The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo organised the Royal Kathina Offering Ceremony at Rajaguru Sri Subhuti Maha Viharaya, Waskaduwa on 8 November 2019. Mr. Chaisiri Anaman, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, presided over the Offering Ceremony of the Royal Kathina Robes, which was graciously bestowed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. The ceremony is well attended by over 150 persons. Among those present at the ceremony were H.E. Mrs. Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, H.E. U Han Thu, Ambassador of Myanmar, and Mr. Natapanu Nopakun, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Also in attendance are officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo, board members of the Sri Lanka – Thailand Society, board members of the Sri Lanka - Thailand Business Council, members of the Thai private sectors in Sri Lanka, as well as Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhist communities.

The ceremony was headed by the Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the temple, who led a congregation of 12 monks to receive the Royal Kathina Robes and donation, which comprises the royal donation to the temple, the donation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and the donation from Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhist communities. The total donation to the temple is 3,355,960 LKR.

The Royal Kathina Ceremony is an initiative of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote Buddhism and its customs, and to enhance relations between Thailand and other Buddhist countries, both at governmental and people-to-people levels, based on their shared faith in Buddhism. The Royal Kathina Offering Ceremony in Sri Lanka started in the year 1996. This year’s event is 20^th ceremony held in Sri Lanka, and the first time at Rajaguru Sri Subhuti Maha Viharaya, Waskaduwa. This temple is known for having a strong tie with the Thai royal family, as Prince Prisdang Chumsai was ordained by Venerable Subhuti at this temple in the year 1896.