“Metta Scotland Clinic and Training Centre” was established by Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara and funded by the Lloyd’s TSB Foundation for Scotland, one of the largest financial institutions in British society. As Venerable K Sri Rewatha Thero, head monk of SBV said, “We called this clinic and training centre ‘Metta Scotland’ because that is what made it possible and that is where it came from. Thanks to the generosity of people and Government and large financial institutions of Scotland we have been able to offer direct assistance to the people in Southern Sri Lanka.”

The Clinic and training centre operate as part of the post-Tsunami relief projects run by Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara. The Clinic and Training Centre will provide opportunities for 500 widows and widowers to move into self-employment or to receive training for employment as part of SBV’s livelihood development project.

Complementing the livelihood development project is SBV’s counselling and medical treatment programme which will also operate out of ‘Metta Scotland Clinic’. The Clinic therefore serves a variety of purposes all aiming to keep families together and support the infrastructure in Matara.

Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara is running five interrelated projects in the Southern districts of Sri Lanka. The Scottish Executive directly funds these projects to the tune of 30 million rupees over two years. The projects represent a substantial investment in Southern Sri Lanka.

The Chief Executive of Lloyd’s TSB Foundation for Scotland, Mr Andrew Muirhead will be the guest of honour and perform the opening ceremony. Venerable Rewatha Thero (head of SBV), Mr. Barry McGivern (SBV Charity Advisor) and Ms Nelum Arachchige (Project Coordinator) will be participating in the ceremony on behalf of Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara.