Source: The Spokesman-Review

On June 30, 2001, The Spokesman-Review reported that "the highest-ranking Therevada Buddhist monk in the United States [Bhante Madawala Seelawimala] is in Spokane this weekend to teach and lead worship services at the Spokane Buddhist Church...During two three-hour seminars...he plans to focus on the meaning, benefits and methods of meditation. Non-Buddhists are welcome."