The Kathina Ceremony

Kathina Chīwara Pūjā ceremony.

According to Buddhist history, the Kathina ceremony has been celebrated for centuries and originated in India. The Kathina or Wassāna ceremony is celebrated worldwide as an essential observance per the Vinaya rules. It usually commences in July or Esala (æsәlә) Full Moon Pōya Day every year after observing the Was or rainy season retreat by adult Buddhist monks in Buddhist countries. After ending the Wassāna retreat in Vap or October Pōya Day, it begins the Kathina ceremony month or Chīwara offering month (robe offering). When this Chīwara month begins, the devotees of temples organize this ceremony with relatives, friends, and other devotees of the area. But there is a special person to lead this ceremony who has invited the monks to observe the Wassāna retreat on behalf of all devotees of the temple. He would be the designated individual responsible for offering the special robe to monks, which would be brought in a colorful procession from his home to the temple. When they organize this procession, it features dancing, colorful lights, and flower trees with vibrant bulbs. When they arrive at the temple, they need to follow Vinaya rules for their religious activities, unlike other ceremonies. At this Kathina Chīwara Pūjā ceremony, the senior monk asks devotees, “What do you plan to do this early morning?” During this occasion, the chief devotee says, “Permit me, Bhante. We have arranged a special robe for the monks, as you have concluded the Wassāna retreat this year. Please accept this robe from me on behalf of all temple devotees. Thank you.” Typically, this ceremony is called ‘Kathina Pūjā’, which is a significant religious service among other Pūjās. There are many reasons, including time, occasions, and rarity. One can be held only at one temple, and only one robe can be offered as a Kathina Chīwara or robe.

The other thing is that a monk should consistently observe the Wassāna retreat (rainy season retreat) at a temple without interruption. Though it is a religious festival, there are many discipline rules to follow during this ceremony, as well as at the beginning of the rainy retreat. Thus, ‘Kathina Pūjā’ is a significant and virtuous observance. In an ancient Dharma book, ‘The Merit of Kathina Pūjā,’ it states that the merit of this ceremony is as unshakeable as Mahāmeru mountain and as solid as the Earth. It is mentioned that by offering a Kathina Pūjā, the devotees gain great fortune in this world, such as long life (Āyusha), beauty (Warna), comport (Sepa), power (Bala), and wisdom (Pragñā).

According to Dharma texts, if an individual has bad Karma from this life or a previous life, all Karma will be inactivated. Another important aspect of Kathina Pūjā is the avoidance of entering undesirable realms, such as hell or animal existence after this life. Instead, in the next life, they would receive many fortunes and resources. Among them, the most significant is the ‘Sakvithi Kingdom,’ the only Great King who ruled the entire world during a certain period. Besides that, if they could not get the Sakvithi Kingdom, they could receive even divine resources and can live many luxurious lives in heavens like Chāthurmahārājika, Yāmaya, Thusithya, Nimmānarathi, Thāvatinsa, and Paranimmitha Wasawatti for many years. Some Sūtras explain that certain beings live for millions of years in those heavens. In the heavens, beings can attain a higher rank, such as Brahma or Shakra (the King of all heavens), by practicing Vipassanā Meditation (insight meditation).

The Sathipatthāna Sūtra explains that if any God practices meditation in heaven, he could gain the highest stage of the soul or Nirvana. But some Gods who are doing nothing in heavens come back to the human world to accumulate merits and go back to heaven again, and they continue their lives in this dangerous Sansāra. Furthermore, it is explained that if an individual offers donations for hundreds of years, a single Kathina Pūjā is worth more than those donations, and they are entitled to good health, free from common illnesses, and to longevity in this world as well as the next life. No individual can kill or be harmed by an insect, or they will not be affected by any poison. And a person like that has a calm mind. Last but not least, they lead a happy life and better well-being than other individuals.

