firefly mission 2005 - sri lanka
(an invitation)
Dear
Fireflies,
Please find attached the
itinerary for June trip to Sri Lanka.
The cost is
S$1,300.00
(twin sharing)
(Air ticket, hotel, local transport,
admission tickets, and meals inclusive)
(Airport
Taxes and surcharges are not included)
We have put in a good mix of
social work and historical sites. We hope to present Firefly's
work in the greater context of Sri Lankan social and
cultural dynamics.
Historical Sites
The
historical sites shows how Sinhalese have been subjected to
series of invasion from Tamils and various colonial powers.
These invasions sparked major social changes and even unleashed
waves of missionaries attempting to convert them. Under very
difficult circumstances, Sinhalese drew strength from their
cultural and religious foundation. As a result, Buddhism became
a even more central part of their cultural identity. This can
also be seen from the importance attached to historical sites by
the people and government. The purpose of visiting these sites
is to give fireflies an overall understanding on the role of
Buddhism in historical memory of the Sinhalese and how it
continues to have an influence today.
Historical moment
The trip will
witness a historical moment of Singaporean-Sinhalese Friendship
-
Firefly's Vesak 2005 Celebration
-
Project Ekacctra
Firefly Mission will donate a
Sound System to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The Sacred Temple was bombed in 1988. The system has an voice
alarm system to move people to safety during an emergency.
Normal times, it functions as a PA system. The custodian of the
Temple has accepted the gift and the presentation ceremony will
be conducted at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic during the
trip. This will be followed by a Dana. Everyone
on the trip will participate in this VERY historical moment.
Tsunami Rehabilitation Work - Parasol
Weavers cum Social Work
This is an initiative by Singapore Buddhist Federation, Kong
Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery & Firefly Mission in helping
the Tsunami stricken areas in Sri Lanka. After doing our bits in
some relief work, we are now working towards the rehabilitation
work in some areas badly affected by the tidal waves. After much
discussion and analysis, we have decided to concentrate in
rebuilding community centers in monasteries destroyed in the
tragedy. We will visit some of the sites sponsored by the
project. We will also visit projects of other Buddhist groups to
have a better
understanding of
the complexity of the post tsunami efforts. We will also visit
the various social and charity institutions that Firefly has
worked with and supported.
Note: Kindly
note that there might be some minor changes. The changes
will make the trip more fulfilling and rewarding. This is a
private trip open to friends and family members.
We look forward to your
participation.
NRIC
/ Passport No:
Expiry Date of Passport:
Date
of Birth:
Sex:
M / F
Add:
Tel:
Email:
Booking Fee (Non-refundable)
Before 3
May 2005: $500
3 May onwards: Full payment
Please send your deposit
payable to "Low Siew Kiang", and send the
cheque to: 3 Hume Avenue #08-05, Singapore 598719.
This e-mail is cc to core
members of Firefly Mission.
With
Metta,
Chan CW
(Singapore mobile no:
65 - 929 55 99 5)
(UK mobile no: 44 - 794 66 88 718)
