The Maha Sangha representing Buddhist temples in the Washington, D.C., area and California held a farewell ceremony at the Washington Buddhist Temple on July 11, 2026, in honour of Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe.
The ceremony recognised the Ambassador’s service and long-standing partnership in strengthening religious institutions, supporting the Sri Lankan community, and fostering relations between Sri Lanka and the United States.
In his remarks, Most Venerable Maharagama Dhammasiri Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Temple—the first Theravada Buddhist temple in the United States—praised Ambassador Samarasinghe for his exemplary service, friendship and unwavering support for the Buddhist community.
The Venerable Thero also noted that this was the first time the Venerable Maha Sangha, representing Buddhist temples across the capital and beyond, had gathered to pay tribute to a Sri Lankan Ambassador departing the United States.
The Venerable Maha Sangha and distinguished guests who attended the ceremony highlighted the Ambassador’s contributions to diplomacy, community service and the promotion of Buddhist values.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Samarasinghe spoke about the experiences and challenges he faced during his tenure in Washington, D.C. He also expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the Maha Sangha and the Sri Lankan community in the successful discharge of his duties.
The Ambassador reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving his motherland.
The event, organised under the guidance of Venerable Maharagama Dhammasiri Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Temple, was attended by 16 Buddhist monks, members of the Sri Lankan community and many well-wishers.
Mahinda Samarasinghe was appointed Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States during the administration of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Due to his service to the country, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe also retained Samarasinghe in the position of Ambassador.
Subsequently, Mahinda Samarasinghe continued to serve as Ambassador for two years under the administration of Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who came to power thereafter. He has now decided to resign from his post and return to Sri Lanka.
The outgoing Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe also delivered a speech at the ceremony organised at the Buddhist Temple in Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to him and offer blessings for his future.