Kathina Pūjā is regarded as a noble religious activity within Theravāda Buddhist culture. Some texts suggest that the ‘Kathina Offering’ is the most significant of all Pūjās and rituals, which is why many people aspire to fulfill at least one ‘Kathina’ in their lifetime. The origins of the Kathina Pūjā date back to the time of the Buddha. According to the legend, thirty Bhikkhus from Pāwā were traveling to Jēthawanārāmaya in Sāvatthi, India, where the Buddha was residing during the Vassa (rainy) season. However, due to the ongoing rainy season, they encountered heavy rain on their journey.

In the heavy rain, the monks arrived at Jēthwanārāmaya wearing soaked robes. When the Buddha inquired about it, they replied that they had gotten caught in the rain on the way to Jēthwanārāmaya. After discussing the incident, the Buddha allowed all monks to have an extra robe to use. Accordingly, the monks can use an extra robe, in addition to the Kathina robe, after the Kathina ceremony. In the Kathina ceremony, this robe is generally offered to all monks from the three periods: past, present, and future time. Later, all participating monks will transfer ownership of this robe to a suitable one monk. Another standout feature of this Kathina Pūjā is that it is offered twice.

Psychology suggests that positive thoughts enhance brain function, promoting mental and physical health and overall well-being. Positive thoughts boost hormones like dopamine and serotonin, reduce mental stress, and help maintain calmness of mind and pleasure. In Buddhism, this concept is referred to as ‘KUSALA’ or merit, which brings happiness, good health, and well-being, and finally, Nibbāna to the individual. Therefore, most devotees in Buddhist countries prefer to participate in Kathina Pūjā. It is important to accumulate merit because, to develop a positive mental state, one needs both good health and merit. So, why do human beings hesitate when it comes to acknowledging merit? Why not make it a habit to always practice good things for yourself and society?

‘Kathina Offering’ is the most significant of all Pūjās and rituals, which is why many people aspire to fulfill at least one ‘Kathina’ in their lifetime.

Ven Diyapattugama Revatha Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Siriwardhanaramaya Temple, Kollupitiya.

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Chandra Wickramasinghe: A Story of Vision, Courage, and Enduring Passion for Hospitality

Success is always intertwined with a story of fearlessness, passion, and resilience. Few embody that journey as profoundly as the godfather of Sri Lanka’s tourism, Chandra Wickramasinghe, the Founder of Thema Collection, a group of fourteen unique properties in Sri Lanka. This year, he celebrates fifty remarkable years in the industry – a half-century that can only be described as extraordinary.

 
Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane.

Chandra Wickramasinghe’s five decade journey demonstrates passion, resilience, and vision.

Chandra Wickramasinghe is known for a phrase he often shares with young people seeking advice on navigating their careers: “Learn more to earn more.” This phrase perfectly encapsulates his philosophy of continuous learning and innovation. The world witnessed his brilliance in 1994 when he opened his first hotel, Culture Club in Kandalama, the first hotel ever constructed on the banks of the Kandalama Lake. By then, two decades into his career, it marked a defining milestone for a man who had entered the world of work without privilege, wealth, or powerful connections.

When Chandra first pitched his tent in tourism and hospitality as a novice, he quickly realized that success would depend on creating a unique selling point for himself. Thus, his properties became known for stories built on cultural authenticity, each one drawing inspiration from the localities they represent, serving as windows into Sri Lanka’s diverse culture, showcasing region-specific traditions, practices, and cuisines. From the beginning, Chandra proved to be a natural fit for the industry, bringing the much-needed out-of-the-box thinking and innovative spirit to unlock Sri Lanka’s vast potential. Today, after fifty years in tourism, Chandra’s journey inspires future practitioners, showing them the art of defying the odds to realize their vision.  

 

At Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala as a member of the junior cadet team.

Chandra in France as a student at Alliance Francaise de Paris.

