News from Oldham England.

Wesak Celebrations were held at the Sri Lankan Ketumati Buddhist Vihara, Oldham England on 14th May 2006. Venerable Pidiville Piyatissa Head of the Vihara made presentations to senior members of The Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada) where he teaches once a month. Cream sashes were presented in order of seniority to those who have taken Ajivatthamaka Sila (The Eight Precepts with Right Livelihood as the Eighth) for life. These sashes must be worn when they administer the Five Precepts in a meeting, in the absence of a Bhikkhu (Monk) or Ayya (Nun). The recipients were: Upasaka Sumedha (John Gerrard), Upaska Mahinda (John Griffiths), Upasaka Punna (Talib Yaseen) and Upasika Jayasili (Jacquetta Gomes).

Sangha Authorised Dhamma Teacher badges which feature the Buddhist Flag were presented in order of seniority to: Titus Gomes, Jacquetta Gomes, John Gerrard and John Griffiths. (Upasaka Mahinda John Griffiths was absent and will receive his sash and badge at a later date.) As far as we are aware this is the first time such presentations have been made in England. Further information from Ketumati Buddhist Vihara, 3 Pretoria Road, Hollins, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL8 4NH, England, UK and Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada), c/o Fellside Centre, Low Fellside, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4NH, England, UK. (Email: [e-mail])