Annual Katina Sponsors
| Year | Sponsors | Media |
| 2026 | Dr.Neranga, Nadeepa, Mrs. Dullma, and Sukitha Families | |
| 2025 | Edisa Jayarathne | |
| 2024 | Daminda & Sumudu Manamendra family; Piyathilake Adris & Visaka Adris family | |
| 2023 | Dr. Deeptha & Mrs. Thaniya Jayarathne family | [Photos] |
| 2022 | Drs. Luminda & Kisa Kulasiri family; Drs. Ajith & Harsha De Silva family | [Video] |
| 2021 | Dr. Manjula & Mrs. Dasheema Dharmawardhana; Mr. Jinath Gamage & Hasini Yatawatte | [Photos] |
| 2020 | Mr. Kumara Madagma; Mrs. Devika Weerasinghe; Mr. & Mrs. Suresha & Dilhan Fernando; Mr. & Mrs. Thalanka & Varuna Buwaneka; Mr. & Mrs. Vathsala & Lasantha Rathnayaka; Mrs. Dung Nugen Families | [Photos] |
| 2019 | Drs. Ranga & Ayesha Jayasinghe Family | [Photos] |
| 2018 | Mr. & Dr. Niroshena & Erosha Jayawardana family | [Photos] |
| 2017 | Dr. & Mrs. Amarasinghe family; Mr. & Mrs. Dhaminda & Sumudu Manamendra families | |
| 2016 | Mr. & Mrs. Saratha & Sujeewa Weeraseka | [Photo] |
| 2015 | Dr. & Mrs. Deeptha & Taniya Jayarathne | [Photo] |
| 2014 | Mr. & Mrs. Uditha & Ruwani Walivita | [Photo] |
| 2013 | Mr. & Mrs. Gayan & Dhammi Hapugoda | |
| 2012 | Mr. & Mrs. Ranjith & Roshini Siyasena | [Photos] |
| 2011 | Mr. & Mrs. Janaka & Nishani Silva | [Photo] |
| 2010 | Mr. & Mrs. Prasanna & Kumudu Wickramasuriya | |
| 2009 | Mr. & Mrs. Daminda & Sumudu Manamendra | [Photo] |
| 2008 | Dr. & Mrs. Deeptha & Taniya Jayarathne | [Video] [Photo] |
| 2007 | Mr. & Mrs. Ushan & Chami Subasinghe | [Video] [Photo] |
| 2006 | Mr. & Mrs. Laxman & Anoja Wickramaracci | [Photo] |
| 2005 | Drs. Ananda & Chandra; Drs. Unil & Shrima Perera | [Photos] |
| 2004 | Mr. & Mrs. Viduranga & Haridra Jayarathne | |
| 2003 | Mr. & Mrs. Vishaka & Adris Piyatilake | |
| 2002 | Drs. Lalith & Manori Silva | [Photos] |
| 2001 | [Information Missing] |
Sri Lankan New Year 2026
Participation Signup
https://www.signupgenius.com/
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Sri Lanka Flood Relief 2025 – Urgent Fundraising Appeal
URGENT: Families in Sri Lanka Need You Today
Severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah (Nov 2025) has devastated communities across Sri Lanka. Thousands of families have lost their homes, access to clean water, food, medicine, and essential supplies. Schools are closed, and hospitals are struggling to cope with the overwhelming demand.
This is the worst flooding in years, and the need is immediate and massive. We are on the ground coordinating with trusted organizations and community leaders to get help where it is needed most.
Your gift goes further: Gift Sri Lanka covers all administrative and transfer costs.
Fully tax-deductible: U.S. donors receive a receipt for 2025 taxes.
* Gift Sri Lanka Foundation transfers funds with NO fees deducted to maximise the relief efforts.
Choose How You’d Like to Help
Your generosity brings real relief to families affected by Sri Lanka’s devastating floods. Choose how you would like your gift to make an impact.
Sri Lanka Government Emergency Relief Fund
Your donation goes directly to the official Emergency Relief Fund managed by the
Central Bank of Sri Lanka to support urgent needs like food, shelter, medical aid, and clean water.
🤝 Immediate ReliefDonation
Rebuilding & Recovery Fund
This fund supports long-term recovery efforts including rebuilding homes, restoring schools,
and helping communities recover stronger after the disaster.
🌱 RecoveryDonation
* Gift Sri Lanka Foundation transfers funds with NO fees deducted to maximise the relief efforts.
