A high-level Indian delegation, including Mangubhai Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein of Arunachal Pradesh, arrived in Sri Lanka today (09 Feb) to oversee the repatriation of the historic Devnimori Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha back to India.
The delegation was formally welcomed at the Bandaranaike International Airport by Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Kaushalya Ariyaratne.
Following their visit, the delegation will facilitate the safe return of the relics to India on 11 February 2026.
Following discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka, the Devnimori Sacred Relics were brought to Sri Lanka on 4 February and enshrined at the Gangaramaya Temple, Hunupitiya, Colombo.
From 5 to 11 February, the public has been given the opportunity to venerate the relics round the clock, providing a unique occasion for spiritual devotion.
These sacred relics, which have been securely housed in the Baroda Museum in India, have never been exhibited outside India.
Their historic display in Sri Lanka marks the first opportunity for the Sri Lankan people to pay homage to the Devnimori Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. (Newswire)