Group of Lankans to be ordained in Thailand to mark 270th anniversary of Siam Nikaye

Two hundred and seventy Sri Lankans will be ordained for short durations in Thailand this year to mark the 270th anniversary of Siam Nikaye.

Ven Pharsamu Pairoj Wonsomsri Thera of Wat Pa Samdet Temple in Chaing Mai will initiate the first batch of 50 Sri Lankans to Bhikkuhood for a period of four months on 28th July, the birthday of Thai King Maha Maha Vajira-long-korn.

Ven Wonsomsri held a discussion with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday (12) in this regard at the Temple Trees and explained Thai Buddhist have a great regard for Sri Lanka and the tradition commenced 270 years ago by Ven Upali Mahathera who performed Upasampada (Higher Ordination) for a group of Sinhala monks and established the Siam Sector of Sangha in Sri Lanka.

Appreciating the plans to ordain monks for the anniversary, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the practice of meditation needs to be introduced at Daham Pasalas to inculcate discipline among young students.

Most Venerable Upali Maha Thera arrived in Sri Lanka in 1753 on a request by King Rama of Siam, now Thailand, to help the Most Venerable Saranankara Sangaraja of Sri Lanka to revive the Sangha Order of Sri Lanka and ordained Sangha, commencing the Siam Sect.

Ven Namaldeniye Dhammasumana Thera briefed the Prime Minister about the two-day initiation workshop conducted for the 50 selected persons who will travel to Thailand next month to become monks.

Ven. Balangoda Dhammadhaja Thero and Thai Buddhists Banlue Supakit, Sirikron Chewpreecha, Viraya Warith Jorost and Nilanka Fernando also took part in the meeting.