Why Give Through Gift Sri Lanka Foundation?
Trusted & Accountable
In partnership with Georgia Buddhist Vihara (www.gavihara.org). Funds are transferred directly to verified organizations in Sri Lanka.
Tax Deductable
Gift Sri Lanka Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in the United States. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Corporate Matching
Ability to double your impact through gift matching programs through your employer.
How to Double Your Impact with Corporate Matching?
Thousands of companies (Apple, Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, and many more) will match employee gifts.
- Step 1: Make your personal donation first using the buttons above.
- Step 2: Submit your gift to your company’s matching program.
- Step 3: Search for "GIFT SRI LANKA FOUNDATION INC" or by Tax ID/EIN: "992396515"
- Step 4: Add "Sri Lanka Flood Relief 2025" as additional designation (optional).
- Step 5: Add our email: info@giftsl.org to inform charity.
- Step 6: Contact us at info@giftsl.org if you need help – we will guide you through the process.
A simple five-minute matching request can double the impact of your generosity for families in Sri Lanka.
Give Hope & Restore Lives
"Hundreds of thousands have been displaced and are now living in temporary shelters. They are in urgent need of essential relief items. As we enter the month of November and December, a time when many practice generosity and giving, I kindly invite you to support Sri Lanka."
- Venerable Panamwela Wajirabuddhi Thera
The floods may have taken homes and livelihoods, but together we can help protect lives,
ease suffering, and support Sri Lankan families as they rebuild. Your gift today, no matter
the size, is a powerful act of love. Thank you for your extraordinary generosity. Together, we will help Sri Lanka rise again.
GBV Food Fair 2025 Saturday, November 15 • 3–9 PM at GBV Premises
Don’t Miss It: Sri Lankan Food Fair at GBV Premises
(November 15, 3–9 PM)
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Connecting Our Community
Connecting Our Community: New VOIP Phone System at the Temple
Volunteer Project Led by Thevin Jayawardena, A Senior at
Milton High School
Introduction
We are excited to announce a major upgrade to the telecommunications system at the Temple, thanks to the dedicated volunteer work of
Thevin Jayawardena, a senior at Milton High School, under the guidance of his father
Niroshena Jayawardena, a senior Software Engineer, BSc (Hons), M.Sc. in
computer science. Thevin’s technical knowledge, relentless commitment, and his father’s
expertise have resulted in the implementation of a modern VOIP-based phone system. The
new VOIP phone system not only brings our growing Buddhist community in
Georgia, USA, closer but also enables members from across the country to stay
connected, collaborate, and share religious activities at the temple as well as
Buddhist teachings.
Technical Implementation: Building the Foundation
Thevin began his project by setting up the backbone of the
system—an Ubuntu server. This server acts as the central hub for all telecommunication
at the temple. Several key services were installed:
·
TFTP Server: Handles transfer of phone
configuration files.
·
MySQL Server: Stores phone directories and
system data securely.
·
Apache2 Server: Powers the web interface for
managing the phone system.
On top of these, Thevin installed and configured Asterisk
and FreePBX, two open-source platforms that work together to manage calls,
voicemails, and other phone features. Ubuntu provides a stable and flexible
environment for these tools, ensuring reliability and ease of maintenance.
Phone Configuration: Bringing CISCO 7975g Phones to Life
A highlight of the project was modifying the existing CISCO
7975g phones to work seamlessly with the new open-source platform. These phones
were originally designed for proprietary networks, but Thevin reconfigured them
to operate using SCCP (Skinny Client Control Protocol) with Asterisk. This
involved:
·
Installing the SCCP module on Asterisk.
·
Adapting the module to support all necessary
phone features.
·
Customizing configuration files and firmware
settings to ensure compatibility.
With these changes, the phones now connect reliably to the
temple’s network, providing high-quality voice communication for all users.
System Features: Enhancing Communication
The new phone system introduces several features designed to
serve the needs of both resident monks and devotees:
·
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System: A newly
designed IVR guides callers to the right resident monk, making it easier to
reach the appropriate Monk dedicated to the Specific task.
·
New Phone Extensions: Extensions have been set
up to connect directly to individual monks, departments, or temple facilities.
·
General Voicemail: All users now be able to
leave voice messages, ensuring that no important communication is missed.
·
Intercom System: Internal communication is
streamlined, allowing quick announcements and coordination throughout the
temple.
