The Theravada Buddhist population of New York had, for a long time, experienced a pressing lack of a suitable place that could cater to their religious needs and serve them in the way of a Vihara. The need remained all but a dream until a few enthusiastic Buddhist monks inspired by Ven. Galboda Gnaissara Thero formed the American-Sri Lanka Buddhist Association with a view to launching a drive to make it a reality. Initially an interim Vihara opened in a small apartment in Flushing, New York in December 1980.
After the arrival in January 1981 of Ven. Kurunegoda Piyatissa Maha Thero, who was invited from the London Buddhist Vihara for the specific purpose of propagating Dhamma activities in New York, a Vihara was set up in another location in Flushing, Queens. It remained there until January 1986 when it was moved to 84-32 124th St., Kew Gardens. In July 2000 the Vihara moved to its present, permanent location at 214-22 Spencer Avenue, Parkside Hills, New York.
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