Conferring of Honorary Titles to Sujith and Susanne Jayawickreme
Sujith and Susanne Jayawickreme were the first couple ever who were awarded titles by the “Sri Rohana Sangha Sabawa”. The titles were conferred during a special ceremony in the temple on Pigeon Island in Matara. 50 Priests from all over the South and many distinguished guests were present at this rare occasion on Saturday, 25th July 2009.
The "Sri Rohana Sangha Sabawa" honoured Sujith and Susanne Jayawickreme for their social, humanitarian and community work they conduct through the Jayawickreme Foundation for almost 10 years in Weligama. Moreover German born Susanne was the first woman who got the honours. This very clearly shows the tolerance and open mindedness of the Buddhist Sangha, who honours and welcomes foreigners like any other Sri Lankan.
The titles were conferred by Professor The Ven. Aththudawa Sri Rahula, Chief Prelate of the “Sri Rohana Sangha Sabawa” , the Council of Priests, who is also the Chancellor of the Ruhunu University. The Deputy Head Prelate Professor The Ven. Gatare Dhammepala was also present.
Professor The Ven. Midigama Soratha, Chief Prelate of the Agra Bodhi Raja Maha Viharaya spoke on behalf of Sujith and Susanne Jayawickreme giving a broad picture of their work in rural Weligama and their significant contribution in helping the Tsunami victims and participation in rebuilding the destroyed coastal area of Weligama. The Chief Prelate continued by saying that Sujith Jayawickreme comes from a leading family of Sri Lanka most of whom were philanthropists. The Ven. Midigama Soratha stressed that “The Council of Priests” are proud to give this titles to a couple who have done tremendous service for the poor in Weligama and that the “Sri Rohana Sangha Sabawa” feels also very privileged to have conferred this special title for the first time on a German National residing with her husband in Sri Lanka. Moreover The Chief Prelate of the Agra Bodhi Raja Mahara Viharaya of Weligama thanked the Government for banning honorary titles being conferred on unscrupulous people by other organizations.
Noteworthy were the cordial conversations Susanne Loos-Jayawickreme had with many priests and even the Head Prelate at this colourful event, when the Priests enjoyed speaking with her in Singhalese.
The “Sri Rohana Sangha Sabawa”, Council of Priests”, has its own Mahanayake and is the Southern Branch of the Malwatte Chapter of Kandy.
The “Sri Rohana Sangha Sabawa” rarely confers titles.
Sujith Chanaka Jayawickreme was bestowed with the title "SRI ROHANAABIMANYA", meaning "The Pride of Rohana". The deeper meaning is that it is with pride, who one is and what one has achieved.
Susanna Loos-Jayawickreme was bestowed with the title "SRI ROHANA PRASHADINI", meaning "The admiration of Rohana". It further means the one who gives with delight. The name "Sri Rohana Prashadini" was specially created for this occasion, as never before has a woman been awarded any title. "Prashadini" is Sanskrit.
Both words "ABHIMANYA" and "PRASHADINI" are used for special occasions only and are not used in the daily language. In ancient Sri Lanka, under a kingdom, there were three provinces: Rohana, Pihiti and Maya. Since those ancient times the name "Sri Rohana" is still used in the South of Sri Lanka.
