On 15 September 2012, H.E. Mr. Poldej Worachat, Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, attended the annual Perahera (procession of the Buddha’s relic) of Sri Vipashyarama Purana Maha Viharaya, Maharagama. Ambassador Worachat was warmly received by Venerable Brahmanagama Rathanasiri Anu Nayake Thero, Anu Nayake of the Shyaama Upali Maha Nikaya Kelani Chapter.

The procession consisted of several elephants and performers. The tusker that led the procession and carried the main casket was Kandula, a Thai elephant donated to Sri Lanka by H. M. the Queen of Thailand in 2001.

Ambassador Worachat delivered a speech emphasizing the close and cordial relations like Kalayanamitr between Thailand and Sri Lanka based on Theravada Buddhism. He also mentioned the celebration of 260^th anniversary of the establishment of Siam Nikaya in Sri Lanka to be held in 2013.

Distinguished Sri Lankan guests who attended the event were Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, Hon. Udaya Prabath Gammanpila, Western Provincial Council Minister and Mrs. Kanthi Kodikara, Mayor of Maharagama.