70th Birthday of Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero celebrated in Vienna

May 19, 2023 | Embassy News

The 70th birthday of the Most Venerable Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Dhamma-Zentrum Nyanaponika in Austria was celebrated together with the visiting Venerable Thero’s from Europe, Malaysia, Japan and Sri Lanka at a ceremony in Vienna. The invitees included members of the Austrian Buddhist Union, Sri Lankan Community and well-wishers.

The Most Ven. Seelawansa arrived in Austria in 1982 and pursued journalism and communication in Salzburg. Thereafter the Most Venerable Thero continued his studies and later lectured at the University of Vienna and the Global Academy in Liechtenstein.

In 2007, Ven. Seelawansa was awarded the title “Europe Mahadvipa Dhammadatu Sanghapati” for his service to propagate Buddhism in Europe.

“During the past 40 years, Most Venerable Seelawansa Thero has actively advanced the Dhamma in Austria and also Europe”, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka Majintha Jayesinghe said in his speech while appreciating the blessings, guidance and advice and recalled the service rendered by the Most Venerable Thero over the past 40 years to actively advance the propagation of the Buddha Dhamma in Austria and also in other regions in Europe. The ambassador also went on to state that Most Venerable Seelawansa Thero’s selfless work deserves appreciation.

The celebrations also entailed a cultural performance which enthralled the guests.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

19 May 2023