digest

Tara Lanka Year-by-Year Digest
(2016-2025)

Here is a summary of the activities we have undertaken. The list is compiled directly from the Reports on this site, so you can find more details by going to the relevant Report.

2025

Visit of Six Kopan Geshes to Sri Lanka – Historic visit bringing together Mahayana and Theravada sangha
Medicine Buddha Statue Consecration – Completed and consecrated Medicine Buddha statue installed in Colombo at Gangarama Temple after three years of effort
Historic Meetings with Sangha Leadership
- Audience with Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Maha Nayaka Thero (Chief Prelate of Asgiriya Chapter)
- Meeting with Chief Sanganayaka Pallegama Hematathana Thero in Anuradhapura
Naga Puja at Kelaniya Temple – First public Mahayana Naga Puja in modern Sri Lanka
Bodhisattva Vows Ceremony – Small group received Bodhisattva vows at Kelaniya from Lama Namgyal Rinpoche
Healing Day for Disabled Ex-Army Personnel – 250 disabled ex-army participants attended Medicine Buddha puja
Guru Bumtsok Puja at Abhayagiriya – Full-day Guru Rinpoche practice at prominent Theravada temple site
Visit to Sacred Tooth Temple – Geshes paid respects to Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy
Recognition by Nepalese Embassy – Official reception honoring first official group of Tibetan Buddhist monks from Nepal
Relocation from Hokandara Centre – Moved operations to Colombo with only two weeks’ notice
Publishing Contract – Signed contract with Wisdom Publications for Manjusri Vasthuvidya (historic Sri Lankan text)
Flood and Cyclone Relief – Collaboration with Amitabha Buddhist Centre Singapore provided over USD 5,000 in emergency aid
10-Year Milestone – Marked ten years of Ven. Lekdron’s service in Sri Lanka

2024

Medicine Buddha Prototype Completion – Prototype statue cast, gilded, painted, and filled with mantras at Kopan Monastery
5MB Pilgrimage to Sri Lanka – Led 16 pilgrims from Australia, Malaysia, and USA to Sri Lankan Buddhist sites
Medicine Buddha Puja with Disabled Soldiers – 50 wounded Sinhalese army soldiers attended healing puja at Abhayagiriya
Maureen Ernest’s Reconciliation Speech – Tamil refugee apologized on behalf of LTTE to disabled soldiers; Sinhalese professor reciprocated
Medicine Buddha Puja at Mahiyangana – Over 2,000 people attended grand puja at historic temple
Vietnamese Support – Venerable Phuoc Tan led Vietnamese Buddhist pilgrimage; ongoing support for 5MB project
Malintha’s Departure – Key facilitator Malintha Perera relocated to Vietnam after years of dedicated service
Khadro La Rinpoche Teachings – Zoom teachings commenced for Sri Lankan Study Group
Theravada Monks Attend Kopan Course – First time Theravada sangha attended November Kopan course (sponsored by Dinuga)
Stupa of Enlightenment Donation – ABC Singapore donated stupa for circumambulation and purification
Educational Support – Three girls continued at Mowbray College with Dr. Tyagi’s sponsorship
Wisdom Publications Agreement – Confirmed publication of Manjusribhasita Vastuvidyasastra (only Buddhist architectural manual in the world)

2023

Navaly Memorial Event – First “Healing Lanka” event: memorial service for victims of 1995 Navaly bombing
Dr. Maureen Ernest Poetry Reading – Tamil refugee and PTSD survivor shared poetry with ex-army personnel present
Medicine Buddha Puja for War Victims – Healing puja conducted for all affected by civil war
Reconciliation Focus – Event created space for Sinhalese Buddhists and Tamil victims to share experiences
Peace and Forgiveness Theme – Event emphasized forgiveness as path for healing and reconciliation

2022

Khadro-la Rinpoche Visit – Surprise visit at request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during economic crisis
Private Teaching on Self-Cherishing – Khadro-la gave teaching “The Self Cherishing I And How To Overcome It”
Helping Starving Villagers Project – Cows allocated to homes; introduced farming technology
Sanitary Pad Project – Initiated for women’s health needs
Ancient Mahayana Text Translation – Completed translation stage of historic text
Medicine Buddha Pujas – Extensive continuation of regular pujas
100 Medicine Buddha Pujas Milestone – Completed commitment to perform 100 MB Pujas
Sinhalese Translations – Created translations for local use
Melbourne Fundraiser – Zopa Noble Park Buddhists raised over $15,000 for Tara Lanka
15m Medicine Buddha Statue Prototype – Preliminary designs underway following Rinpoche’s suggestion
Online Engagement – Continued work from Australia via Whatsapp and Zoom
Grant Success – Successful grant application for Bodhi Dhamma Vihara in Bendigo

