Colombo buzzed with spiritual fervor as the priceless Devnimori Buddha relics touched down on Sri Lankan soil Wednesday, transported securely by India’s C-130J Super Hercules. This groundbreaking exhibition from February 4-10 at Gangaramaya Temple underscores the unbreakable cultural thread weaving India and Sri Lanka together.
A high-profile reception greeted the relics at the airport, led by key ministers Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senewi and AHM A Abhayaratna alongside India’s Acting High Commissioner. Buddhist clergy and multitudes of worshippers added solemnity to the proceedings, their chants echoing the relics’ divine aura.
Gangaramaya, a bastion of Sinhalese Buddhism, has pulled out all stops for the week-long display, expecting an influx of devotees from Sri Lanka and beyond. The temple’s elaborate setups guarantee safe veneration amid surging crowds.
Back in Delhi, the relics’ journey began with elaborate pujas at the National Museum and airport, drawing massive participation. These rituals vividly captured Buddhism’s enduring spiritual essence.
For the first time venturing overseas for public exposition, the Devnimori relics—revered as among Buddhism’s holiest—carry profound significance. PM Modi’s 2025 pledge during his Sri Lankan sojourn birthed this event, positioning India as a guardian of global Buddhist patrimony.
Sri Lanka’s leadership showered praise on India, with President Dissanayake and PM Amarasuriya noting how this gesture elevates shared heritage and fosters enduring amity. The exhibition not only revives historical affinities but also ignites worldwide interest in ancient Buddhist treasures.