·
Devotees Phone Directory: A comprehensive
directory makes it simple to contact fellow devotees, enhancing community
interaction.
Community Impact: Strengthening Connections
The new VOIP system has significantly improved connectivity
within our temple. Resident monks can now communicate more efficiently with
devotees and themselves, whether inside the temple or remotely. The system
makes it easier for devotees to reach out, ask questions, and participate in
temple activities. With this high-tech communication system, we are fostering a
more connected, responsive, and inclusive community.
Cost Savings: Integration with Google Voice
A standout achievement of the project is the integration of
Google Voice with our phone system. This allows the temple to make and receive
calls without traditional phone lines, eliminating costly monthly bills.
Thevin’s solution leverages free and open-source tools while providing reliable
service and substantial savings for this nonprofit Organization, which provides enormous
service to our community.
Conclusion: Appreciation and Looking Ahead
We sincerely thank Thevin Jayawardena for his hard work,
technical skills, and generosity in volunteering for this project. His
contribution has brought lasting benefits to our Buddhist community in Atlanta, Georgia.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to his parents for their guidance
and financial support throughout the project. With our new VOIP phone system,
we are ready to embrace the future, maintain strong connections, and serve our
community even better.
GBV Katina Ceremony 2025
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Poya and Day Long Bhavana Retreat
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The retreat changed me.
My
Overall Experience
By Suwin De Silva
Anyway, back to the retreat itself. I had a great time. I reconnected with some old friends. I had forgotten about them, but they clearly had not forgotten about me. I enjoyed every activity, but I especially loved mindful walking. At first, I did not like it, but as I got better at it, I started to enjoy it more.
I was confused at first about why we had to sleep at 9:00 p.m., since I usually sleep at 10:00 or 11:00. But I understood once I had to wake up at 4:30 in the morning. I am used to waking up at 10:00, so 4:30 felt extremely early, but eventually, I got used to it.
I also had to adjust to not having dinner. On the first day, I had a small lunch and assumed I would eat more at dinner, but there was no dinner. There was nothing I could do, so I went to bed hungry. After that experience, I will never take food for granted.
I learned many other things too, like
impermanence and the concept of Buddha’s atom. And that sums up my experience
at my very first retreat.
A Meaningful Break for My Bustling Life!
A Meaningful Break for My Bustling Life!
It was a beautiful Monday morning during my summer break when I decided to attend
the Georgia Buddhist Viharas’ Sil retreat. At first, I was nervous, as this was the first long retreat
I ever participated in. However, as I entered the meditation room, I saw my friends, and
excitement flushed over me. Without showing my excitement, I quickly and quietly got into my seat.
We began the morning by meditating in two different ways: the first, walking meditation,
and the second, sitting meditation. Both meditations were equally hard in my opinion, because
when I did the walking meditation, we had to walk on the bricks with dirt, tiny stones on them,
and tiny bugs like ants that we had to avoid stepping on. In the sitting meditation, we had to sit
still in silence, which was very hard because many people were making noises or getting
distracted. But both meditations taught me something, like how to be focused and mindful, and
how to be quiet and respectful.
Later, when we were eating, I learned to be mindful of how I was eating, and that I
should not talk or disturb the others while we were eating. I also learned to finish all the food I
got, because otherwise it would be wasteful. I also learned during mealtimes that we should eat
to nourish our bodies, instead of eating for ourselves or our pleasure. After all of us had eaten,
we chanted a Gatha to pass on the merits to the departed and everyone else.
Then came the most exciting part for me, which was work time. During work time, all of
us helped clean the temple and tidy up the meditation room. My friends and I helped broom and
sweep all the leaves and other uncomfortable things out of the walking path. It made me think
about how we should clean out all the bad thoughts in our minds and instead replace them with
pure, clean thoughts that we can use to help us gain more merits.
Overall, this experience at the retreat was great because I learnt so much about the
Buddha and how we should apply his teachings into our lives. I learned to be mindful, focused,
and most of all, respectful to everyone around me. I also learned to be kind and compassionate
with every action and thought. It was also very easy to learn the dhamma because all the aunties
and uncles devoted their time and effort to be there for us, and the Bhantes were especially kind
and caring to help us learn more. I hope to continue coming to this retreat for future years, and
may everyone be well, happy, and peaceful.
Thank you,
Theruwan saranai
Sumindee Jayasinghe