2021 (December)

Remote Work from Australia – Continued managing Sri Lanka projects from Bendigo via internet
Shrine Room Establishment – Created shrine room for Ksitigharba and Medicine Buddha statues
Girls Shelter Support – Ongoing assistance and counseling despite being in Australia
Translating Texts into Sinhala – Continued translation work
Toyota RAV4 Gift – Received donated vehicle for transportation in Australia
Living at Great Stupa – Settled into cabin at foot of Great Stupa, Bendigo

2021 (July)

New Milestone: Building Mutual Respect – Developing connections between Pali and Sanskrit Buddhist traditions
Bendigo New Year Celebrations – Prayers in both Pali and Sanskrit traditions with local Sri Lankan families
Bodhi Dhamma Vihara Project – Close collaboration with Sri Lankan association bringing Sri Maha Bodhi branch to Bendigo
Geshe Rabten Teaching – Video teaching on Four Noble Truths translated into Sinhalese
Golden Light Sutra Recitation – Group recitation for success of vihara building project
1,300,000 Vajra Guru Mantras – Completed offering to Rinpoche on Saka Dawa
His Holiness Book Translation – “One Teacher – Many traditions” found Sinhala translator (Bhante Kusala)
Pregnant Mothers Support – Donations provided baby items and food to poor mothers in Sagama village
House Building – Built house for impoverished family on plantation estate
Sexual Abuse Cases Victory – High-level investigation resulted in resolution of many cases
Girls Education – Three girls at Mowbray College received private tuition during COVID lockdown
Maree Fowler’s TESL Support – Began online English teaching via Zoom
Cake Business Success – Girls’ cake making business thriving
Handkerchief Embroidery Orders – Repeat orders from Australia
Trauma Workshop – Attended “The Journey From Trauma to Flourishing” with Dr. Anita Milicevic
Wisdom Women Wednesday – Online presentations during pandemic
Mindful Educators Presentation – “Teachers in the Present Moment with Kindness, Empathy, Values and Compassion”
5-Storey Medicine Buddha Vision – Rinpoche advised building five-storey high Medicine Buddha statue in Sri Lanka
Preliminary Practices Begun – Group began practices for ambitious statue project

2020 (December)

Lockdown in Australia – Trapped in Sorrento, Australia during COVID-19
Cabin at Great Stupa – Daughter Anusha helped secure temporary accommodation in Bendigo
Remote Work Continues – Managed Sri Lankan commitments online and by phone
Bodhi Dhamma Vihara Progress – Committee began awareness campaign for Sri Maha Bodhi sapling
November Event – Galigamuwe Gnanadeepa Thero explained sacred lineage of sapling
Bridge Building – Facilitated connection between Theravada and Mahayana communities
Grant Application – Submitted to local council with help of resource experts
Wisdom Wednesday Talks – Contributed to online interfaith forum from Bendigo
Golden Light Sutra Distribution – Continued distribution; Professor Gunathilaka led monthly recitations
Mr. Sugathadasa’s Achievement – Completed 108 GLS recitations on 108 consecutive days; introduced GLS to Oman
Medicine Buddha Puja Online – Monthly pujas led by Piyasiri Kularathna
1,300,000 Guru Rinpoche Mantras – Pledged for Rinpoche’s birthday and health
Market for Handloom Textiles – Maree Fowler established online market for shelter products
Anjali’s Story – Rescued girl provided safe home, married, received support for cow to generate income
Mowbray College Students – Three shelter girls sent to private school; required tutoring during COVID
Sewing Classes Expanded – Singer Sewing School diploma program provided commercial skills
Trauma Counseling Workshop – Found Professor Anita Milicevic to provide trauma training for Sri Lankan professionals (February 2021)

2020 (July)

