February 05, Colombo (LNW): An agreement paving the way for the public exposition of the revered Devnimori Buddha Relics in Sri Lanka was formally concluded with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi and India’s Acting High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Dr Satyanjal Pandey.
The signing followed the arrival of the sacred relics at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, marking a moment of deep religious and cultural significance for the country. Arrangements for the exposition were made with the direct support of the Government of India, under the patronage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Unearthed during archaeological excavations in the 1960s at the ancient Devnimori site in Gujarat, the Devnimori relics are regarded as among the most precious physical remains associated with the Buddha. This visit marks the first occasion on which these relics have ever left Indian soil.
According to reports, the transfer was made possible following high-level discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Modi during the Indian leader’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, opening an unprecedented opportunity for Sri Lankan devotees to pay homage to the relics.
Members of the public will be able to venerate the sacred Devnimori Buddha Relics at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo over a seven-day period, from today (05) until February 11.
