London Vihara head interacts with King Charles

By Sujeeva Nivunhella
reporting from London

Chief Sanga Nayake of Great Britain, Head of London Buddhist Vihara, Most Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Thera, paid his last respect to the late Queen at the Lying in State in the Palace of Westminster last week.Seelawimala Thera conveyed his condolences to King Charles III, on behalf of the Buddhist community in the world, during a reception with faith leaders at Buckingham Palace.

Addressing the faith leaders King Charles III said, “It is the duty to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for faith itself and its practice through the religions, cultures, traditions and beliefs to which our hearts and minds direct us as individuals. This diversity is not just enshrined in the laws of our country, it is enjoined by my own faith.

“As a member of the Church of England, my Christian beliefs have love at their very heart. By my most profound convictions, therefore – as well as by my position as sovereign – I hold myself bound to respect those who follow other spiritual paths, as well as those who seek to live their lives in accordance with secular ideals.

“The beliefs that flourish in, and contribute to, our richly diverse society differ. They, and our society, can only thrive through a clear collective commitment to those vital principles of freedom of conscience, generosity of spirit and care for others which are, to me, the essence of our nationhood.

“I am determined, as King, to preserve and promote those principles across all communities, and for all beliefs, with all my heart.

“This conviction was the foundation of everything my beloved mother did for our country, over her years as our Queen. It has been the foundation of my own work as Prince of Wales. It will continue to be the foundation of all my work as King.”