The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Santosh Jha, arrived in Kandy today for a significant diplomatic engagement with the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters.
The meetings, which were closed to the media, focused on the promotion of Buddhist philosophy and the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in educational and cultural spheres.
The first discussion, lasting about an hour, was held with the Malwatta Maha Nayaka Thero, while a brief, 15-minute meeting followed with the Asgiri Maha Nayaka Thero. Following the meeting with the Malwatta Thero, Mr. Jha addressed the media, revealing that the discussions centered around strengthening ties between India and Sri Lanka in promoting Buddhist teachings.
He also emphasized India's commitment to supporting local Pirivenas (Buddhist monastic educational institutions) in furthering the study of the Pali language, a project that has previously been supported by the Indian government.
Additionally, Mr. Jha highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts between the two nations, including a solar panel project designed to provide electricity to places of worship across Sri Lanka, with financial and technical assistance from India.
The event saw the participation of Mrs. Saranya V.S., the Assistant High Commissioner of India in Kandy, alongside several officers and officials from the Indian High Commission in Kandy.
This engagement underscores the continued strong cultural and educational links between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in the shared religious and historical context of Buddhism.
