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India Strengthens Sri Lanka Ties with Buddhist Exhibition, Jataka Tales Distribution

India recently conducted a Buddhist cultural exhibition titled 'Buddham Sharanam Gachami' in Panadura, Sri Lanka, on the occasion of Duruthu Poya Day. The Indian High Commission distributed Jataka Tales comic books in Sinhala to students of a local Dhamma School. This event is part of broader, deep-rooted cultural cooperation that includes museum galleries, temple restorations, and the exchange of sacred relics. The bilateral relationship, spanning millennia, continues to diversify through academic and people-to-people initiatives.

Key Points: India-Sri Lanka Buddhist Cultural Exhibition in Panadura

  • Exhibition held on Duruthu Poya Day
  • Jataka Tales comic books in Sinhala distributed
  • Cultural cooperation spans museums, temples, and relics
  • Bilateral relations are over 2,500 years old
2 min read

India conducts Buddhist exhibition in Sri Lanka, students distributed Jataka Tales comic books

India hosts 'Buddham Sharanam Gachami' exhibition in Sri Lanka, distributes Sinhala Jataka Tales comics to students, reinforcing shared Buddhist heritage.

"Strengthening India-Sri Lanka shared heritage of Buddhism. - Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka"

Panadura, January 4

Continuing the strengthening of ties between New Delhi and Colombo, India recently conducted an exhibition on the theme 'Buddham Sharanam Gachami' in Panadura.

Sharing the details of the exhibition in a post on X, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said that the exhibition took place on the auspicious occasion of Duruthu Poya Day and students of the Dhamma School were also distributed Jataka Tales comic books in Sinhala.

"Strengthening India-Sri Lanka shared heritage of Buddhism. On the auspicious occasion of Duruthu Poya Day, @IndiainSL conducted an exhibition 'Buddham Sharanam Gachami', at Sri Vijaya Saugatha Vidyala Maha Pirivena, Panadura. Jataka Tales Comic Books in Sinhala were also distributed to the students of the Dhamma School."

India is Sri Lanka's closest neighbour and the relationship between the two countries is more than 2,500 years old, sharing a strong civilizational and historical connection.

The Ministry of External Affairs noted in a statement how India and Sri Lanka have a significant cultural cooperation which includes the establishment of Indian Gallery at the International Buddhist Museum in Kandy; Bharat-Kosh at Colombo Public Library and India Corners in different universities; restoration of the Thirukeeteswaram Temple in Mannar; exposition of sacred Kapilavastu Relics organized in Sri Lanka in 2012 to commemorate 2600th year of the attainment of enlightenment by Lord Buddha (Sambuddhatva Jayanthi), amongst others.

In October 2021, the inaugural Colombo-Kushinagar flight was undertaken on the auspicious VapPoya Day, during which the sacred Kapilavastu Buddha relics from the Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Maha Vihara of Waskaduwa were brought to India and displayed in several Indian cities, including Kushinagar and Sarnath.

Recently, a statue of Lord Buddha to Dharmayathanaya Temple was presented. The Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS) has been set up at the University of Colombo. A long-term ICCR chair for Hindi has been set up at University of Kelaniya and Sabaragamuwa University. Varied academic and cultural activities have been initiated in about 30 Universities, schools and Pirivenas of Sri Lanka, the MEA statement noted.

The bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka have matured and diversified, encompassing all areas of contemporary relevance.

The shared cultural and social heritage of the two countries and the extensive people-to-people interaction of their citizens provide the foundation to build a multi-faceted partnership.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Our ties with Sri Lanka go back millennia. It's good to see the government actively working on the soft power front. Projects like restoring temples and these exhibitions strengthen the bond at a people-to-people level. Jai Hind!
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the cultural outreach, I hope this is part of a balanced foreign policy. Our relationship with Sri Lanka is complex, and we must ensure our interests are protected in all spheres, not just cultural.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited both countries, the shared Buddhist history is palpable. Distributing Jataka tales in Sinhala is a thoughtful touch. It shows respect for their language and culture.
V
Vikram M
Bharat and Sri Lanka are like siblings. These small gestures matter more than big treaties sometimes. When our cultures and histories are so intertwined, such initiatives keep the connection alive for future generations. Well done!
K
Kavya N
I love the idea of comic books! Makes ancient stories accessible and fun. Hope they do similar exhibitions in India's Buddhist circuits too. This is a great model for cultural exchange.

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