Three key events marked this year’s mission. The first was the sponsoring of reconstruction or repair of Buddhist Temples damaged by the Tsunami almost 6 months ago, code-named “Parasol Weavers”. Together with Fu Shan An and Khoon Chee Vihara, FFM co-sponsored the reconstruction and repair in 3 of the temples (Sunandharamaya, Hegalla, Kosgoda, Balapitiya; Shri Thusitha Viharaya, Mawella, Nakulugamuwa, Tangalle; Sumanaramaya, Madampe, Venamulla, Ambalangoda). We visited 2 of the sites at Kosgoda and Tangalle, and were satisfied with the development especially the reconstruction at Shri Thusitha Viharaya.
 

Visits were also made to several other affected temples, and these included the International Buddhist Centre, Kaluwella, Galle and the Ancient Temple (Purana Vihara) in Polhena, Matara. Information gathered from these visits will be used by Firefly Mission to assess how it may assist in some of the reconstruction efforts. We have also visited the Weligama Tsunami Camp, FFM and volunteers donated noodles, biscuits, stationary and toys to the residents and heard first hand accounts of the Tsunami disaster from the residents of the Camp.
 

The second major event was the handing over of a Community Hall built in the grounds of the Wijananda Buddhist Training Institute, Dangedara, Galle. Fully financed by Firefly Mission the hall which took two years to complete, will be used for social, educational and vocational sessions for the local community in the area.  The handing over ceremony was graced by the Mayor of Galle City, Mr Mohanmed Ariff and Venerable Galle Udita Maha Thero and witnessed by the Singaporeans and local residents and monks. Upon their arrival, the VIPs and guests were all warmly greeted by a troupe of drummers and dancers performing traditional Singhalese dances. Sounds from the energetic beating of the drums by the boys and the melodious singing by the girls added a festive mood to the auspicious event.

The final major event was the donation by Firefly Mission, of a Public Address cum Sound Alarm System to the Sri Dalada Maligawa or Kandy Tooth Relic Temple. This significant event was particularly meaningful for those Singaporeans who recall the bomb blast at the temple a few years ago. They are proud to play a small part in helping the temple enhance its security, and in the process contribute to preserving this historical World Heritage site.  The ceremonial presentation of the system was made to the Chief Venerables and Custodian of the Temple in the presence of local press and media representatives.

Besides the above three key events, we have also visited 10 other institutions to distribute refurbished computers, stationery, rice and lentils, biscuits, wheelchairs, walking frames and crutches. These were the Battotata Cave Temple Dhamma School and the Sri Sumana Privana in Ratnapura, Veliwatta Dhamma School, Sambodhi Home for the Disabled, Runaswala Unawatuna Old Folks Home and Yasodara Girs Home in Galle, the Anuradhapura Bandaranaike Mawatha Home for Deaf & Blind and Saliyapura Old Folks Home in Anuradhapura, the Refuge Children’s Home in Kegalle and the Sanhinda Children’s Home in Koluputiya, Colombo. At these Homes, FFM volunteers interacted with the residents and sang and danced with them. Balloons, candies and biscuits added to the fun and joy.

All participants of the trip, from the young (10years old) to the oldest (over 72 years), all felt happy that they could do their small bit to help the brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka.  Besides doing charity work and attending to religious ceremonies, they were also in awe at the natural beauty of Sri Lankan countryside, Pinnawella Elephant Orphanage and hill resorts like Nuriya Eliya. They were impressed by the rich Buddhist culture and the conservation of many historical temples. The Singaporeans visited various temples and made offerings at the Diwaguhawa (Lighted Cave), Battatota Cave Temple in Ratnapura, the oldest Dhamma School in Velliwatta Dhamma School in Galle, the Weherana Temple in Matara, the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Tooth Relic) and Getembe Temples in Kandy, the Dambulla Cave Temple in Dambulla, the Sri Maha Bodhi Temple in Anuradhapura, the Gangarama and Polwatta Royal Temples in Colombo.