The Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre was graced with a visit by a High Official of Royalty on Monday 04th July 2011. In appreciation for outstanding services rendered by Venerable Akurala Samitha through Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre and the Buddhist Community, The Chairman of the North Hertfordshire District Council, Councillor Mr Michael Weeks hosted this special visit to The Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre in its own premises at No: 69, Pix Road Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 1PZ UK.

One of The High Official representatives of Her Majesty Queen Ellisabeth II, The High Sheriff Lord Charles Cecil, The Chairman of North Hertfordshire District Council, Councillor Mr Michael Weeks and Mrs Weeks, The Chief Executive of NHDC Mr John T Campbell and Development Officer of NHDC Mr Allen Fleck were among the distinguished delegates.

This is the first time such a high official visit has been made in good will to a Buddhist Centre especially in the Easter Region of England. Venerable Akurala Samitha, Head of the Centre welcomed them warmly to this historic occasion. The Chairman of NHDC Cllr Mr Weeks mentioned that North Hertfordshire is a very diverse county where we can experience outstanding harmony and grace of humanity. He was very impressed with the excellent services done by Venerable Akurala Samitha and The Buddhist Community of The Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre. Therefore he deserved that The High Sheriff should not miss visiting this Buddhist Centre and hence happily hosted this official visit.

Addressing the gathering, The High Sheriff Lord Charles Cecil mentioned that Buddhism is one of the greatest religions in the modern world. This has been accepted by other great religions for its strength of intellectuality and peaceful nature of its practice. He assured that Buddhist Principles and Buddhist way of life can certainly bring lots of benefit to the society. He shared his beautiful personal memories of visiting Sri Lanka and stunning Buddhist sites.

It had been highlighted that The High Sheriff and his delegates were particularly interested in social welfare issues and especially around youth disorder and the care and rehabilitation of offenders.

We trust that Buddhist Teachings have a lot to offer for these social states through Buddhist meditation, mindfulness based practices, transpersonal Buddhist Psychotherapy, Buddhist Counselling, Buddhist Psychology, Buddhist Chanting and so on. As Buddhism is a way of life, it's noble services proceed irrespective of race, religion, language, colour gender and belief.

This year 2011 marks a very important milestone in the history of Buddhism as it completes 2600 years of the Enlightenment Anniversary of the Buddha. The delegates were very impressed to see our members were wearing Buddhist Flag Amulets to celebrate 2600th Sambuddha Jayanthi. The High Official delegates also joined in solidarity with the Buddhists to celebrate the 2600th Sambuddha Jayanthi (Enlightenment Anniversary of the Buddha) by wearing especially made Buddhist Amulets.

Ven Samitha welcomes High Official Royal Delegates to Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre

Friends of Dhamma Nikethanaya welcome High Official Royal Deligates

The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil NHDC Chairman Cllr Michael Weeks & Mrs Weeks NHDC Chief Executive Mr John T Campbell

Ven Samitha conducted a Dhamma Talk Meditation & Blessings Chanting

NHDC Chairman Cllr Mr Weeks addressed the Buddhist Community

Royal Delegate The High Sheriff addressed the Buddhist Community

The High Sheriff Lord Charles Cecil enjoy talking Buddhism with Ven Samitha 4

Ven Akurala Samitha Lord Charles Cecil & Mr Dudley Hewavitharana

Mrs Weeks cuts The High Official Royal Visit Welcome Cake to Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre

Devotees explaining the assets of a Buddhist Monk (Atapirikara Eight Requisits)

The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil request to join in 2600 Sambuddha Jayanthi Celebration by wearing a Buddhist flag amulet

HDC Chairman Cllr Mr Michael Weeks enthusiastically join in 2600 Sambuddha Jayanthi Celebration by wearing a Buddhist flag amulet

The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil signs the Visitor's Book

Ven Samitha welcomes High Officials to be Monks one day and Experience the Happiness

Mrs Ratnawalie Dep Offers Gifts to The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil

Miss Padma Wijerathne Offers Welcome Gifts of Sri Lanka Tourist Board to Cheif Executive

Ven Samitha Giving Buddhist Blessings Wall Art to The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil

Mr Brian England explained benefits of Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre

The High Official Royal Delegates appreciate Kindness of Buddhist Children & Community

The High Sherriff Lord Charles Cecil appreciates Grand welcome