New Delhi: The arrival of the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka has marked an important moment in India–Sri Lanka relations. The exposition has strengthened the two countries’ long-standing spiritual and cultural ties rooted in Buddhism.
A special Indian Air Force aircraft carried the Sacred Relics to Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Authorities accorded full State Honours in line with the India–Sri Lanka protocol. A senior Indian delegation travelled with the Relics, led by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. Senior Buddhist monks, officials, and other dignitaries joined the delegation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the exposition during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. During the visit, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening spiritual cooperation. He also announced grant assistance for the Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura. This support added to the USD15 million grant announced earlier to promote Buddhist ties.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the exposition on Wednesday at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. The governor and deputy CM of Gujarat represented India at the ceremony. The Chief Incumbent of the temple, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, attended the event.
Organisers also opened two exhibitions at the temple. One focused on the discovery of sacred Buddhist relics, while the other highlighted India’s contemporary cultural engagement linked to Buddhist heritage.
Priests performed traditional religious rites before placing the Relics at the Gangaramaya Temple, according to an official statement. Public veneration will begin on Thursday. Devotees from Sri Lanka and other countries will have the opportunity to pay homage. The arrival coincided with Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day, adding symbolic value to the event.
Meanwhile, Modi later thanked Dissanayake for inaugurating the exposition. He recalled that the decision to bring the Relics to Sri Lanka was taken during his visit in 2025. He said the move reflected the deep civilisational and spiritual bond shared by the two countries.
In a post on X, he said: “May Lord Buddha’s timeless message of compassion, peace and harmony continue to guide humanity.”
