The Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya recently granted an audience to a high-level monastic delegation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) at the Asgiriya Mahaviharaya, underscoring deepening spiritual ties between Sri Lanka and India.
The delegation was led by Most Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche and comprised eight senior members of the Sangha, including Most Venerable Dr Badanth Rahul Maha Thero, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ven Wangchuk Dorji Negi, Ven Dr Anand Bhante, and Ven Prof. Dhammajyothi. Discussions centred on the preservation and propagation of the Buddha Dhamma in the contemporary global context.
A Modern Spiritual Milestone
During the meeting, the Mahanayake Thero conveyed appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating the exposition of the sacred Devni Mori relics in Sri Lanka.
Drawing a historical parallel, he observed that just as Emperor Ashoka sent Arahat Mahinda Thera and Arahant Sanghamitta Mahatheri to Sri Lanka with the sacred Bodhi sapling over two millennia ago, the present-day exposition of the Devni Mori relics represents a comparable spiritual milestone in the 21st century.
Appreciation for Bilateral Cooperation
The Mahanayake Thero also commended Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Modi for their cooperation in enabling the relic exposition, noting the overwhelming public devotion witnessed during the event.
Invoking blessings upon the leadership and citizens of both nations, the Mahanayake Thero expressed hope for continued peace, harmony, and prosperity.
Engagement with Malwatte Chapter
Following the audience at Asgiriya, the IBC delegation paid homage at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
They also met with the Anunayake Theros of the Malwatte Chapter — the Most Venerable Dr Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma and the Most Venerable Dr Niyangoda Vijithasiri — to discuss safeguarding the purity of the Dhamma and enhancing monastic cooperation across borders.
