The Chief Prelates of the Malwatta, Asgiri, Amarapura, and Ramanna Buddhist Chapters have requested the British High Commission in Sri Lanka to intervene in halting the auction of a collection of ancient jewels said to be linked to the corporeal remains of Lord Buddha.
In a letter addressed to the British High Commissioner, the prelates expressed deep concern over the planned sale of the artifacts at Sotheby’s auction house in Hong Kong.
The relics, reportedly unearthed from a mound in Uttar Pradesh, India, have been described as one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries related to the Buddha, according to experts including Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby’s and a noted figure in Asian art.
The prelates argued that placing such spiritually significant artefacts on public sale constitutes a loss to world heritage and a deep affront to global Buddhist communities.
“We as a Buddhist nation have an emotional and religious value towards any sort of remains related to our Great Teacher,” the letter stated, adding that such relics are venerated not only in Sri Lanka but across the Buddhist world.
Citing the High Commissioner’s familiarity with Sri Lanka’s religious practices, the prelates urged diplomatic intervention to prevent the sale. They described the artefacts as holding “immeasurable spiritual significance” and called for their preservation and protection in the interest of global heritage and religious reverence. (Newswire)