COVID-19 Impact – Unable to return to Sri Lanka; stayed at Atisha Centre
Machig Labron Nunnery – Supported establishment within Great Stupa grounds
Mobile Cabin Purchase – Daughter helped purchase cabin for stable Australian accommodation
Weekly Online Sessions – Dharma discussions via Skype for youth in Sri Lanka, Germany, and Canada
Elephant Conflict: GLS in Jungle – Golden Light Sutra recitation at Reswehera (ancient 307-267BC Mahayana temple)
Historic Sangha Participation – Six female sangha and four monks attended public Mahayana sutra recitation
Jimmi Neal Teachings – Gave introduction to Lam Rim and Tara practice in Colombo
Sri Maha Bodhi Sapling Ceremony – Formally accepted sacred sapling on behalf of Great Stupa
Heart Sutra in Sinhalese – 60 people recited at Sri Maha Bodhi temple ceremony
Historic Moment – First time Mahayana prayers recited openly in presence of local monks
Golden Light Sutra Recitations – Professor Gunathilaka led weekly recitations during COVID-19
Medicine Buddha Puja – Monthly pujas by Piyasiri Kularathna
His Holiness Teachings Translation – Dr. Bertram Liyanage translating HHDL teachings into Sinhalese
“Compassion and Emptiness” Translation – Bhante Kusala to translate Ven. Analayo’s book
Shelter Renovations – Hairloom & Co volunteers painted and renovated accommodation
Yoga and Skills Training – Multiple visiting teachers provided workshops
Academic Success – Two girls passed Year 10 exams
Trauma Informed Mindfulness – 16-week course completed
Safe Space Initiative – Muslim, Tamil, and Sinhala women gathering planned

2019

Easter Sunday Bombing Impact – Terrorist attack on April 21st cancelled planned 10-day Golden Light Sutra retreat and pilgrimage; 14 people had booked
Lost Meditation Venue – Om Shambala yoga centre closed due to loss of Western students after bombing
Tourism Collapse – Sri Lanka hit rock bottom as tourists left the country
Vajra Yogini Retreat in France – Attended VY retreat sponsored by Oi Loon; saw 460 people practice together
Rinpoche’s Direct Instruction – When told about bombings, Rinpoche said “Go back and do the work”
Lorena Adame Connection – Met 16 Guidelines facilitator; planned month-long workshop for girls’ shelter
Girls Shelter Trauma Work – Addressed emotional needs using Non Violent Communication techniques
Identifying Feelings Workshop – Taught girls to identify range of feelings and express personal needs
Laura Couda Partner Yoga – USA teacher conducted partner yoga including touch and cooperation to build trust
Lorena’s 3-Week Program – “Trauma Informed Yoga and 16 Guidelines for Life” – first opportunity for girls to process what happened to them
Dr. Thyagi Sponsorship – Sponsored three girls to attend Mowbray College private school; conducted 9 days of yoga and dancing
30 Workshops Total – Various experts on movement therapy, emotional wellbeing, counseling, communications, music, dancing, movies
Rosalie’s Drum Project – Paid to repair 21 drums lying idle for years; sponsored dance teacher salary
Girls’ Performances – Showed off dancing talents at opening ceremony of new building
Sewing School Program – Steady stream learning through Singer Sewing School vocational program
Career Options Assessment – Looking beyond sewing and weaving for future opportunities
Marie Fowler’s Continued Support – Financial support for majority of programs; purchased handloom material
Marie and Kate’s Visit (February) – Did practical and fun activities: baking, sewing, yoga, meditation
Birthday Cake Sponsorship – Started celebrating staff birthdays, giving girls opportunity to express appreciation
Marie’s 60th Birthday Celebration – Celebrated at the shelter with the girls
Chronic Kidney Disease Puja – Golden Light Sutra recitation and Medicine Buddha Puja in Weli Oya for 250 patients
Weli Oya Remote Village – Village badly affected during war; now suffering from chronic kidney disease
Army Support – Army cooked meals and provided driver to two females traveling alone
Three Monks’ Participation – Local Theravadan monks opened the event; surprising cooperation given ongoing friction
Rain Miracle – As Medicine Buddha Puja completed, heavy rain started (drought-affected region)
Demand for Golden Light Sutra – People queued requesting copies to recite themselves
Head Monk’s Observation – Noted restless villagers were subdued and peaceful after sitting seven straight hours
Annual Invitation – Invited to return at least once yearly to include all 600 kidney patients in area
25 MB Puja Copies Requested – Monk asked for copies to offer at his temple
Mahayana Resurgence – Noticeable interest in practicing Mahayana path; open discussions about philosophy
Ancient Evidence – Golden plates of Prajnaparamita Sutra in Colombo Museum; tallest Tara statue in British Commonwealth Museum
Tara Mantra Discovery – Unearthing of Tara Mantra written in old Sinhala in Anuradhapura
Regular Sutra Recitations – Lotus Sutra, Golden Light Sutra, Arya Sangata Sutra recited more frequently
Medicine Buddha Gaining Popularity – Medicine Buddha puja gaining widespread acceptance
Pearl Garland Translation – “An Anthology of Lamrims” – latest Sinhala translation by Professor Gunathilaka
2,000 GLS Copies – Printed and distributed (thanks to Ven. Birgit and Christine Bohle)
Heart Sutra Translation – Professor Gunathilaka completed; being recited by many
Tathagata Sutra Progress – Going through eighth edit; unusual obstacles to completion
Ven. Michael Yeshe Visit – Gave teaching and led first ever Tara Puja in Sri Lanka
Ven. Lhadzam Visit – From Root Institute, connected while visiting Sri Lanka
Ven. Khama Choedron Visit – From Malaysia, joined for dharma practice
Bodhgaya Pilgrimage – Two Tara Lanka study group participants attended His Holiness’ teachings
Kopan Course Attendance – Student who attended Kopan received highest yoga tantra initiations from Ganden Tripa Rinpoche in Italy
3-Month Vajrasattva Retreat Planned – Student hoped to attend retreat
Mahayana Understanding Growing – Increasing familiarity; misunderstanding lessening
Muslim Sisters Discussion – Discussions held after bombing to promote understanding
Sri Maha Bodhi Sapling Ceremony – Invited to accept sapling from Sri Maha Bodhi tree on behalf of Great Stupa, Bendigo
Historic Female Honor – No other female, particularly from Mahayana lineage, had been given such opportunity
Lama Zopa and Yeshe Connection – In early 1970s, they tried unsuccessfully to make pilgrimage to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka as Pivotal Place – Rinpoche saw country as pivotal in nurturing and growth of dharma worldwide

