The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok held a solemn Pirith chanting ceremony on 03 February 2026 at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, to commemorate the 78th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka. The ceremony was organized under the guidance of H E Wijayanthi Edirisighe, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand and was arranged by the officials of the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok.
The religious observance was organized in remembrance of the national heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom and sovereignty of the motherland, and to invoke blessings upon the people of Sri Lanka, particularly those affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in the latter part of last year. In a spirit of compassion and solidarity, prayers were also offered for the Thai nationals who suffered due to heavy rains and flooding during the same period, underscoring the longstanding friendship and close people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The ceremony further included the invocation of blessings in memory of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit, who passed away three months ago. And prayers for the continued peace, harmony, and well-being of the peoples of both countries, while extending wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and auspicious New Year.
The Pirith chanting was conducted by ten Buddhist monks, including members of the Maha Sangha visiting Thailand to conduct a temporary ordination programme for Sri Lankan devotees, as well as monks pursuing higher studies in Buddhism at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. The proceedings commenced with a Buddha Pooja conducted by the Buddhist Nun Ven. Kalaganwatthe Padmananda. Venerable Waskaduwe Suseema Thero, Principal of Prince College of Kotahena and Abbot of Deepaduththaramaya, Kotahena delivered the Anushasana, before commencing the chanting ceremony. The Pirith chanting was led by Most Ven. Pahalawela Dhammakitthi Thero from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
Reflecting Sri Lanka’s rich religious and cultural heritage, the Pirith chanting ceremony was held within a Pirith Mandapaya, a specially prepared ceremonial structure traditionally used in Sri Lanka for Pirith observances, adding profound spiritual significance to the event. Most Venerable Phravavajirakitvimon, Chief Incumbent of Wat Vajiradhammarama Temple, Ayutthaya also graced this auspicious occasion, further underscoring the close religious and cultural bonds shared by Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Following the Pirith chanting ceremony, a Sanghika Dana was offered to the Maha Sangha on the following morning. The alms-giving was organized by the Ambassador with the participation of the officials of the Embassy.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassadors of the Buddhist countries, members of the Sri Lankan and Thai communities, and well-wishers, symbolizing the enduring religious, cultural, and people-to-people links that continue to strengthen relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Through this observance, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing these longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation, guided by shared values of compassion, mutual respect, and goodwill.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
05 February 2026
