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Sacred Buddha Relics Travel to Sri Lanka in Historic First International Exposition

Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, has described the exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Colombo as a "rare blessing" for the country. The relics are traveling to Sri Lanka following an announcement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking their first-ever international exposition. They will be open for public veneration at Colombo's Gangaramaya Temple from February 5 to 11, 2026. The event underscores the deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka, which include several other collaborative heritage projects.

Key Points: Buddha Relics from India Go to Sri Lanka in Historic Exposition

  • First international exposition of Devnimori Relics
  • Public veneration in Colombo from Feb 5
  • Follows announcement by PM Modi
  • Highlights India-Sri Lanka cultural ties
  • Relics date to Western Satraps period
3 min read

"A rare blessing for Sri Lanka": High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne on exposition of 'Devnimori Relics'

Sri Lanka's High Commissioner calls Devnimori Buddha relics exposition a "rare blessing." The relics travel from India for public veneration in Colombo.

"A rare blessing for Sri Lanka. - Mahishini Colonne"

Colombo, February 1

Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, on Sunday described the exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Colombo as a "rare blessing" for the country, thanking the Government of India for making the historic event possible.

"A rare blessing for Sri Lanka. The sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha on exposition at Gangaramaya Temple in Sri Lanka -- the first ever international exposition of the relics. Grateful to the Government of India and all those who made this possible," Colonne said in a post on X.

Her remarks came in response to an announcement by the High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Saturday, which said the relics would be travelling to Sri Lanka following an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Pursuant to PM @narendramodi's announcement, the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha are travelling to Sri Lanka for their first-ever international exposition," the post said.

According to the announcement, the relics will be in Sri Lanka from February 4 to February 11, 2026, and will be open for public veneration from February 5 at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

India in Sri Lanka described the event as a rare and historic spiritual moment, inviting devotees to participate in the public veneration during the exposition period.

These relics are significant as they showcase Buddhist artefacts and sculptures from the Western Satraps period. They're now on display in Sri Lanka at the country's first-ever international exposition, underscoring their cultural significance.

According to the MEA brief in terms of cultural relations, the cooperation between both the countries includes the establishment of the Indian Gallery at the International Buddhist Museum in Kandy; restoration of the Thirukeeteswaram Temple in Mannar; exposition of sacred Kapilavastu Relics was organised in Sri Lanka in 2012 to commemorate the 2600th year of the attainment of enlightenment by Lord Buddha (Sambuddhatva Jayanthi), etc.

In October 2021, the inaugural Colombo-Kushinagar flight was operated 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.

A statue of Lord Buddha to Dharmayathanaya Temple was presented. In early 2025, India also published the Pali Grammar book 'Namamala' and the Sinhala translation of the Jataka Tales. The Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS) has been set up at Colombo University. A long-term ICCR chair for Hindi has been established at Kelaniya and Sabaragamuwa Universities.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
It's heartening to see our government actively promoting soft power and cultural diplomacy. From the Kapilavastu relics in 2012 to this, such exchanges strengthen our 'Neighbourhood First' policy in a meaningful way. Well done.
S
Sarah B
As someone interested in archaeology, the mention of the Western Satraps period is fascinating. These relics are a direct link to a crucial era in Indian history. I hope there's a detailed documentary or exhibition catalogue for those of us who can't travel to Colombo.
A
Aman W
While this is a positive step, I sometimes wonder if we are doing enough to preserve and showcase such priceless artefacts within our own country first. Many of our museums need serious upgrades. This is great diplomacy, but let's not neglect our own heritage infrastructure.
K
Kavitha C
Jai Bhim, Jai Buddha. This is the real essence of India's foreign policy - sharing our spiritual heritage. The restoration of the Thirukeeteswaram Temple and now this... these are the bonds that truly matter. It goes beyond politics.
D
David E
The multifaceted cooperation mentioned here is impressive—from museum galleries and temple restoration to publishing books and establishing university chairs. It shows a deep, long-term commitment to cultural partnership, not just a one-off event.

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