A Beautiful Vesak Pinkama on Sri Lankan Theravada Tradition in Brisbane – By Dr. Vimukthi Jayawardene
Source : Dæhæna – June 2025
The Sri Lanka Buddhist Monastery (SLBM) in Brisbane celebrated Vesak 2025 with a spiritually enriching traditional Sri
Lankan Pinkama, under the guidance of the Most Venerable Wattegama Dhammawasa Nayaka Thero – Mahanayaka of the
Udarata Amarapura Sasana Jothika sect, President and Chief Incumbent of SLBM, and Chief Sanghanayaka of the Amarapura sect in Australia.
The celebration allowed thousands of devotees to accumulate merit through both “Amisa” and “Pratipatti” Pooja. Dhamma sermons were held every evening for seven days, each attended by over a hundred devotees. Various groups offered a free dinner nightly, making the entire week a complete Pinkama.
On Saturday, May 17, the temple grounds came alive with traditional Sri Lankan style Vesak lanterns and light decorations, a giant Rotating Lantern, a dazzling Thorana portraying Swarna Mayura Jathaka, and student-made display cottages illustrating Sri Lankan Buddhist history. A colourful Perahera with traditional drumming, fireworks, and dance performances from Sri Lankan, Indian, and Vietnamese groups captivated the audience.
The Bhakti Geetha program featured performances by Yasodhara School students, parents, teachers, and members of the Bhutanese community. A youth-led tea and coffee Dansala and a Sri Lankan food stall supported temple fundraising.
On Sunday, May 18, a full-day Sil program was held for both Children and adults, complete with almsgiving. The celebrations concluded on May 28 with a mega fried rice Dansala and tea/coffee service attended by over 2,000 devotees from Brisbane and nearby areas.
This complete Pinkama on Australian soil beautifully embodied the essence of Sri Lankan Theravāda tradition, uniting the community in faith and merit.
Dr. Vimukthi Jayawardene
Secretary, Sri Lanka Buddhist Monastery, Forest Lake
