Honouring the Sangha: A Distinguished Visit to MBV

On Sunday, 10 May 2026, Maryland Buddhist Vihara welcomed the Honourable Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, and His Excellency Mahinda Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States.

During their visit, the Minister and Ambassador paid their respects to the Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of Maryland Buddhist Vihara. The guests joined Bhante in the shrine room for a cordial and thoughtful meeting.

The occasion reflected the close spiritual and cultural ties maintained between Buddhist institutions in Sri Lanka and communities overseas. It also provided an opportunity to recognise Bhante’s longstanding service in guiding the Buddhist community, sharing the Dhamma and preserving Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural heritage in the United States.

Maryland Buddhist Vihara was honoured to receive the distinguished visitors and appreciates their recognition of the important role played by the Maha Sangha and Buddhist temples serving communities abroad.

May these bonds of friendship and shared service continue to strengthen for the benefit of the Buddha Sāsana and all communities.