Sri Lankan International Student at Wichita State University Improves Buddhist Practice

May 27, 2005

Source: Wichita Eagle

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/local/11750696.htm

On May 27, 2005 the Wichita Eagle reported, "She came to the United States from Sri Lanka two years ago with two bags in hand and her parents' words --'Do your studies first, then you can do what you like' -- in her heart. Like the majority of Sri Lankans in Wichita, Asanka Fernando, now 24, is part of Wichita State University's international student body. Fernando has a zest for undertaking new experiences but is learning as an opinionated young woman that adapting doesn't always mean accepting -- especially in matters of faith. She said she couldn't find a Buddhist temple in Wichita that practiced Buddhism as she was used to practicing in Sri Lanka. So Fernando created her own religious sanctuary in her apartment using candles and a Buddha."