Hundreds of devotees have been arriving at Gangaramaya Temple since early this morning (05) to pay homage to the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha, brought from Gujarat, India.
The public exposition of the relics began this morning and will continue for seven days, until February 11.
Discovered during archaeological excavations in the 1960s at the historic Devnimori site in Gujarat, these sacred relics have never before been taken outside India. The excavation, conducted around a stupa within an ancient Buddhist monastic complex, uncovered two reliquary caskets. The Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha were found in one of them, along with an inscription stating: “the place where the relics of the Buddha endowed with the Ten Powers are enshrined”—widely regarded as the strongest evidence confirming their authenticity.
Following discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, an agreement was reached to bring the relics to the country.
The Indian aircraft carrying the sacred Devnimori relics arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport at around 1:00 p.m. yesterday. After religious observances, the relics were transported in a special motorcade to Gangaramaya Temple. Amid blessings from the Maha Sangha, they were placed on a special platform and opened for public veneration.
Marking the commencement of the exposition, the first floral offering was made yesterday afternoon (04) by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. From this morning onward, the general public has been able to venerate the sacred relics in person at the historic Hunupitiya temple.
Police Media Spokesperson ASP F. U. Wootler said special security arrangements and traffic management plans are in place in and around Gangaramaya Temple throughout the exposition period. As the veneration remains open 24 hours, devotees are requested to cooperate fully with security procedures.
With large crowds of local and foreign visitors expected, police have advised devotees to remain alert against theft and to safeguard wallets, jewellery, and other personal belongings. The use of mobile phones inside the Sacred Chamber is strictly prohibited. Devotees are also asked not to bring helmets, jackets, large bags, or unnecessary personal items into the temple premises.
Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas, and motorists are urged to follow traffic regulations and seek assistance from on-duty police officers when needed. Several roads will be temporarily closed during the exposition, while special free and paid parking facilities have been arranged.
A special shuttle bus service has also been introduced for devotees visiting Gangaramaya Temple. In addition, the Railway Department has arranged special train services until February 10 from Avissawella, Rambukkana, and Aluthgama to Colombo Fort Railway Station, to facilitate easier access for worshippers.
