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)

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his gratitude to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi responded to a message shared by President Dissanayake on February 4, 2026. Modi recalled that the decision to bring the relics to Sri Lanka was made during his visit in April 2025, offering the Sri Lankan public the opportunity to pay their respects.

“Our nations are connected by deep civilisational and spiritual bonds,” Modi said, adding, “May Lord Buddha’s timeless message of compassion, peace and harmony continue to guide humanity.” (Newswire)

Gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

During my visit in April 2025, it was decided these relics will come to Sri Lanka, thus giving the opportunity for the… https://t.co/rLGTRudlsZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 5, 2026

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The public veneration of ‘Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha’ in Sri Lanka is set to commence this afternoon (04) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the support of the Government of India.

The Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha, unearthed during excavations at the historic Devnimori site in Gujarat in the 1960s, have been taken out of India for the first time.

Following recent talks between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan public has been granted a rare opportunity to venerate the Sacred Devnimori Relics.

The public will have the opportunity to view the sacred relics, following the first offering of flowers by President Dissanayake, the President’s Media Division said.

The Sacred Devnimori Relics veneration will be held at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo, for seven days, from 05 February to 11 February 2026. (Newswire)

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