Cambodia Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Temple Facility with High-Ranking Officials Present

Senior Minister Men Sam An, representing the high-level presence of Prime Minister Hun Sen and Mrs. Bun Rany Hun Sen, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a reception hall at Nigrodhavan Kol Toun Pagoda in Koh Krabei village, Prek Thmei commune, Chbar Ampov district, Phnom Penh. The ceremony took place on Friday, the 14th day of the waning moon of the month of Srapon, in the year of the Horse, the eighth year of the era of 2570 Buddhist, corresponding to September 11, 2026. The event was graced by the presence of Sangha leaders, including His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikay sect, His Holiness the First Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikay sect, Venerable Phoung Sovann, Chief Monk of Nigrodhavan Kol Toun Pagoda, and His Holiness the Venerable Kou Sopheap, the right-hand Sutra chanting monk of Nigrodhavan Kol Toun Pagoda, along with 222 monks. Also in attendance were His Excellency Say Sam Al, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction; His Excellency Chhay Borin, Minister of Cults and Religion, and his wife; Mrs. Hang Phiriy Em Sithy; Mr. Mam Vannady and Mr. Teang Pholla, both holding the title of "Neak Oknha"; Mr. Eng Sisron, also a "Neak Oknha"; Mrs. Meas Phallyn Heng Sinnorn, a "Oknhar"; Mrs. Chhay Sena Jivakeng; and Mrs. Phem Samphos, alongside numerous other "Neak Oknha", "Oknhar", distinguished gentlemen, and ladies, as well as a large congregation of Buddhist devotees from near and far. The "Krong Pali" groundbreaking ceremony was conducted in accordance with Brahmanical traditions, involving offerings and prayers to sacred deities and guardian spirits of the land. The monks chanted "Jeyanto" to seek forgiveness and permission from the land and its spirits before excavation, and to invoke blessings for the construction of the reception hall, ensuring its smooth progress and safety. It is worth recalling that the reception hall is a manifestation of the profound faith and generosity of His Excellency Prime Minister Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Mrs. Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross, conveyed through the diligent efforts of Neak Oknha Mam Vannady, personal advisor to His Excellency Prime Minister Hun Sen, and Neak Oknha Teang Pholla. In conclusion, Senior Minister Men Sam An, along with leaders, their spouses, "Neak Oknha", "Oknhar", gentlemen, and ladies, and Buddhist devotees from near and far, offered alms to 222 monks.