By Sitaram Mewati
The high-level Indian delegation led by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Harsh Sanghavi, has concluded its official visit to Sri Lanka from 04 to 11 February 2026. The visit marked a historic moment as the delegation accompanied the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha from India to Sri Lanka for their first-ever international exposition, currently being held at the revered Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.
The exposition of the Holy Relics has drawn widespread attention from devotees, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts, symbolising the deep-rooted civilisational and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka. The presence of the Indian delegation underscored the importance India attaches to preserving and sharing its Buddhist heritage while strengthening people-to-people connections.
During the visit, the delegation called on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka and conveyed appreciation for the warm reception extended to the Holy Relics and the Indian delegation. The leaders discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation rooted in shared cultural and spiritual traditions. The delegation also held meetings with key Sri Lankan ministers, including Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism; Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; and Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. These interactions focused on expanding cooperation in economic, cultural, religious, and tourism sectors.
As part of the outreach programme, the delegation interacted with members of the Gujarat-origin community in Sri Lanka, reaffirming India’s close ties with the Indian diaspora. Hon. Hanif Yusoof, Governor of Western Province, who himself belongs to the Gujarat-origin community, joined the interaction. The delegation also participated in the “Friends of IBC Reunion” organised by the International Buddhist Confederation, further strengthening cultural and spiritual bonds.
In addition, the dignitaries visited several cultural and heritage sites in and around Colombo, highlighting the shared Buddhist legacy of the two nations. Looking ahead, a separate Indian delegation led by Shri Mangubhai C. Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, and Shri Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week for the concluding ceremonies of the exposition and the return of the Holy Devnimori Relics to India.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
