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India, Sri Lanka Deepen Ties Through Sacred Buddhist Relics Exposition

A high-level Indian delegation, led by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi, delivered sacred Buddhist relics to Sri Lanka for public exposition. The event fulfills a commitment made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. Both PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake exchanged messages of gratitude, highlighting the deep civilizational bonds between the nations. The exposition aims to promote shared cultural and spiritual heritage.

Key Points: India-Sri Lanka Cultural Ties Strengthen with Buddhist Relics

  • Sacred relics exposition in Colombo
  • Fulfillment of 2025 Modi visit promise
  • High-level Indian delegation delivers relics
  • Focus on shared Buddhist heritage
  • Strengthening cultural diplomacy
2 min read

Gujarat Governor holds talks with Sri Lankan Minister of Culture on deepening ties

Gujarat Governor leads delegation as sacred Devnimori relics arrive in Colombo, fulfilling a promise by PM Modi to Sri Lanka's President.

"Our nations are connected by deep civilisational and spiritual bonds. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

Colombo, February 5

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi held talks with Sri Lankan Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

They talked about deepening cultural cooperation.

"Gujarat Governor Shri @ADevvrat and Gujarat Deputy CM Shri @sanghaviharsh met Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi at @ParliamentLK today. Exchanged views on deepening regional cultural cooperation and promoting shared Buddhist heritage," the official handle of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep gratitude to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

Sharing his thoughts on X, PM Modi wrote, "Gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. During my visit in April 2025, it was decided these relics will come to Sri Lanka, thus giving the opportunity for the people to pay their respects. Our nations are connected by deep civilisational and spiritual bonds. May Lord Buddha's timeless message of compassion, peace and harmony continue to guide humanity."

The initiative stems from a commitment made during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, when both leaders agreed to bring the sacred relics from India for public veneration.

In response, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed heartfelt appreciation to PM Modi and the Government of India for fulfilling that promise.

In a post on X on Wednesday, President Dissanayake stated, "Respectfully welcome the Sacred Relics of the Buddha to Sri Lanka today for public veneration until the 11th at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. I deeply appreciate PM Narendra Modi and the Government of India for honouring their promise and enabling this sacred exposition."

The holy relics arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday morning for the first-ever international exposition.

A high-level Indian delegation, led by the Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, personally carried the relics to the aircraft for departure from India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Deeply moving to see the sacred relics being shared. This is what true 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) looks like. Our civilizational bonds with Sri Lanka are timeless. May this bring peace and harmony to both nations.
A
Aman W
Good step for cultural ties, but I hope such high-level visits also address the practical concerns of the Indian fishing community. Our diplomacy must balance soft power with protecting our citizens' livelihoods.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Colombo, the atmosphere at the Gangaramaya Temple is incredible. So many Sri Lankans are grateful for this gesture from India. It's a beautiful way to strengthen people-to-people connections.
V
Vikram M
Gujarat Governor and Deputy CM personally seeing off the relics shows the importance given. Our shared history is not just in books; it's alive through such acts. Proud moment for Indian cultural outreach.
K
Karthik V
While the spiritual aspect is paramount, this is also smart diplomacy. Building these cultural bridges creates lasting goodwill, which is essential for stability in our immediate neighbourhood. Well done.

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