Buddha's preaching of his First Sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to the five ascetics took place at the ‘Deer Park’, near Benares, on an Esala poya day thereby inaugurating his public ministry. The other noteworthy events connected with this day include the conception of the Bodhisatta in the womb of Queen Maya, his Great Renunciation, the performance of the Twin and his preaching the Abhidhamma for the first time in the Tavatimsa heaven. An additional factor that enhances the value of this poya to Sri Lanka is the first local ordination of a Sri Lankan, when Prince Arittha, the nephew of the king, entered the Order at Anuradhapura, under Arahant Mahinda, following the introduction of Buddhism. On this day there also took place the laying of the foundation for the celebrated dagoba, the Mahastupa or the Ruwanvelisaya and also its enshrinement of relics by King Dutugemunu. It is owing to the combination of all these events that the Sri Lankan Buddhists fittingly observe this day ceremonially by holding Esala festivals throughout the island, giving pride of place to the internationally famous Kandy Esala Perahera.

The Rotaractors started off their series of Poya projects for the Rotaract year 2010-11 marking the significance and the prestige of the Esala Poya day by spreading their fellowship, goodwill and friendships. The first poya project for this year was hosted on behalf of the R.I. District 3220 by the Rotaractors of Panadura, Centennial United and IIT at the Morawinna Girls Home in Morawinna, Panadura. The project attracted over Fifty Rotaractors from all over the District.

“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.”

The day started with an ice breaking programme for the children in the home and the Rotaractors where they got to know each other better. For games we had Team building games, Dancing status, Balloon bursting and Musical Chairs. The main purpose of the games was to co-ordinate and work as a team. “It is easy to give arms: it is better to work to make the giving of alms unnecessary” (Henry Ford) as per the quote above, we the Rotaractors share a meaningful lunch with the children which was organized by the Rotaract club of Panadura. And after a consultation with the management of the Morawinna Girls Home, Panadura, we came to know that they were in need of special items such as Stationeries, Toiletry items and dancing jeans the girls who are talented in dancing. Therefore the Rotaract clubs of Centennial United and IIT together donated these much needed items to the girls. To make the day a memorable one we sang and danced along with the children.

Esala Poya day was spent in a meaningful way for the Rotaractors.

By: Maheshika Peiris

District Editor

The 4th Installation ceremony of the New President of the Rotoract Club of ANC, Rtr. Imasha Fernando was held on last Friday, the 16th of July at the Olympic House in Colombo. The event started off on a traditional note with the lighting of the oil lamp. Rtn. PHF Pradeep Amirthanayagam, the Chief Guest and DRR Jegatheesan Pirrasanth were some of the distinguished guests who graced the occasion with their presence. The gathering was called to order by IPP Rtr. Arun Haridharshan, once the dignitaries had taken their places at the Head Table. Rtr. Shehan De Silva then read the Flag Salutation and Rotaract Invocation which was followed by the Welcome Speech delivered by Rtr. Naomi Lovell. The souvenir was then officially presented to the special invitees by the Editor of the Club, Rtr. Indrachapa Edirisinghe, who then called upon the Outgoing Secretary Rukaiya Mohideen to give the Secretaries Report.