H.E. Mr. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Buddhasasana and Wayamba Development of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, as Special Envoy of the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, will pay a visit to Thailand in order to present a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree as a kind gesture to the Royal Thai Government to commemorate His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and to bless the reign of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun as well as for enduring peace and prosperity for Thailand. The Minister of Buddhasasana and Wayamba Development will be accompanied by his spouse and Sri Lankan dignitaries.

 

On 18 February 2019, Minister Perera will pay a courtesy call on H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. Following the meeting, H.E. Mr. Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, will host a dinner in honour of the Minister of Buddhasasana and Wayamba Development, his spouse, and the delegation on the occasion of his visit to Thailand.

 

On 19 February 2019, H.E. Mr. Suwaphan and Minister Perera will jointly preside over the Planting Ceremony of the sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree at Vajirathammaram Temple in Ayutthaya Province. The Buddhist Sangha delegation of both sides will perform the Pirith Chanting to mark the enshrinement of the sapling.

 

The sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree came from the most sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka’s ancient city, Anuradhapura, which is the oldest remaining offshoot of the original Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, India, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. In this connection, the presentation of the sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree reflects Sri Lanka’s determination in further strengthening its relations with Thailand. At the same time, the visit of the Minister of Buddhasasana and Wayamba Development will also provide an opportunity to further reinforce the age-old religious and cultural bonds between the two countries and peoples.