Strengthening Sacred Bonds: Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand Visits Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University to Enhance Buddhist Cooperation

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Thailand, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, paid an official visit to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) to discuss avenues for strengthening religious and academic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Thailand, rooted in their long-standing Theravada Buddhist heritage.

Founded in 1887 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University was established with the vision of providing higher education for Buddhist monks, novices, and laypersons, with a strong emphasis on Buddhist studies alongside other academic fields. Today, the University comprises several academic units, including the Faculty of Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Social Sciences, the Graduate School, and the International Buddhist Studies College.

Upon arrival at the University, the Ambassador was warmly welcomed by Phrama Surasak Pajantasen, Vice Rector for the Foreign Affairs of the University, Ven. Dr. Seng Hurng Narindo, Director of Dhammaduta College and Ven. Dr. Walmoruwe Piyarathana Thero, Senior Lecturer of the University. During the visit, Ambassador met with eight Sri Lankan Buddhist monks, including a Bhikkhuni (nun), who are currently pursuing studies in Buddhist philosophy, Pali, Sanskrit, and related disciplines at MCU, reflecting the University’s role as a centre of excellence for international Buddhist education.

In his remarks, the Vice Rector, Phrama Surasak Pajantasen underscored the special place Sri Lanka holds in the hearts of the Thai people and recalled the historic visit of Most Venerable Upali Thero to Sri Lanka during the Kandyan period, which led to the re-establishment of Upasampada (higher ordination) and the founding of the Siyam Nikaya. He noted that both the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters of the Siyam Nikaya continue to be held in high esteem among Thai Buddhist monks. Building on this shared legacy, the Vice Rector highlighted the University’s ongoing efforts to arrange study visits for Buddhist monks and nuns to Sri Lanka, enabling them to deepen their understanding of Theravada Buddhism through visits to sacred and academic institutions, including Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) and the Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) in Kandy.

The Ambassador and the Vice Rector also exchanged views on further enhancing religious and educational cooperation between the two countries, including academic exchanges, joint programmes, and initiatives aimed at fostering spiritual and scholarly growth among the Buddhist clergy and lay students. In this context, the Vice Rector extended an invitation to the Ambassador to plant a Sri Maha Bodhi sapling at the University premises in the near future, symbolizing the enduring spiritual bonds between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The visit reaffirmed the deep-rooted Buddhist ties between the two nations and highlighted the shared commitment to preserving and promoting the Theravada Buddhist tradition through education, dialogue, and people-to-people exchanges.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Thilini Ihalage, Minister Counsellor/Head of Chancery, Ms. Shiwanthi Abeyrathne, Minister Counsellor/Commercial and Group Captain Vajira Sampath Jayakoddy, Defence Attaché of the Embassy.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

18 January 2026