Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha Arrive in Sri Lanka with State Honours

– The arrival and public exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka mark a moment of profound spiritual, cultural and civilisational significance, further deepening the centuries-old Buddhist bond between India and Sri Lanka.

The Sacred Relics were flown to Sri Lanka aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft and accorded full State Honours, in line with established India–Sri Lanka protocol. The high-level Indian delegation accompanying the Relics was led by the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Harsh Sanghavi, along with senior Buddhist monks, government officials and distinguished dignitaries.

Fulfilment of PM Modi's 2025 Commitment

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 strengthening spiritual and cultural ties rooted in shared Buddhist heritage.

During that visit, the Prime Minister also announced grant assistance for the Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura, in addition to the USD 15 million grant announced in 2020 to promote Buddhist links between the two countries.

Inauguration at Gangaramaya Temple

The exposition was formally inaugurated on 4 February 2026 at the revered Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo by H.E. President of Sri Lanka, Shri Anura Kumara Dissanayake, together with the Governor and Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, in the presence of the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero.

Several senior Sri Lankan ministers attended the ceremony, including:

• Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

• Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health & Mass Media

• Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government

Rare Exhibitions and First-Ever Overseas Veneration

Two special exhibitions were inaugurated alongside the exposition:

• "Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa"

• "Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India"

The Holy Relics were ceremonially received with traditional rites and enshrined at the Gangaramaya Temple. Public veneration will commence on 5 February 2026, allowing devotees from Sri Lanka and around the world to pay homage.

This marks the first public exposition of the Devnimori Relics outside India. Previously, India organised expositions of the Kapilavastu Relics in 2012 and the Sarnath Relics in 2018 in Sri Lanka.

Symbolic Timing and Enduring Ties

The arrival of the Sacred Relics coincided with Sri Lanka's 78th Independence Day, adding special symbolic resonance to the occasion.

The exposition stands as a living testament to the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha—compassion, peace and non-violence—and reflects the deep-rooted civilisational relationship between India and Sri Lanka, further strengthening cultural, spiritual and people-to-people ties between the two nations.