The London Buddhist Vihara

The London Buddhist Vihara is a leading centre for Theravada Buddhism. Founded in 1926 by Anagarika Dharmapala, the Vihara was the first Buddhist monastery to be established outside the continent of Asia. It has continued its task of disseminating the Dhamma with resident bhikkhus (monks) from Sri Lanka throughout this period, with the exception of the 1940s due to World War II. The Vihara moved to Chiswick during 1964 when the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust (ADT) of Sri Lanka purchased the freehold property at 5, Heathfield Gardens. In 1994 the Vihara moved to new spacious premises in The Avenue, Chiswick, London W4. In 2003, Vihara Management Committee was formed to manage LBV acted as attorneys for ADT. Dharm The ADT also appointed the resident Dhammaduta Bhikkhus. In December 2020, the Vihara was granted charity status and is registered as London Buddhist Vihara Trust. (Charity Registration No 1192854). The members of the VMC are now the Trustees of London Buddhist Vihara Trust (LBV Trust) accountable to the Charity Commissioner of England and Wales. The LBV Trustees are now legally responsible for the Administration and maintenance of the London Buddhist Vihara. Trustees are: Mr Gamini Amarasekera, Dr Lakdasa Panagoda, Mr Harsha Siriwardane Mrs Mahal Ratnasiri