Sri Lanka is considered to be home to a form of Theravada Buddhism. The DVV team was blessed at the inauguration of its office in a ceremony consisting of ritualistic reciting of texts followed by blessings from Buddhist monks. The blessings were given as a token of gratitude to all who have contributed to the establishment of DVV International’s new regional office in Colombo. According to Hindu custom, the time, day and place of birth of the Director of the Regional Office were taken into account in determining auspicious times for religious observances. Thus, the inauguration reflected Sri Lanka's multiculturalism.
The DVV International team is also multicultural: the Sinhala and Tamil languages are represented in it, as are various regions and religions. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians work together for adult education. Milk was boiled on a newly built hearth in a pot until it overflowed. The overflowing milk stands for prosperity and happiness in Sri Lanka. Together with Karin Kathöfer, the new regional director for South Asia, Claudia Goergen from DVV International in Bonn, and the employees of DVV International from Sri Lanka as well as representatives of partner organizations also took part in the ceremony.
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