Swamy Premananda International Conference
View(s):The Swamy Premananda International Conference was held in Colombo in February with over 200 devotees both local and foreign of Swamy Premanandaji participating in several programmes organized by the Battaramulla and Colombo centres. The theme of the conference was “Swamy Premananda- A Living Force for Unity”.
Swamy Premananda the Sri Lankan born guru lived in South India and established the Sri Premananda Ashram in Viralimallai, South India. Many devotees from all over the world visit during Mahashivaratri to pay homage to him and miracles are said to occur here.
Swamy Premananda stood for all religions. He preached that there was no necessity to change one’s religion, but follow the religion one is born into well.
Dr. A.T Ariyaratne, founder of the Sarvodaya Movement, a long standing associate of Swamy Premananda was the Chief Guest at the conference held at ICTAD auditorium, Colombo 7 on February 22. Minister of National Harmony and Integration D.M Swaminathan, and Chief Minister Northern Province Justice C.V Wigneswaran were the guests of honour. Over 50 foreign devotees from Argentina, Belgium, France, Holland, Italy, Nepal, the UK, USA, Sweden, Switzerland, India and Poland participated
“Sri Pada” a special song on religious harmony in all three languages was released at the conference. The lyrics were written by Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne and the English lyrics by Prof. Carlo Fonseka. Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe composed the music and the song was produced by the late Mrs. Thalatha Perera, the coordinator of the Battaramulla Centre. A documentary on Swamiji’s life was also shown. Dances were performed by the Channa- Upuli dance troupe and by Mrs. Nirmala John.
