Replica of the Ashoka pillar, erected in the sacred premises of Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya was unveiled yesterday (21/07/2025) with the participation of Chief Incumbent of the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero, His Excellency Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest, Aruna Prasad Chandrasekera, Chairman of Waskaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha, Deputy Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Dr. Damenda Porage, Dr. Shermila Milroy, Dhamma Secretary of IBC, Krishani Peduruarachchige, Chairperson of ASB Group and many more dignitaries.
The complete sponsorship for this replica of Ashoka pillar in Sri Lanka was provided by H.E. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, one the Tibetan Buddhism’s foremost spiritual leaders and the reincarnation of H.H. Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche, the principal teacher of His Holiness the 14 th Dalai Lama. Ling Ringpoche sponsored the first Ashokan pillar in Sri Lanka to commemorate His Holiness the 14 th Dalai Lama’s 90 th birthday.
Foundation stone for the replica of the Ashoka pillar which was laid on 28 January 2024 by the then newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, the newly elected Secretary General of the IBC. Speaking at this occasion Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero stated that the Ashoka Pillar was erected at this temple in recognition of the great service of Emperor Ashoka to Sri Lanka. The Mahanayaka Thero asserted that it is due to the noble efforts of Emperor Ashoka that Sri Lankans received such a wonderful path like Buddhism. “Emperor Ashoka gifted both his son and the daughter to the Buddha Sasana. Both Arhat Mahinda Thero and Arhat Sangamitta Therani were instrumental in introducing and establishing Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka. Although the contribution of Emperor Ashoka in building the Sri Lankan Buddhist civilization is monumental, it is hardly recognized. I, in fact, wanted to fill that void by expressing gratitude to that great Emperor in some way. After discussing with Maha Sangha, they suggested that a replica of Ashoka pillar be erected at our temple premises. It was Dr. Damenda Porage who was instrumental in establishing the required dialogues with the relevant authorities and secure funds for the project. In one and a half year’s time, we could complete the construction of the pillar”, said the Mahanayaka Thero.
Speaking at the occasion, Indian High Commissioner His Excellency Santosh Jha said that this initiative has further strengthened the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka. He said that “In order to further deepen this heritage, the Government of India announced a special grant assistance of USD 15 million in September 2020 to promote Buddhist ties between our two countries. One significant initiative under this grant is the ongoing project to provide free solar electrification for nearly 10,000 Buddhist temples and Pirivenas across Sri Lanka. In another milestone, the Government of India accorded classical language status to Pali last year-a decision warmly welcomed by Buddhist scholars in Sri Lanka. The High Commission of India is actively promoting the Pali language here, including republishing of ancient grammar treatises such as Namamala and Balawatharo”.
It is noteworthy that the Pali grammar text Namamala, was authored by Most Venerable Rajaguru Waskaduwe Sri Subhuthi Mahanayaka Thero who was the chief incumbent of Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi temple. The decision by Most Ven. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero of giving free publication rights to whoever willing to publish Namamala indeed is commendable in spreading the knowledge of that ancient language associated with Buddhism.
The High Commissioner added that during Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit, he announced assistance for the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex Project and also pledged support for the exposition in Sri Lanka of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from Devnimori, Gujarat.
“Previously, sacred relics from Sarnath and Kapilavastu have also been displayed in Sri Lanka, allowing devotees to pay homage. Most recently, it was due to timely objections raised by the Government of India that the auctioning of sacred gem relics of Lord Buddha in Hong Kong was postponed. The Government took swift and comprehensive action to halt the sale, emphasizing its illegality and calling for the relics’ return to their rightful place in India, where they were discovered in Piprahwa in 1898. Once these relics are repatriated, devotees from across the world- including Sri Lanka- will have the opportunity to pay their respects” said the High Commissioner.
Regarding the selection of Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya to erect the replica of Ashoka pillar in Sri Lanka, Dr. Damenda Porage said that the temple is highly significant for this task because it is where the authentic and sacred Kapilavastu relics of the Buddha is housed. “Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya houses the holy and authentic relics of the Buddha. We have sufficient evidences to prove that the relics housed in this temple are authentic and sacred. Moreover, Maha Nayaka Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Thero is someone who is ever grateful to India for their support to Sri Lanka throughout millania. The Thero often reminds them with utmost gratitude and often cherishes the ties between the two countries. It is the Maha Nayaka Thero who often wanted to show gratitude to India for her great support to our country,” said Dr. Porage.
He further stated that like sacred sites in Anuradhapura, Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Maha Viharaya also holds significance in strengthening the links between the two neighbours- India and Sri Lanka because the temple houses the sacred relics of the Buddha gifted to Sri Lanka by India.
@Satipatthana Magazine