The translation was a three-year effort undertaken by a panel of 300 scholars and is based on research from countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Sri Lanka, where the pure Theravada form of Buddhism is practiced.

The translation required heavy expenditure by the Thai government. A year ago, a copy of the manuscript was handed over to the President by a Royal delegation when it visited Sri Lanka. Noting Ms. Kumaratunga?s interest, they decided to have the princess hand over the first copy of the first volume to the President.

Accepting the first volume of the Thripitakaya, President Kumaratunga said the translation has brought pride to her and the entire country. She also said that many countries in the West are keenly interest in the Buddha-dhamma and the translation would be a tool for spreading the Buddha's teaching. ?Many face challenges as a result of the globalisation and this type of translation would be a solution,? she said.

The ceremony took place in the midst of the Maha Sangha, Buddha Sasana Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayake, ministers and MPs, Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva and many others.