Colombo, Sri Lanka, February 11, 2026 — Thousands of devotees gathered in Colombo to venerate the Holy Buddha Relics of Devni Mori as a high-level Indian delegation arrived to escort the sacred relics back to India, marking a significant moment in Indo-Sri Lankan Buddhist relations.
The Indian delegation, led by Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, and Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, travelled to Sri Lanka to formally receive the relics. The exposition was earlier promised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka in April last year.
Scenes of deep devotion unfolded at the exposition venue, where devotees stood in long queues for hours to offer flowers and prayers. Many elderly worshippers, including centenarians, were seen paying homage, while mothers brought newborn children to seek blessings. The atmosphere reflected a strong spiritual connection shared between the two neighbouring nations.
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the exposition to pay his respects.
The return of the relics is being described as more than a ceremonial transfer, symbolising a reaffirmation of centuries-old civilisational and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka. Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka from the Indian subcontinent over two millennia ago, laying the foundation for enduring religious, cultural, and scholarly exchanges.
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), operating under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has played a central role in facilitating the exposition and related engagements. During their visit, the Indian dignitaries toured two exhibitions curated by the IBC: “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics and its Related Activities with Sri Lanka” and “Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India.”
In addition, the IBC organised a “Friends of IBC Meet” in Colombo on February 6, bringing together over 60 senior members of the Sri Lankan Sangha, including the three Mahanayakas, along with scholars and cultural practitioners. The event featured blessings by Most Ven. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, President of the IBC, and remarks by Acting Indian High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, who reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening spiritual and cultural ties.
Scholarly discussions, including an “Indo-Sri Lankan Pali Dialogue,” focused on the preservation and promotion of Pali, recently recognised as a classical Indian language. Cultural performances and presentations tracing the spread of Buddhism across Asia further underscored the shared heritage between the two nations.
The Devni Mori relics’ return to India, under the guidance of the visiting dignitaries, is being viewed as a symbol of peace, compassion, and harmony — values central to the Buddha’s teachings — and as a renewed chapter in the longstanding Buddhist partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
