Sri Lanka was deeply honored to host the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha for seven days, a period during which people from across the country gathered at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo to pay homage and venerate these revered relics, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath.

Minister Herath confirmed that the relics were officially returned to India following the successful conclusion of the week-long exposition. 

The event, which began on 5 February, drew large crowds including devotees, diplomats, and officials who came to honor the spiritual significance of the relics.

During his visit to Sri Lanka, Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, and Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, met with Minister Herath to facilitate the return process, underscoring the cooperation between Sri Lanka and India.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Minister Herath expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for its close collaboration in organizing what he described as a historic and meaningful event. 

Concluding the event this morning, Minister Herath emphasised that the exhibition further strengthened the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding, fostering peace and shared spiritual values between Sri Lanka and India.