2018

Regular Full Moon Program – Ongoing talks and meditation at Om Shambala, Colombo
Golden Light Sutra – 1,300 recitations completed; new copies printed
Medicine Buddha Puja – Monthly pujas; 500 Sinhala copies printed with mantra cards
Indonesia Tour (March) – One month tour with Ven. Drolkar across Java teaching mindfulness
Borobudur Visit – Major highlight; introduced Tonglen meditation
Ekayana Temples – Spoke at nonsectarian temples bringing teachers from all Buddhist traditions
Bendigo Retreat (May) – 30 Sri Lankans met Lama Zopa; received Heart Sutra transmission
Liberation in Palm of Your Hand – Rinpoche requested Sinhala translation; Bertram Liyanage agreed
Ven. Birgit Schweberer Visit – Gave Golden Light Sutra commentary in Colombo and Kandy
Buddha Nature Talk – Historic talk to 30-40 postgraduate Theravadan monks
Mahayana Holy Sites Tour – Traveled with Ven. Birgit reciting Golden Light Sutra
1,000 New GLS Copies – Schweberers donated funds for printing
Medicine Buddha Puja at Anuradhapura – 120 people attended two-day event for kidney disease patients
Girls Shelter Expansion – Education programs: Maths, Sinhala, Tamil, English
Art Lessons – Sarah New provided materials and teaching
Birthday Cakes – First birthday cakes for some girls
Weekend Excursion – Girls taken on special trip
Dog Care – 7 dogs and 13 puppies inoculated; regular feeding program
Major Projects Planned – Drumming, murals, life-skills, reproductive health workshops
Kopan Course – Dilini became first Tara Lanka student to attend one-month Kopan course
Bodhgaya Teachings – Students attended His Holiness teachings

2017 (December)

