The Siyam Dhamma Pilgrimage, organized to commemorate the 273rd anniversary of the establishment of the Siyam Nikaya, concluded in Kandy with a special ceremony attended by senior Buddhist clergy, diplomatic representatives, and invited guests.
Organized by the Faxien Buddhist Cultural Centre, the 22-day pilgrimage covered nearly 300 kilometres on foot, beginning at Gokanna Rajamaha Viharaya in Trincomalee. The pilgrims travelled through Kantale, Habarana, Anuradhapura and Dambulla before reaching Kandy, symbolizing devotion, unity and the enduring spiritual heritage of the Siyam Nikaya.
The concluding ceremony was attended by Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thero, Mahanayaka of the Asgiri Chapter; Venerable Dr. Godagama Mangala Thero; Venerable Professor Walmoruwe Piyarathana Thero of Chulalongkorn University, Thailand; Thailand’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Paithoon Mahapannapon; and several other members of the Maha Sangha and the diplomatic community.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a Special Appreciation Award to Tharanga Wikramadara, Group Head of Religious Affairs at the Swarnavahini Media Network, in recognition of his contribution to the organization, coordination and media support of the Siyam Dhamma Pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage was held to commemorate the historic establishment of the Siyam Nikaya, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost Buddhist monastic traditions, while further strengthening the longstanding religious and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
