Thailand and Sri Lanka have enjoyed longstanding cordial ties. One of the salient aspects of our bilateral relationship lies in the cultural and religious area in which Theravada, Buddhism forms the foundation that binds our two peoples Head of the Royal Thai Katina delegation Khun Sawanit Kongsiri said when he addressed the devotees at the Sri Paramananda Raja Maha Viharaya , Galle at the Royal Katina Ceremony on the last full moon Poya Day.

"For over twenty seven and a half centuries since Buddhism became rooted and flourished in Thailand, frequent religious and cultural exchanges have brought our two peoples closer and strengthened our overall relationship," he said.

Kongsiri said, cultural and religious activities will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in the development of our bilateral ties.

The Katina was known to be one of the oldest Buddhist rites providing a great opportunity for Buddhists to gain spiritual merit by donating robes and other necessities to the monks, he pointed out.

"This offering is not only practiced in Sri Lanka but also in other Buddhist countries including Thailand where the Katina is one of the main festivals in the Buddhist calendar and holds much significance in the life of Thai Buddhists," he said.

The Royal Katina which was offered to Sri Paramananda Temple was the second during the past 10 years and the significance of this temple to Thailand lies in its role to promote the Cultural and Religious ties between the two countries and its past link with the Thai Royal Family, Khun Kongsiri explained.

"A number of letters from King Mongkut (Rama IV) to Ven Sri Sumanatissa, the then Chief Incumbent of the temple, are still kept at this temple," he said.

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the eldest son of King Mongkut, on his way to Europe, paid a visit to the city of Galle and Sri Paramananda Temple in 1897 and laid a foundation stone for the construction of "Chulalongkorn Dhammasala" at the temple, thereby consolidating the Thai Royal Family’s links with this temple, Kongsiri said.

A devout Buddhist, King Bhumibhol Adulyadej of Thailand adheres to this tradition and bestows the Royal Katina upon several Buddhist temples both in Thailand and other Buddhist countries including Sri Lanka, he said.

"This is why my delegation and I, with the help of the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo, are here today in this beautiful temple carrying out an age old Buddhist practice in supporting Sangha the third pillar of Buddhism, he said.