Members of north-east Victoria’s Sri Lankan community gathered to receive blessings from the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, the Triple Gem that forms the foundation of the community’s Buddhist faith.
On Saturday, February 7, the Wangaratta CWA hall was a vibrant hub of connection and spirituality as members of the North East Sri Lankans Association came together for its first gathering of 2026.
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The event brought communities from across the region closer through Buddhist traditions, meditation and the shared joy of creating something beautiful together.
NESLA president Samira Fernando said starting the year with this calming activity had become a tradition.
"We come together to receive blessings from the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, the Triple Gem that forms the foundation of our Buddhist faith,“ he said.
“For us, this means honouring Lord Buddha, his teachings and the monks who carry those teachings forward.
“The highlight of the day was welcoming Venerable Muruthamure Pannaloka Thero, who travelled all the way from Keysborough in Melbourne to be with the Wangaratta community.”
The venerable monk led participants through a peaceful meditation session and delivered thoughtful lectures in both English and Sinhalese, making the teachings accessible to everyone from young children to adults.
Venerable Pannaloka Thero brings an impressive background to the community.
As the abbot of Vijitharama Temple in Embuldeniya, Sri Lanka, one of the country's prominent Buddhist temples, and formerly president of the Buddhist Sangha Council of Southern California, he has dedicated his life to sharing Buddhist wisdom across the globe.
His mastery of Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhalese, Hindi, Bengali and English allows him to connect with diverse communities wherever he goes.
"Having him visit our community in north-east region was a true honour," Samira said.
The NESLA event brought north-east Victoria's Sri Lankan community closer through Buddhist traditions and meditation.
"For a community like ours, somewhat isolated from regular cultural and religious activities, his presence meant the world."
In the weeks leading up to the event, volunteers gathered regularly at Dr Upul Abeykoon’s home, where they worked side by side to create stunning traditional Pirith Mandapa-inspired decorations.
Pirith Mandapa is a sacred, decorated pavilion used in Sri Lanka for Buddhist Pirith chanting ceremonies.
“It was so much more than just making decorations,” Samira said.
“People were laughing, chatting, sharing stories, all while creating these intricate paper carvings together. It brought us closer as a community.”
Under the expert guidance of Rushan Wickramaratne, the volunteers transformed simple materials into an authentic piece of cultural artistry.
The Pirith Mandapa, traditionally constructed with coconut leaves and ornate paper designs, became a labour of love that took weeks to complete.
“Rushan’s leadership was exceptional,” Samira said.
“To have someone with his technical skills willing to guide us through creating something this special, especially here in our region, it reminded us that no matter where we are, we can keep our traditions alive together.”
The event was made possible through the generous donations of NESLA members and countless volunteer hours.
Dr Tusitha Ravindra Abeyawardana not only organised and sponsored Venerable Pannaloka Thero's travel but also personally drove the monk on the long journey from Keysborough to Wangaratta and back.
“Dr Abeykoon opened his home for weeks of decoration work, providing food and refreshments to keep the creative energy flowing,” Samira said.
“Everyone contributed in their own way.
“Some gave their time, some shared their skills, others provided resources.
“That’s what community is all about, coming together and supporting one another.”
As the religious ceremonies concluded, the community gathered for a pot-luck dinner, sharing homemade dishes and stories late into the evening.
The relaxed, joyful atmosphere perfectly captured what NESLA is all about, maintaining cultural traditions while building genuine connections in members’ Australian home.
The volunteers are already excitedly planning their next gathering the traditional Sinhala and Tamil new year celebration in April.
If you're interested in learning more about NESLA or joining its community activities, contact nesla.vic@gmail.com.
“Whether you’re Sri Lankan, curious about cultural practices, or simply interested in connecting with diverse communities in north-east Victoria, you’re welcome to get in touch,” Samira said.
