes about war and peace - the tragedies and untimely deaths of thousands of soldiers, the physical and emotional devastation that is experienced by all Sri Lankans, the many poignant memories of a people who grew up in peaceful times in the motherland, and the deepest desire to see peace and unity prevail for all ethnic groups in Sri Lanka.
Songs about peace and unity for all, as well as about the beauty of Sri Lanka, were sung. The gathering ended with the singing of Sri Lanka's national anthem, and a request for monetary donations to help those devastated by the war. The generous donations given by those present, and those that were sent in by those who could not be present, are gratefully acknowledged.

Houston, Texas:
On Saturday, 6th May, 00 a well-attended Bodhi Pooja was held at Houston Buddhist Vihara under the directions of Bhante Kamburugalle Nanda. Sri Lankans from Houston as well as from the neighboring cities attended the activity.
Subsequent to the offerings, while chanting the qualities of the Buddha, in the shrine room, everyone sat together and took refuges in the Triple Gem and observed five precepts. The group practiced loving kindness, metta, starting with the wishes for the benefit of the army personnel making sacrifices for Sri Lanka, after reciting the Pali verses to complete the offerings. Loving kindness, metta wishes, were not limited to the soldiers and Sinhala only, but to all Sri Lankans irrespective of race or religious affiliations. Ten minutes of meditation was followed by two minutes of silence in memory of the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the benefit of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans in general. Chanting of sutras for protection and well being followed. Everyone chanted the sutras along with the Buddhist monks, and peace and tranquility prevailed in the surroundings at the time. Finally, merits were transferred to the gods and other beings and the religious observances ended with the traditional wish in Sri Lanka:
"Devo vassatu kalena..", or May the heavens bring timely rain, may there be abundance and prosperity, may every one in the world be happy, and the rulers in the world be just. The Buddhist observances were followed by speeches from Bhante Nanda and Dr. Tennekoon of College Station. The theme of the speeches was the difficulties faced by the soldiers and the speakers reminded the Sri Lankans of their duty to help Sri Lanka at the crucial moment. Overall, it was a very successful event and everyone's wish is that peace pervades the world overcoming terrorism and racism.

Washington, District of Columbia:
A large gathering attended at Washington Vihara headed by HE Ambassador Dr.W.Rasaputram. Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri gave a talk and the Ambassador also addressed the meeting. Ven Panditha Mahaoya Anuruddha conducted a Bodhi Puja and blessed the Army Personal fighting for the unity of Sri Lanka. At the end funds were collected to send to Sri Lanka to help our soldiers. Up to 14th of May, funds will be collected to help the armed forces as it the duty of all Sri Lankans in this badly needed time.

Los Angeles, California:
Many expatriate Sri Lankans gathered at Maitri Vihara at Burbank, California on Saturday evening to perform Satya Kriya to Bless for a peaceful resolution to the Sri Lankas present turmoil. Ven. Ahangama Dhammrama of Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara, Ven Walpola Piyanada of Dharma Vijaya, Ven Pallebage Chandrasiri of Maitri Vihara Van Siriniwasa of Sarathchandraramaya were among the many priests to perform Satya Kriya, gathered at the temple. Many Sri Lankans gathered to express their concerns.
Ven Chandrasiri stated that truth and fairness are with them as they perform the Satya Kriya, as Sri Lanka is a place for everyone to pursue a peaceful life with harmony among others, while the present situation is due to carving a major portion of the country for one ethnicity.
This group wants and professes this separated land for only one ethnicity where as the rest is common to all. The majority Buddhists lives with all other areas with Tamils, Moors, Malays and Burghers. Which includes several Religions in a peaceful manner in all other areas of Sri Lanka. That's the fairness and the truth. Sri Lanka belongs to all born in the country. Good example is the island's premier cultural pageant in August held in Kandy, where five Hindu temples take part in one procession in harmony from the days of kings. Several others, including Catholics and Malays were among who discussed the situation at this largely attended meeting in Southern California.town. Tampa, Florida: Sri Lankan expatriates gathered at the Florida Buddhist Vihara to perform Bodhi Puja and bless the country and the armed forces. Ven. K. Wipulasara performed the Bodhi Puja.

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Message form the Sponsors
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Last week we heard through those touching but firm voices why:
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They cannot stop simply because their weary bodies & legs are aching;
They cannot sleep simply because they are sleepy and tired;
They cannot pause to swallow a bite, simply because they are dead Thirsty and Hungry.
They cannot abandon their plight and run simply because their loved ones are waiting praying for them;
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They are busy defending the democratic rights of all of those who are born and bred in that beautiful Island that we all most affectionately and respectfully call our MOTHERLAND, the place we all run at the slightest opportunity we get to be with our loved ones and to relive our childhood memories, if there is one (someday).
...............
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We are not getting tired of blessing them and the Country every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every ! week until lives of each one of those brave and self-sacrificing Patriots are saved. Are we?
...............
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Let's keep our vigil alive!!!! Let us meet every Saturday at 6:00 pm. to continue to pray for our country and raise money to defend it. That is the least we can do at this crucial moment!

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