Thursday, 1 August 2024

Poson Dansala

Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (10:40): I rise today to speak about the immense generosity of the community members in my electorate of Mill Park. I was kindly invited by the Sri Lankan community leaders Pushpa Jayakody and Chandra Bamunusinghe JP to celebrate Poson Dansala recently. Poson Dansala is the celebration of Buddhism arriving to Sri Lanka in the third century BC and is celebrated annually. In true generosity of spirit, local restaurateurs Sina and Erandi Jayathilaka of Sina’s Kitchen held an event to celebrate this auspicious occasion by offering complimentary food and drinks to thousands of community members. The atmosphere was so joyful, and I enjoyed actively helping to distribute food and tea to community members from near and far who had queued to join in the celebration. I am proud to represent the Mill Park electorate, a richly diverse multicultural community, and grateful to have the opportunity to learn and share through events such as Poson Dansala. I was also honoured to greet Venerable Pasadika Thero and Venerable Buddhaviharee Thero of the Dhamsuwa monastery at the event. During these globally challenging times the values espoused through these events of kindness, goodness and tranquillity are truly worth celebrating. The celebratory spirit of the event was captured beautifully through the prayer ceremony, cultural music and festive symbols. My sincere congratulations and appreciation to all the organisers and volunteers who organised this event for our community.