TORONTO, Canada: Due to flight delays, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay arrived at Toronto around 10:00 in the night on 20 November. Upon his arrival at the airport, representatives from the Tibetan community accorded him a warm traditional reception with ceremonial offerings and scarves.
From the airport, Sikyong went straight to Gadhen Choedhenling where the hall was packed to capacity with members of the local Tibetan community who have gathered to hear him speak. The address lasted well past midnight with the audience showing their enthusiasm and support with cheerful applauses and other friendly gestures.
During the address, Sikyong apprised the gathering about his participation in the Halifax International Security Forum and his recent visits to London and Goa, as well as his meetings with various dignitaries including the Speaker of the UK House of Commons.
Sikyong informed the public about the growing respect towards the Central Tibetan Administration and its leadership from the international community, despite objections from the Chinese government.
Sikyong also spoke about the upcoming Kalachakra being organised by the Central Tibetan Administration and expressed his deep gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for consenting to hold the Kalachakra at the holy Buddhist site.
Sikyong explained that the Kalachakra holds special spiritual significance for Tibetans and therefore the Kashag has decided to organise it with a special focus on the destitute and infirm Tibetan individuals and families. He said that the CTA would provide 100% financial and medical assistance to the poor and needy, and added that this was an attempt by CTA to make this Kalachakra more inclusive, irrespective of an individual’s ability to pay for accommodation or travel expenses.
He promised help even for unforeseeable events like deaths during the Kalachakra. He said that the CTA would render whatever assistance required such as gathering wood for cremation or arranging priests to perform the last rites.
Sikyong further spoke about the various activities performed by the seven departments of the Central Tibetan Administration, and assured the Kashag’s wholehearted determination to continue working towards the development of the Tibetan community and advancement of the Tibetan movement on the world stage.
Sikyong will visit Ottawa from Toronto where he will address the Tibetan community, speak to members of the Canadian press and meet dignitaries including members of the Canadian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet facilitated by the Canada Tibet Committee.