Poya Day Program – Regular full moon sessions at Om Shambala yoga centre
Golden Light Sutra in Sinhala – Published; over 430 recitations completed with beneficial results
Tamil Village Outreach – Planned GLS recitation in Tamil village where last civil war battle fought
Medicine Buddha Puja Regular – Monthly practice in Colombo; Sinhala translation updated
Tara Praises – Surprising acceptance and requests despite challenge of female Buddha concept
Facebook Page Hacked – Lost page with 1,000+ likes to Indonesian hackers selling watches
“One Teacher Many Traditions” – Translation nearly ready for publication
Pearl Garland Translation – Professor Gunathilaka commenced Lam Rim translation
Women’s Development Centre – Helping with abuse of girls and women
Maree Fowler’s Second Visit – Raised funds for skills training and livelihood opportunities
Toilet/Bathroom Construction – Built much-needed facilities for pregnant mothers (17 girls shared one toilet previously)
Safe Space Initiative – Space for Muslim, Tamil, Sinhala women discussion and connection
Female Religious Leaders Group – First such group in world formed to address ethnic divisions
Ven. Tsundue’s Chant – Led chant at first public interfaith event
Two Conferences – World Buddhist Summit; World Buddhist Supreme Conference
Sakyadhita Conference – Attended in Hong Kong; met Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
Non Violent Communication – First workshop in Kandy (19 attendees); making NVC available in English and Sinhala
Indonesia Visit – Presented on “Women’s Empowerment With the Blessings of Tara”

2017 (May)

New Accommodation Found – After viewing 40+ places, secured rental in Kandy ($550/month)
House Blessing – Attended by sangha from 6 countries and mix of traditions
New Year Activities – Golden Light Sutra recitation; Medicine Buddha puja in Sinhala
Ven. Namjong Teachings – FPMT teacher taught in Galle, Kandy, and Colombo
Ven. Olande Ananda Support – Dutch monk hosted Tibetan teachings at his temple (second time)
Prayer Flags Blessing – Guru Rinpoche blessings through hanging Tibetan prayer flags
Colombo Meditation – Started 5:30am monthly meditation at Rita’s house
Tara Practice Day Planned – Two-day event and Nuyng Nye being organized
UN Vesak Preparations – Plans for Ven. Namdak’s return in May
Ven. Thubten Kunsang Visit – Kopan nun helped connect with local monks and nuns
4 Mandala Tara Puja – Chanted in Tibetan at new home
Sri Pada Climb – Visited sacred mountain where Buddha gave Dzogchen teachings
Pilgrimage Tours Ready – Developed tours to ancient Mahayana sites
Two Text Translations Complete – “One Teacher Many Traditions” in proofing; Golden Light Sutra complete
Professor Gunathilaka’s Work – Translated many Mahayana Sutras; leads monthly Sarasvati puja
Girls’ Home – Maree and Alice Visit – Introduced income generation and self-worth activities
Sri Sisters Products – Marketing products in Melbourne to fund skills development
Doc Wight Paintings – Continued donating $2000 from sold paintings

2016

Return from Australia – After working at Great Stupa greeting visitors
Sri Lankan Family Engagement – Helped local families connect with Tibetan Buddhism at Great Stupa
Grand Dana Event – Sri Lankan style dana with talk on Tibetan Buddhism
Housing Challenge – Homeless for 4th time in 18 months
Brother’s Family Hospitality – Lived with family but quickly outgrew living room for study group
Search for New Place – Looking for accommodation in Kandy with scope for study group
Dreams of Rinpoche – Two people reported dreams with Rinpoche’s instructions and blessings
Sangatha Sutra Recitation – One person doing 56th recitation as preliminary practice
Abhayagiri Vihara – Head monk accepted Tibetan flag offering
High Cost of Living – Water up 30%; VAT increased 15%; rental costs high
Safety Concerns – Crime rate high; cannot live alone
Move to Kandy – Decided to relocate from Colombo
Pilgrimage Tours Ready – Research and development complete; PDF brochure available
Fundraising Concert – TLC friends raised $1,700 in Melbourne
Girls Home Support – Five new sources of support emerged after Rotary club talk
Doc Wight’s Creativity – Donation boxes in cafes; room rental; painting sales all donated to Tara Lanka

This digest covers the major activities and milestones of Tara Lanka from November 2016 through 2025, documenting the organisation’s work in Buddhist education, interfaith dialogue, social welfare, translation projects, and healing initiatives in Sri Lanka.