On Friday, Mary 24, 2024 Sarvodaya USA hosted a hybrid gathering to honor the life and legacy of Sarvodaya’s founder, Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne. We were joined by 30+ distinguished guests in person and more than 100 on Zoom.
After a welcome by our board Chair, John Coonrod, and a ceremonial lighting of the lamp, we heard from:
- Bhanthe Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Thera, Chief Incumbant of Maryland Buddhist Vihara.
- H.E. Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Statnes.
- H.E. Mr. Mohan Pieris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations (virtually)
There was a short video from Sri Lanka News about Ari and the Final Rites with State Honors, and then many of us had time to share our own brief reflections on Ari.
Following this, Sarvodaya’s President, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne presented a concise update of where Sarvodaya stands now and the strategy moving forward.