The envoys from Kandy were on a noble mission seeking assistance from Siamese King His Majesty Borommacot Dharmaraja II (1733-1759) for revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka which was at a pathetic, declining phase and was in the verge of disappearing from the island due to lack of properly ordained monks to carry on the Buddhist order and doctrine for the benefit of future generations.
The Buddhist institutions were deteriorated and discipline among the clergy was degenerated.
The Sri Lankan ambassadors were carrying an urgent message (Royal Sannasa) written in Pali language probably using the Cambodian script, sent by King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe appealing for help from the fellow Buddhist ruler for revival of the esteemed common religion sacred to them. Both countries have past records of mutual help in perpetuation of Buddhism in their hours of need.
There were five Sinhalese ambassadors in the delegation accompanied by fifty-five supporting staff including several personal assistants to the ambassadors, guards, soldiers’ cooks, washermen, musicians, drummers, trumpeters, ayurvedic physicians and astrologers.
The logistic and transportation aspects for this large entourage including personal belongings as well as gifts to be given to many temples and individuals required a well organised set-up consisting of a retinue of elephants, horses, bullock carts and several boats, to be provided by the hosts at the other end.
Vilbagedera Naide, the veteran ambassador in this large entourage kept a meticulous record of the events beginning from the day they departed Trincomalee port aboard the Dutch ship Weltryg (1st August, 1750) to landing back in Sri Lanka (30th May, 1753) on board the V.O.C. ship Oost Kapelle after two years and nine months stay out of home country.
He commenced writing his recollections purely as a meritorious act which was the motivating factor for such works in that era. His form of writing is lucid, simple and easy to understand.
The narration describes details of the sea voyage and hazards they encountered, the countries they passed, the river cruise from Bangkok to Ayutthiya, the glorious capital city, which was considered to be the largest and wealthiest city in Asia at that time, the grand entrance to the Palace, Royal elephant stables, the guard of honour, audience with the King, a pilgrimage to Buddhapada temple, the splendid hospitality showered by the Siamese to delegates from Kandy and mishaps they had to encounter on return journey.
On the date decided for the Royal audience (26th July, 1751) the Sri Lankan delegation arrived in sixteen decorated barges and at the palace gateway got into horse drawn carriages that took them to inner ramparts where they dismounted and walked past the guard of honour accorded by thousand riflemen wearing armour and brass helmets. A short description is given by the author at this point of what they saw including the Royal white elephant.
Then they entered the palace and presented themselves before His Majesty who was seated like God Sakra on the golden throne decorated with precious jewels. After usual salutations the king graciously announced the royal ascent in response to the noble request made by the king of Kandy.
A royal command was decreed after the audience that arrangements should be made facilitating the Sinhalese delegation to visit and worship Phra putthapad, (Sri Buddha Pada) one of the most sacred temples in Siam.
Although the distance from Ayutthiya was nearly sixty kilometres they had to go by boats first and then walk or ride through the jungle paths along a difficult terrain to reach Saccha pahn khiri (Saccha Baddha Giri) where Buddha’s right footprint was set.
In order to elucidate the link with this holy place and placing of the sacred footprint, the author has inserted at this point the discourse between Buddha and sage Saccha Bhadda which took place soon after the exalted one attained Buddhahood.
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