In a significant gesture of goodwill and cultural cooperation, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, presented a range of essential items to the Malwatte and Asgiriya Maha Pirivenas in Kandy on 16 May 2025.
During his visit, the High Commissioner paid respects to the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thero of the Malwatte Chapter and Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter. He briefed the Mahanayake Theros on the outcomes of the recent State Visit by the Prime Minister of India to Sri Lanka and sought their blessings for current and future bilateral initiatives aimed at benefiting citizens of both nations.
To support the academic and spiritual development of young monks and resident clergy, the High Commissioner handed over vital items such as computers, tables, chairs, almirahs, beds, and educational materials to both Pirivenas.
Earlier, on 14 May, High Commissioner Jha visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa and met with the Hon. Diyawadana Nilame. Discussions centered around India’s efforts to strengthen Buddhist ties, including the proposed exposition of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from Devnimori, Gujarat, in Sri Lanka. In response to a request from temple authorities, the High Commissioner also donated 100 organic yoga mats to the temple, supporting its wellness and yoga initiatives.
These engagements reflect India’s continued commitment to preserving shared heritage and deepening people-to-people connections between the two nations.
