The event marks a moment of deep civilizational and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka
The arrival and exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka mark a moment of profound spiritual, cultural, and civilizational significance, further strengthening the enduring bonds between India and Sri Lanka rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage.
The Sacred Relics arrived in Sri Lanka by a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force and were accorded full State Honours, in accordance with established India–Sri Lanka protocol. A high-level Indian delegation led by the Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, accompanied the Relics. Senior Buddhist monks, government officials, and other distinguished dignitaries were also part of the delegation.
The Exposition follows the announcement made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening spiritual and cultural ties with Sri Lanka. During the visit, the Prime Minister had also announced grant assistance for the development of the Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura, in addition to the $15 million grant announced in 2020 for the promotion of Buddhist ties.
This the first public veneration of the Devnimori Relics outside India. (Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau)
The Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics was inaugurated on February 4, 2026 at the revered Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, by President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, from the Sri Lankan side, along with the Governor of Gujarat and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat from the Indian side, in the presence of the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero.
Several senior dignitaries from the Government of Sri Lanka were present on the occasion, including Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Dr.Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health & Mass Media; and Prof.A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
Two exhibitions titled “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa” and “Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India” were also inaugurated at the Gangaramaya Temple as part of the exposition.
This Exposition represents the first public veneration of the Devnimori Relics outside India. Earlier, India had organized expositions of the Kapilavastu Relics in 2012 and the Sarnath Relics in 2018 in Sri Lanka.
