Historic Enshrining of Buddha Relics at Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre
A grand enshrining ceremony of the Sacred Relics of the Buddha was held on 1 November at the world’s first and only Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre in Devamitta Pedesa, Heiyanthuduwa.
The event began with a majestic procession that started from Jayanthi Mawatha, Heiyanthuduwa, featuring Ves dancers, traditional drumming, and whip cracking. The Sacred Relics, gifted from Waskaduwa Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Maha Viharaya for the enshrinement, were carried by His Eminence the Ling Rinpoche accompanied by the Chief Prelate of the Sri Sambuddha Sasanodaya Sangha Council, Most Ven. Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayake Thero…
Following the procession, Most Ven. Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa mahanayake Thero officially handed over the Sacred Relics to the Chairman of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre, Dr. Damenda Porage. The Relics, contained in a golden casket, were then reverently enshrined in the newly constructed Relic Chamber (Dathu Mandiraya) in a solemn religious ceremony conducted according to both Pali (Theravada) and Sanskrit (Mahayana/Vajrayana) traditions.
In conjunction with the event, His Eminence the Ling Rinpoche also distributed sets of books and school supplies to 100 local schoolchildren and laid the foundation stone for the Kundun Happiness Retreat House. Two cattle destined for slaughter were released as an act of compassion, symbolizing the values of kindness and non-violence.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Dr Damenda Porage expressed gratitude on behalf of Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre to Most Ven. Mahindawansa Mahanayke Thero for gifting the Holy Relic, to His Eminence Ling Rinpoche for coming to Sri Lanka to participate in the auspicious event, all the Maha sangha and especially Mr. Lim Hock Leng of Sheng Siong Group for their profound assistance and support throughout the making of the Holy Relics shrine and all the dignitaries who attended this sacred ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of lay devotees and members of the Maha Sangha, including several Mahanayaka Theros. It was organised under the leadership of Dr. Damenda Porage, Chairman of both the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood and the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre, with the support of the local community.
The Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre has received a message of appreciation from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who expressed his deep pleasure over the enshrinement of a sacred Holy Relic of the Buddha at the Centre. His Holiness extended his heartfelt thanks to Most Ven. Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero for presenting this invaluable Holy Relic. In addition to acknowledging the sacred gift, His Holiness lauded the Centre’s remarkable service to the Buddha Sāsana. He specifically recognized and commended the institution for organizing a diverse range of valuable Buddhist activities:
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