The Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka on February 4th, concluded successfully at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, with the sacred relics departing for India today (11).

According to a statement from the High Commission of India in Colombo, the relics were accompanied on their return journey by Shri Mangubhai C. Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, and Shri Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.

A ceremonial farewell was held at Bandaranaike International Airport, attended by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake, and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, among others.

During their visit, the Indian delegation, led by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh and the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, held meetings with Sri Lankan officials including Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody, and North Western Province Governor Tissa Kumarasiri Warnasuriya. They also engaged with members of the Indian-origin community in Sri Lanka.

The week-long exposition, inaugurated on 4 February by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka and Indian representatives Governor Acharya Devvrat of Gujarat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, drew over one million devotees who gathered to venerate the Holy Relics.

The event marked the first time these relics were publicly displayed outside India.

In addition to veneration, two exhibitions titled “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa” and “Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India” showcased the shared Buddhist heritage of India and Sri Lanka.