The SAMHiTA (South Asian Manuscript Histories and Textual Archive) Palm-Leaf Manuscript Digitisation Project, aimed at preserving ancient manuscripts and safeguarding their historical and cultural knowledge, was launched at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo on October 23.
According to the High Commission of India in Colombo, the project is being implemented by the India International Centre (IIC), Delhi, in collaboration with the Gangaramaya Temple, with financial assistance from the Government of India.
The initiative aims to preserve South Asia’s intellectual and cultural heritage by digitising ancient manuscripts containing information on languages, philosophies, religious traditions, rituals, customs and artistic practices.
The Gangaramaya Temple is the first institution in Sri Lanka to partner with the IIC under Project SAMHiTA, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2026.
The digitisation process is currently being carried out by a team of Sri Lankan experts and is expected to be completed by the end of November 2026.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha attended the launch ceremony, along with Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Ven. Dr. Pallegama Rathnasara Thero, temple trustees and Project Adviser Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe.
During a site visit, the project team demonstrated the manuscript preservation and digitisation process.
Addressing the ceremony, High Commissioner Jha expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating that the Indian Government was honoured to support efforts to preserve the shared Buddhist heritage of India and Sri Lanka.
He also recalled the exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha from India, held at the Gangaramaya Temple in February 2026.
The High Commissioner further invited other institutions in Sri Lanka involved in preserving and digitising ancient manuscripts to collaborate with Project SAMHiTA, under which the Indian Government provides grant assistance.
He also expressed hope that the project would be expanded to include additional manuscript collections in the future. (Newswire)