The Chief Incumbent of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Dr Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera has requested the public to refrain from queuing for the exposition of the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, after 10.00 pm today.

Addressing the media today, Ven. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera said that there was only a specific number of people who could be allowed per day to view the sacred relics brought from India. 

Stating that arrangements have been made to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to view the sacred relics, Ven. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera said that, however, it is not possible to extend the exposition.

He revealed that an Indian delegation has arrived in Sri Lanka for the return of the Sacred relics. 

As such, he said, if queuing is halted from 10.00 pm today, then it could be made possible for those already in the queue to view the sacred relics tomorrow, the last day of the exposition. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have announced heightened security and a special traffic management plan ahead of the exposition of Sacred Relics brought from India, scheduled to take place at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo from February 5 to 11, 2026.

The Sacred Relics are set to arrive in the country on February 4, with the public exposition beginning at 6:00 a.m. on February 5 and continuing around the clock until 7:00 a.m. on February 11.

Police have issued a set of guidelines to ensure a safe and orderly environment for devotees, urging full cooperation with security arrangements.

With large crowds, including foreign visitors, expected at the temple, the public is advised to remain vigilant against theft and to avoid bringing unnecessary personal items such as helmets, large bags, or jackets. The use of mobile phones inside the Sacred Chamber is strictly prohibited.

Motorists are requested to use only designated parking areas and adhere to traffic regulations. A special shuttle bus service will operate from the Old MOD Grounds, Port City, and the area near the Shangri-La Hotel for the convenience of visitors.

Several roads around the Gangaramaya Temple will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during the exposition period:

Road Closures:

* Jinarathana Mawatha (from James Peiris Mawatha, Hunupitiya Lake Road, and Lake Crescent junctions)
* Park Street (from Jinarathana Mawatha)
* Staple Street (from Muttiah Road)
* James Peiris Mawatha (from Muttiah Road)

Restricted Parking Areas:

* Navam Mawatha
* Perahera Mawatha
* Ramanayake Mawatha
* James Peiris Mawatha
* Jinarathana Mawatha
* Muttiah Road
* Altair Avenue
* Staple Street
* Dawson Street
* Union Place
* Hyde Park Corner
* Braybrooke Place
* Park Street
* Lake Crescent
* Hunupitiya Wewa Road
* Dharmapala Mawatha

Free Parking Facilities:

* Port City
* Near Shangri-La Hotel
* Old MOD Grounds
* F. R. Senanayake Mawatha
* Dhanapala Mawatha (Viharamahadevi Park area)
* Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Green Path)
* School Road
* Vauxhall Street
* Old Sathosa premises near Colombo City Centre

Paid Parking Facilities:

* Near Gamini Roundabout
* Opposite Lake House
* Access Tower Building
* Old Manning Market Grounds
* Charms Parking

Police urge the public to observe Buddhist traditions within temple premises and to follow all instructions from security personnel to ensure a safe and peaceful worship experience. (Newswire)

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The veneration of the Sacred Relics, which are due to be brought to Sri Lanka with the intervention of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the full patronage of the Government of India, will be held at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo for seven days from 4 to 11 February.

A discussion to review the preliminary organisational arrangements was held this morning (21 Jan) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, and the Secretary to the President, Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

According to the President’s Office, the corporeal relics of the Buddha, discovered during excavations carried out in the 1960s in the state of Gujarat, the birthplace of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have never previously been taken out of India. 

As a result of discussions held between Prime Minister Modi and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during the Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, this rare opportunity for the people of Sri Lanka to venerate these sacred relics has now been made possible.

The Sacred Relics are scheduled to arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, on 4 February. From that day onwards, the general public will be able to venerate the relics at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple.

Extensive discussions were held on the arrangements to be provided during the entire period, from the arrival of the Sacred Relics in Sri Lanka from India on 4 February until their return to India, as well as on the responsibilities assigned to the respective institutions and the related plans.

Expressing his views, the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, the Venerable Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera, stated that it is the President’s expectation that all necessary facilities be provided in a manner that ensures the vast number of devotees arriving in Colombo for the veneration of the Sacred Relics do not face inconvenience. He also elaborated on the preparations already made at the Gangaramaya Temple for the sacred veneration.

Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, stated that this is a historic occasion for the people of Sri Lanka, as well as a significant milestone in efforts to foster a Buddhist revival in the country.

The occasion was attended by the Maha Sangha including the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, the Venerable Dr Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera; the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; the Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Gamagedara Dissanayake; the Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusoof; the Mayor of Colombo, Vraie Cally Balthazaar; the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ravi Seneviratne; secretaries of the relevant ministries and heads of state institutions; the Director General of Government Information, H. S. K. J. Bandara; the Commanders of the Tri-Forces; the Inspector General of Police and other heads of the security services; as well as representatives of private institutions extending their patronage to the event. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka men’s national cricket team has paid its last respects to the Chief Incumbent of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the late Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera.

The final rites of the late Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera is being held under state patronage at the grounds adjoining the Gangaramaya Temple.

Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera, also known as Podi Hamuduruwo, passed away last Friday. He was 81 years old at the time of his demise. (Newswire)

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The Chief Incumbent of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera also known as Podi Hamuduruwo has passed away.

It is reported that Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera was 81 years old at the time of his demise. 

In 2003, Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera was appointed by the Malwatta chapter as the Sanghanayaka of the Western Province in Sri Lanka.

He was also the Sanghanayaka of the Sri Lankan Buddhist temples in the United States but renounced that position later. (Newswire)

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