India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, inaugurated the country’s first replica of King Ashoka’s Pillar of Dhamma in Vaishali during a ceremony at the Rajaguru Sri Subuthi Maha Viharaya in Waskaduwa.
Joining High Commissioner Jha was the Temple’s Chief Incumbent, Most Ven. Dr. Waskaduwawe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thera, as they unveiled a special exposition of the Sacred Kapilavastu Relics. During the event, High Commissioner Jha also extended birthday wishes to the Most Ven. Mahanayake Thera and offered prayers for his long life.
In his remarks, Most Ven. Mahanayake Thera underscored the significance of installing the first Ashokan Pillar replica in Sri Lanka as a tribute to King Ashoka’s pivotal role in preserving and propagating Buddhist teachings. He also recounted the historical journey of the temple’s relic collection and expressed deep gratitude to the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its sustained support of Buddhist heritage.
High Commissioner Jha highlighted the shared historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka, noting that Sri Lanka remains one of the foremost centres for Buddhist learning. He outlined several initiatives by India to deepen this heritage in Sri Lanka, including:
- Free solar electrification for nearly 10,000 Buddhist Viharas and Pirivenas
- Support for the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex restoration project
- Upcoming exposition of Sacred Relics of the Buddha from Devnimori, Gujarat
- Past expositions featuring relics from Sarnath and Kapilavastu
- Special pilgrimage visits and mobile exhibitions on the life of the Buddha
- Republishing of ancient Pali grammar treatises such as Namamala and Balawatharo
- Distribution of Sinhala translations of the Jataka Tales to Dhamma schools nationwide
The inauguration of the Ashokan Pillar replica and accompanying relic exposition mark a milestone in India–Sri Lanka cultural diplomacy, further cementing the two nations’ enduring Buddhist heritage and cooperation.
