The exposition, organized by India’s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), represents a high point in the civilizational and spiritual ties between the two nations.



The inauguration ceremony, graced by H.E. President of Sri Lanka, Shri Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and a high-level Indian delegation, was symbolically held on Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day, underscoring a shared heritage of peace.


A Relic of Deep Historical Roots



The Devnimori Relics, currently preserved at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, were discovered in 1957 within a stupa at the Devnimori archaeological site. The green schist casket bore a Brahmi inscription: “dashabala sharira nilay” or “the abode of the Buddha’s bodily relic.” For the first time since their discovery, these corporeal remains have traveled beyond India’s borders, carried on a special Indian Air Force flight.


Leaders Hail a Bridge of Faith

In his inaugural address, President Dissanayake stated, “This is not only a moment of deep spiritual devotion but a reaffirmation of the ancient bonds between Sri Lanka and India. We are reminded that peace, compassion, and empathy are timeless values that continue to guide humanity.”



The event fulfills a vision articulated by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his 2025 State Visit to Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted, “We celebrate not just a shared past but a shared future. This exposition fortifies the bonds of trust between our nations.”

The Indian delegation is led by Shri Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat, who remarked, “These relics symbolize the ancient Buddhist heritage of Gujarat and India’s enduring spiritual links with Sri Lanka. This strengthens cultural bonds and inspires global awareness of Devnimori.”


Gangaramaya: A Fitting Sanctuary



The selection of Gangaramaya Temple, a beacon of Buddhist worship and learning in the heart of Colombo, adds deep resonance. The temple’s Chief Incumbent, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, called it a “sacred honour,” adding that the relics “embody the essence of the Buddha’s teachings… to bring solace and spiritual awakening to all.”


Exhibitions and Global Buddhist Diplomacy

Accompanying the exposition are two major exhibitions:

“Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa”: Tracing the journey of the famed Piprahwa relics.

“Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India”: Showcasing India’s modern Buddhist cultural diplomacy.



This event is the latest in a series of international relic expositions by India, following those in Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, Bhutan, and Russia. It highlights a modern “Buddhist diplomacy” that revives ancient connections through shared sacred heritage.

Shri Abhijit Halder, Director General of the IBC, framed the exposition as “a sacred act of shared devotion and civilizational continuity… that reaffirms the Buddha’s timeless message of compassion, peace, and coexistence.”


A Future Built on Shared Heritage

Officials from both nations emphasize that the event is more than a religious ceremony; it is a catalyst for deeper people-to-people ties, Buddhist tourism, and academic collaboration. The exposition aims to promote pilgrimage circuits linking sites like Devnimori, Bodh Gaya, and Sri Lanka’s own sacred cities.

As lines of devotees wait patiently at Gangaramaya Temple until February 11, the air is thick with devotion and history. The journey of these ancient relics stands as a powerful testament to how shared faith and heritage can build bridges of peace, offering a gentle but potent antidote to a world often marred by conflict.

The exposition at Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, is open to the public from February 4 to February 11, 2026.

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Prof. Arvind Kumar Singh is the Academic Consultant for the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) based in New Delhi, India. He is Professor, ICCR Chair, LBU & Gautam Buddha University, India