{"id":54366,"date":"2016-05-03T21:38:30","date_gmt":"2016-05-04T03:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=54366"},"modified":"2016-05-03T14:01:43","modified_gmt":"2016-05-03T21:01:43","slug":"buddhists-from-sri-lanka-open-campaign-to-propagate-buddhism-in-germany-in-1957","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2016\/05\/03\/buddhists-from-sri-lanka-open-campaign-to-propagate-buddhism-in-germany-in-1957\/","title":{"rendered":"Buddhists from Sri Lanka open campaign to propagate Buddhism in Germany in 1957"},"content":{"rendered":"

Public Meeting at Ananda College, Colombo on May 30, 1953<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

Minutes<\/h2>\n

The main purpose of this meeting was to make public the findings of the survey carried out by Asoka Weeraratna on the current state of Buddhist activities in Germany and the prospects for a Buddhist Mission to Germany before the Buddha Jayanthi celebrations in 1956, and to embark on a membership drive.<\/p>\n

Hon. C.W.W. Kannangara, Minister of Local Government presided at the Meeting, which was largely attended and comprised a very representative gathering of leading Buddhists.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ven. Baddegama Piyaratana Maha Nayake Thera, Principal of Vidyodaya Pirivena, administered \u2018 Pansil\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mr. Asoka Weeraratna in welcoming those present explained the object of the meeting\u00a0\u00a0and presented a detailed account of his survey of the present state of Buddhism in Germany made during his recent visit. He pointed out the importance of Germany and the unique contribution it has made towards the enrichment of European thought, culture and science. He stated that Germany was the pulse of the European continent, and that the largest number of Theravada Buddhists of Europe was at present found in Germany.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the end of Asoka\u2019s detailed presentation, Hon. C.W.W. Kannangara moved the following Motion:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 This House is of the opinion that the public of Ceylon should fully support the efforts of the Lanka Dhammaduta Society for the establishment of the Sambuddhasasana in Germany and propagate Buddhism in Europe \u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Ven. Pandit D. Revata Thera seconded the Motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Next, Mr. C.D.A. Gunawardena moved the following Motion:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 This House is of the opinion that the Lanka Dhammaduta Society should take immediate steps to send a Buddhist Mission to Germany before 1956 in order to commemorate the 2500th<\/sup>\u00a0year of the birth of the Buddha and further that the Society should take immediate steps to establish a permanent Buddhist Centre in Germany comprising a Vihara, Preaching Hall, Library, and Settlement for Upasakas \u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Ven. Pandit Akuretiye Amarawansa Thero seconded the Motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Ven.\u00a0Baddegama Piyaratana Maha Nayake Thera, Principal of Vidyodaya Pirivena, Ven. Kirivattaduwa Pannasara Nayaka Thera, Principal of Vidyalankara Pirivena,\u00a0Ven. Nyanatiloka Maha Thera (the German monk)\u00a0and Mudaliyar P.D. Ratnatunga and Mr. H.L. Caldera all spoke in support of the work of the Society and the great importance of sending a Buddhist Mission to Germany before the Buddha Jayanthi celebrations in B.E. 2500 (1956 AD).<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Maha Thera added that one of the greatest services that one can do to the Sasana is to help the Society to establish the Buddhist Dispensation in Europe with Germany as its center.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hon. C.W.W. Kannangara, Minister of Local Government, speaking from the Chair said that he had known the Hon. Secretary of the Society, Mr. Asoka Weeraratna from his boyhood and that he could vouch for his integrity. The Hon. Minister added that the Society was going to serve one of the greatest causes of Buddhism launched after the Great Emperor Asoka of India. He therefore urged that all Buddhists should back the Society in every way in order to help it to establish the Buddhasasana firmly in Germany before the Buddha Jayanthi of 1956.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Public Meeting at Colombo Town Hall on September 06, 1954<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A well attended public meeting was held at the Colombo Town Hall on September 06, 1954 sponsored by the German Dharmaduta Society to raise funds ( One Million Rupees – Dasa Laksha Aramudala ) to sponsor a Buddhist Mission to Germany. Mr. Dudley Senanayake presided at this meeting.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Top Picture – Mr. Dudley Senanayake is seen addressing the gathering.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Middle Picture – \u00a0The German Ambassador Dr. Georg Ahrens is seen speaking.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bottom Picture – Left to Right Dr. G.P. Malalasekera, Hon. J.R. Jayewardene, Hon. C.W.W. Kannangara, Hon. R.G. Senanayake, Dr. Georg Ahrens ( German Ambassador ) and Hon. U Ba Lwin ( Burmese Ambassador).<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n<\/strong>Laying of the Foundation Stone<\/strong><\/p>\n

This photo was taken on December 9, 1955 on the occasion of the laying of the Foundation Stone to construct the headquarters of the German Dhramaduta Society at No. 417, Bullers Road (later known as Bauddhaloka Mawatha), Colombo 7.<\/p>\n

Walther Schmits participated in this event in laying a foundation stone together with several other dignitaries.<\/p>\n

Names of the individuals in the picture are as follows:<\/p>\n

Right to left:<\/p>\n

Hon. Arnold Ratnayake ( Minister of Home Affairs)<\/p>\n

J.L.E. Fernando, CCS ( President, Lanka Dhammaduta Society later known as German Dharmaduta Society)<\/p>\n

The first West German Ambassador<\/em> to Ceylon, Dr<\/em>. Georg Ahrens<\/em><\/p>\n

Hon. Dudley Senanayake ( former Prime Minister of Ceylon) <\/em><\/p>\n

Asoka Weeraratna (Founder and Hony Secretary of GDS )<\/em><\/p>\n

Hema Basnayake, QC ( Attorney – General)<\/em><\/p>\n

Nelson Soysa <\/em><\/p>\n

Opening of the Headquarters of the German Dharmaduta Society on August 07, 1956<\/strong><\/em>
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\"berlinTemple05\"The Headquarters of the German Dharmaduta Society at No. 417, Bullers Road ( later Bauddhaloka Mawatha), Colombo 07<\/strong>It was declared open by Hon. S..W. R.D. Bandaranaike, Prime Minister of Ceylon, on August 7, 1956<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"berlinTemple06\"Hon. S..W. R.D. Bandaranaike, Prime Minister of Ceylon, ( centre ) is being escorted to the site of the public meeting by Asoka Weeraratna (left) and J.L.E. Fernando, CCS, <\/strong><\/p>\n

First President of the Lanka Dhammaduta Society ( later known as German Dharmaduta Society) on August 7, 1956. The head quarters of the GDS was declared open on this day.
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\nYoung Asoka Weeraratna delivering his speech
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See <\/em>http:\/\/asokaweeraratna.org\/gds.htm<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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