On 20 October 2013, Mr. Sakthip Krairiksh, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and former Ambassador of Thailand, presided over the Offering Ceremony of the Royal Kathin Robes, graciously bestowed by His Majesty the King through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the congregation of monks at Sri Narendararam Raja Maha Viharaya, Kandy, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

            Also present at the ceremony were H.E. Mr. Sarath Amunugama, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Mr. Narong Yudhakajkumthorn, Chargé d’ affairs a.i., Royal Thai Embassy, Colombo; Mr. Dilum Amunugama, Member of the Sri Lanka Parliament; Venerable Deerananda Thero, University of Peradeniya; members of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Society, and over 300 Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhists.

The offering of the Royal Kathin Robes in Kandy, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka fulfilled the aim to strengthen cordial relations between the two countries, especially in the year 2013 which marks the 260th Anniversary of the Establishment of Siam Nikaya in Sri Lanka.

            The ceremony was held successfully. The donation from His Majesty the King and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhists totaled 270,000 Baht.