Nov. 5, 2016 - A large crowd of devotees participated in the Kathina ceremony and first year remembrance services for Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero held at Maithri Vihara Buddhist Meditation Center, Sun Valley, California, Nov. 5. Monks from several local temples including Ven. Walpola Piyananda Thero, Chief Sanghanyake of USA and Ven. Bogolle Sumana of the Anaheim Buddhist Temple were present.
Ven. Aparekke Punyasiri Thera of Maithri Vihara who led the ceremonies recalled the special relationship the late Sobitha Thero had maintained with this temple since its inception, visiting several times and providing guidance as it grew. In May 2015, just a few months before his death, Ven. Sobitha attended a milestone event in the temple’s history – the ceremonial unveiling of the temple’s stupa and special felicitation for the former incumbent of the temple Ven Dr. Iththapane Dhammalankara.
Dhamma talk was delivered by Ven. Prof. Wilegoda Ariyadeva Thero.