In celebration of the 72nd birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, 73 Sri Lankans will travel to Thailand to participate in the Dhamma Spiritual Retreat Programme. This program, organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Debsirindrawas Ratchaworawiharn temple in Thailand, and Dipaduttamaramaya in Kotahena, will take place from June 18th to July 4th. The ordination ceremony is scheduled for June 20th, and the participants will return to Sri Lanka on July 4th after completing their programme.
Twelve monks from Debsirindrawas temple have arrived in Sri Lanka to organize an orientation program at Dipaduttamaramaya in Kotahena. Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero stated that those who will participate in the Dhamma Spiritual Retreat Programme are mentally and spiritually prepared. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72rd birthday is on July 28th. On the day of ordination, participants will shave their heads at 2 PM and by 4 PM, they will temporarily enter the order of Bhikkus. Senior monks will lead the ceremony, which includes a floral tribute to His Majesty the King, chanting of Pirith, sprinkling of sacred Pirith water, and blessings. The Bhikkus who participated in the Dhamma Spiritual Retreat Programme will receive Gilanpasa, alms bowls, and robes before completing the full programme. This event is expected to strengthen the spiritual and bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand.