On 23 March H. E. Mr. Poldej Worachat, Ambassdor of Thailand to Sri Lanka attended 5^th Maha Maya Maha Perahera (Procession) at Sri Devram Maha Viharaya in Pannipitiya, suburb of Colombo.

The Perahera was patronized by Ven. Phrakhru Santithammarangsi (Maitree Thero), abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Tham Temple, Surat Thani, Thailand. Around 40 Thai Buddhists participated in this religious event.

Ambassador Worachat, in his speech, emphasized the close and cordial relations, like Kalayanamitr or true friends, between Thailand and Sri Lanka since the ancient times, with the shared common heritage of Theravada Buddhism. He also mentioned the importance of religious exchanges between the two countries, especially significant roles of Upali Maha Thera of Ayutthaya who helped revive Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and accordingly established Siam Nikaya, which will reach the 260^thAnniversary next year. Moreover, he informed that the main tusker carrying the casket, named Kandula, was a Thai Elephant donated to Sri Lanka by H. M. the Queen of Thailand in 2001.

The Perahera was very colorful with approximately 50 elephants and 3,500 performers in the procession. There were musicians, drummers, dancers, acrobats and Buddhists who dressed up in traditional, colorful and impressive Sri Lankan costumes. About 50,000 peoples attended the events. Ven. Kolonnawe Sumangala Nayake Thero, Chief Incumbent of Sri Devram Maha Viharaya warmly welcomed the Thai Buddhist delegationAfter the procession, Ambassador had dinner and chat with the Thai Buddhist delegation informally. The delegation was also warmly welcomed at the Ambassador’s residence in the morning of 24 March 2012.