The First Steps into Hospitality
Born on June 5, 1953 in Kurunegala and educated at Maliyadeva College, Chandra stood in stark contrast to the social order of the 1970s. At that time, those who rose through corporate ranks typically came from Colombo, armed with elite English-medium schooling. Chandra had none of these advantages, but he did have an unshakeable spirit and “never say never” attitude.

His genius shone early on as he considered his options and, with remarkable foresight, recognized the vast potential in tourism. As he describes it, Sri Lanka’s golden era of tourism from the 1960s was a time of growth and opportunity until the civil war stifled its progress in 1983. 

Determined to carve his career path, Chandra began by strengthening his education.   In 1975, he enrolled in a Diploma in Tourism at the Sri Lanka Technical College and studied French at the Alliance Française de Colombo. The prestigious Ceylon Hotel School was the premier gateway into hospitality, yet Chandra was not selected for its three-year program. Undeterred, he pursued a Diploma in Front Office Management instead, which led to his first professional role as a receptionist at Hotel Samudra. Here, at the frontlines of the industry, he began laying the foundation for a career that would transform Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape.

 

The Varichchi Eco Houses and Ayurveda Center opened at Chandra’s first hotel, Culture Club, graced by Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1994).

Opening of Le Kandyan, Chandra’s second hotel, with the presence of the then Minister of Tourism, Dharmasiri Senanayake.

Discovering a Calling Beyond Hotels
Chandra soon discovered his true calling as a tour guide. His fluency in French, which often proved invaluable at the front desk, inspired him to further his skills. He traveled to France to complete the Certificate in Spoken French at the Alliance Française de Paris, and upon returning home, earned the National Tour Guide Diploma from the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. With these qualifications in hand, he traded the front desk for the open road, working as a freelance tour guide for leading French tour operators such as Jet Tours and Kuoni, while also lecturing on tour guide courses in his spare time.

This phase marked a turning point in his journey, which could be called Chandra’s entrepreneurial apprenticeship. The experience equipped him with practical skills and international exposure and gave him a deep understanding of Sri Lanka’s immense potential as a world-class destination. In 1982, he took his first decisive step in entrepreneurship by cofounding Connaissance de Ceylan, a travel agency dedicated to inbound tourism.      

 

In 1984, Chandra first represented Sri Lanka at the Paris Semaine Mondiale du Tourisme et des Voyages.

Representing Sri Lanka at the World Travel Market in London.

Landmarks of Innovation
The next phase of his entrepreneurial journey saw him stepping into hotel ownership. His advent, of course, was transformative, beginning in 1994 with the creation of his first property, the Culture Club Resort in Kandalama. True to his belief in thinking beyond convention, Chandra broke new ground by choosing a location where no major hotel brand had ventured. He drew inspiration from indigenous concepts of the lake, the dagoba, the village, and the temple, crafting an experience that allowed guests to immerse themselves in the authenticity of Sri Lankan village life.

Two years later, in 1996, he unveiled Le Kandyan Hotel in Kandy, reaffirming his vision of regional hospitality development. From there, his portfolio grew steadily, giving rise to an impressive collection of themed hotels under the Thema Collection brand.

In 2011 Chandra opened Maalu Maalu Passikudah, the first resort built on Sri Lanka’s East Coast after the civil war’s conclusion. This bold venture came to symbolize renewal and hope for the region. Again in 2019, at a time when the tourism industry was reeling from the Easter Sunday attacks, he stood out as the only hotelier to complete and launch a project in the aftermath: the Tea and Experience Factory at Mandaram Nuwara, a tribute to resilience in the face of crisis.

Even the pandemic could not deter him. While global tourism ground to a halt, Chandra defied the odds by completing and launching Wild Glamping Gal Oya—the only hospitality project in Sri Lanka to debut during that extraordinary time. In 2025, he again pushed boundaries with Amba Yaalu in Kandalama, Sri Lanka’s first female-led and operated hotel. It is a powerful symbol of inclusivity and women’s empowerment in the hospitality sector.

