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, brought from India for the enshrinement, were carried by His Eminence the 102nd 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, His Eminence the Ling Rinpoche 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, symbolising the values of kindness and non-violence.

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.