Sacred Devni Mori Buddha Relics Arrive in Sri Lanka for State Veneration

On Feb 4, 2026

COLOMBO – In a landmark moment for Buddhist brotherhood and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka, the sacred Buddha relics excavated from Devni Mori, Gujarat, have arrived in Sri Lanka today.

The arrival fulfills a high-level diplomatic promise made by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his previous visit to Anuradhapura. The pledge was solidified during a meeting with the Most Venerable Atamasthanadhipathi Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayake Thero, an event also attended by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

A High-Level State Welcome

The relics arrived via an Indian Defense aircraft, underscoring the significance of the mission. The Indian delegation accompanying the sacred items includes several high-ranking dignitaries:

The Governor of Gujarat and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat.
The Secretary General and Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
The Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (Varanasi).
A Maha Sangha delegation representing both the Pali and Sanskrit traditions.

Public Veneration Details

The relics have been accorded State Guest status and will be housed at the historic Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. This visit offers a rare opportunity for devotees to pay their respects to relics that hold immense historical and archaeological value, dating back to the 3rd or 4th century CE.

Veneration Schedule:

Location: Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo

Duration: From today until February 11, 2026

Access: Open to the general public

This arrival marks a deepening of the “civilizational bond” between the two nations, highlighting shared heritage through the preservation and exchange of Buddhist legacy.