The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Thailand organized a special alms giving ceremony at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand on 12 May 2026 in honour of the visiting Buddhist delegation led by Most Venerable Warakagoda Dhammasiddhi Sri Pagghananda Gnanarathanabidhana Mahanayake Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the historic Asgiri Maha Viharaya and the Mahanayake thero of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya.

The distinguished delegation also included Most Venerable Dr. Muruddeniye Dhammarathana thero, Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Badulu Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, and Most Venerable Dr. Walmoruwe Piyarathana thero of Wat Hatainaresh in Thailand. Sri Lankan Buddhist monks who are pursuing higher studies in Buddhism at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University also participated in the religious observances, adding further significance to the occasion which reflected the longstanding spiritual and cultural bonds between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The visit of the Chief Incumbent of the Asgiriya Chapter to Thailand took place following an invitation extended in connection with the religious ceremonies for the creation of the Buddha statue “Phra Buddhasothorn” at Wat Laem Tai in Thailand. The sacred statue is intended to be enshrined at the Temple of the Tooth Relic within the World Museum Building, symbolizing the deep-rooted Buddhist heritage shared by the two countries.

A brief Dhamma Sermon delivered by Most Venerable Dr. Muruddeniye Dhammarathana thero, Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, highlighted the enduring spiritual and historical links between the Asgiriya Chapter and the Thai Buddhist clergy, which continue to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the Buddhist communities of Sri Lanka and Thailand. The Venerable thero also reflected on the significant role played by Most Venerable Upali thero during the Kandyan period in reintroducing the Upasampada (Higher Ordination) tradition to Sri Lankan Buddhist monks from Thailand, thereby revitalizing the Sangha tradition in Sri Lanka and laying the foundation for the establishment of the Siyam Nikaya.

The alms giving ceremony, organized by the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand under the guidance of Ambassador and Permanent Representative H.E. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, was conducted in an atmosphere of devotion, reverence and spiritual fellowship. The occasion served as a meaningful reflection of the centuries-old religious and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand, reaffirming the shared Buddhist heritage that continues to strengthen goodwill and friendship between the two nations and their peoples.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

Bangkok

14.05.2026