270 Sri Lankans will be ordained for short durations in Thailand this year to mark the 270th anniversary of Siam Nikaye (sector).

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 4 months on July 28, the birthday of Thai King Maha Vajira-long-korn.

Ven Wonsomsri held a discussion with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena today (June 12) at the Temple Trees and explained Thai Buddhists 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.

The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka is always grateful to Thailand for assisting the revival of Buddhism and to Most Venerable Upali Nayaka Maha Thera from Siam for reviving the Sangha order in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka is always grateful to Thailand for assisting the revival of Buddhism and to Most Venerable Upali Nayaka Maha Thera from Siam for reviving the Sangha order in Sri Lanka.