The Government of Thailand has conferred the doctorate on President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his services rendered to Buddhism in the world and as the pioneer of Buddhist resurgence in Sri Lanka. He has been conferred the doctorate for his work for the continuation and benefit of Buddhism and for patriotic and brave leadership.

The name of the President will be written in the history as the first leader who was conferred a doctorate by Surindra Rajabhat University of Thailand, which is under the supervision of the King of Thailand. A special representative of the university presented the Doctorate during the religious ceremony held to deposit sacred relics inside the Sandahiru Seya. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been conferred the Doctorate on a unanimous decision taken by the King of Thailand and the Council members of the University.