Giving back at Licuala Lanka

Our Annual Alms-Giving & Community Celebration

Each year, Licuala Lanka celebrates the spirit of generosity and gratitude by hosting a traditional Buddhist alms-giving ceremony for our local community in Kabalana. It is a heartfelt occasion that brings together monks, neighbours, staff, and guests in a shared act of compassion - offering freshly prepared meals, fruits, and donations.

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The Meaning of Alms-Giving in Buddhism

In Buddhist philosophy, “Dana” — the act of giving — is one of the most noble virtues. Offering alms to monks and the needy represents not only material generosity but also the cultivation of kindness, humility, and detachment from self-interest. It is believed that through giving, one purifies the heart, earns merit (punya), and strengthens the bonds of community and empathy.

For our Sinhala neighbours in southern Sri Lanka, alms-giving is more than a ritual; it is a living tradition that connects families, generations, and faith. It is a time when the entire neighbourhood comes together to share food, blessings, and goodwill — transcending social or economic boundaries.

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Our Commitment to Community‍

At Licuala Lanka, we see this ceremony as a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks — to the land that sustains us, to the people who surround us, and to the shared humanity that ties us all together. Beyond the ceremony itself, our ongoing donations to the local orphanage help provide essentials such as food, school supplies, and healthcare for children who need it most.

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The Spirit of Social Responsibility

Hospitality at Licuala Lanka extends beyond the comfort of our guests. It includes a responsibility to nurture the well-being of the community we are part of. Each year’s alms-giving reminds us that true luxury lies in kindness — in feeding the hungry, uplifting the less fortunate, and creating spaces of beauty and belonging for everyone.

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"To give is to live with an open heart."

—The Licuala Lanka Family