By Mewati Sitaram
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, paid his respects to Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thero of the Malwatte Chapter and Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter in Kandy on May 16, 2025. During his visit, the High Commissioner apprised the Mahanayake Theros of the outcomes of the recent State Visit by the Prime Minister of India to Sri Lanka and sought their blessings for various ongoing and proposed bilateral initiatives aimed at fostering mutual benefits for the peoples of both nations.
In a gesture of support to the religious institutions, the High Commissioner presented essential items, including computers, tables, chairs, almirahs, beds, and study materials, to the Malwatte and Asgiriya Maha Pirivenas. These contributions are intended to enhance the academic and spiritual development of the venerable Theros and resident monks.
Earlier, on May 14, 2025, the High Commissioner held discussions with Hon. Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa, focusing on the Government of India’s initiatives to strengthen Buddhist cultural ties with Sri Lanka. This included plans for the forthcoming exposition of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from Devnimori, Gujarat. Additionally, responding to a request from temple authorities, the High Commissioner gifted 100 organic yoga mats to Sri Dalada Maligawa to promote yoga and wellness practices.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
