Sri Lanka’s ambassador to the United States, Mahina Samarasinghe, visited Akron, Ohio, on 25 June to attend the dedication ceremony for a new Sri Lankan Buddhist temple. Known as Cleveland Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center, the temple will be inhabited by monks of the Theravada tradition. The head teachers are Bhante Pemaranta, Bhante Punna, and Bhante Metta.
During the ceremony, the ambassador was complimentary of Akron and its reputation for being hospitable to immigrants. He also had good things to say about the local Sri Lankan community, which was responsible for opening the center. In his remarks, Samarasinghe stated: “They live here, but they have not forgotten their heritage.” (Akron Beacon Journal)
The head monks at the temple were all born in Sri Lanka and are highly educated. For example, Bhante Pemaranta holds a PhD in religious studies from the University of Pittsburgh, while Bhante Metta holds a bachelor’s degree with first class honors in Pali language from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Prior to the new temple being built, the monks lived and taught at Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, where Bhante Pemaranta serves as chief abbot.
https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/akron ... st-temple/
https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/new ... 703218001/
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