These milestones reflect his unwavering spirit of innovation and his enduring reputation for bold “firsts” in Sri Lanka’s tourism journey. Today, his portfolio includes some of the island’s most distinct properties – among them Aliya Resort and Spa in Sigiriya, Mountbatten Bungalow in Kandy, Kithala Resort in Tissamaharama, Scottish Planter Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, Ayurvie Weligama, Wild Glamping Knuckles, Parangi Weligama Bay, Vis Ta Vie Mirissa, Waraka Udawalawa, and many more. Each venture bears his unmistakable trademark: a seamless fusion of authentic Sri Lankan culture with imaginative hospitality concepts.

It carries his “Sri Lankanizing” tourism philosophy, strongly focusing on sustainability. From the outset, he introduced innovations ahead of their time, such as employing naturalists in his hotels to educate guests about nature and sustainable practices. Today, his properties have 20 naturalists, engaging with guests on ecosystems and conservation.

A Trailblazer Acknowledged
Chandra has been honored and recognized at home and abroad for his contributions to championing Sri Lanka’s tourism. In 1999, he received the National Silver Award for the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year from the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. In 2017, the French Government honored him with the Officier de l’Ordre National du Mérite title. This distinction recognized his achievements and role in deepening Franco-Sri Lankan ties through tourism. In 2018, he was honored with the Tourism Legend Award, cementing his reputation as a pioneer whose influence continues to shape the industry.

 

Recognizing his achievements and role in deepening France-Sri Lanka ties through tourism, the French Government honored with the Officier de I’Ordre National du Merite Title.

A Voice for Sri Lanka’s Tourism
Chandra has been a driving force in shaping tourism policy and industry leadership in Sri Lanka. He has held key positions including President of the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (2001/2002), President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (2008/2009), Board Member of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (2009/2010) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (2010–2016), as well as founding President of the Alliance Française de Kotte (2010–2016). Since 2021, he has continued his service as a member of the Tourism Advisory Committee.

Since debuting on the global stage at the Semaine Mondiale du Tourisme et des Voyages in Paris in 1984, he has been a tireless ambassador for Sri Lanka. He showcases the island’s potential yearly at the world’s foremost tourism fairs—from ITB in Germany and IFTM in France to WTM in the UK, IBTM and FITUR in Spain, and ATM in Dubai.

An Enduring Blueprint for the Future
Chandra’s five-decade journey is a testament to endurance, creativity, and dedication. Through his groundbreaking projects, he has transformed Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape while elevating the nation’s profile on the world stage. As Sri Lanka enters a new chapter in tourism, Chandra’s legacy is a source of inspiration and a guiding framework for the future. 

One thing has remained constant through it all: he never gave up. Giving up is not in his DNA, says Chandra. It’s essential to give life to new things, start projects, fight for one’s vision, and keep going.

According to Chandra, even when the bottom line isn’t the strongest, the positive feedback from clients makes the journey worthwhile. It is a journey that has built iconic properties, supported livelihoods, built careers and businesses, and shared its success by giving back to Sri Lanka through community development projects. That’s precisely why Chandra wants to see his beloved industry thrive and his country rise above its differences and unite as one nation. He envisions a Sri Lanka where social equality and improved quality of life will be the privilege of all Sri Lankans.  

Even after five decades, Chandra dreams big—conceiving new projects, exploring new properties, and envisioning new concepts for Sri Lanka’s untapped regions rich with tourism potential. True to his inimitable spirit of perseverance, Chandra’s journey continues—refusing to slow down or set aside his vision. He remains committed to contributing to Sri Lanka’s future for as long as his strength allows.

Even after five decades, Chandra dreams big—conceiving new projects, exploring new properties, and envisioning new concepts for Sri Lanka’s untapped regions rich with tourism potential.

 

Giving back to society has always been central to Chandra’s outreach programs.

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