The sacred relics were accompanied on their return journey by Shri Mangubhai C. Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, and Shri Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. The ceremonial departure at Bandaranaike International Airport was attended by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake, and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.
The exposition, inaugurated on February 4 by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka from the Sri Lankan side and Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Harsh Sanghavi from the Indian side, marked the first public veneration of these holy relics outside India. The ceremony was held in the presence of the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero.
Over one million devotees paid homage during the week-long exposition. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, several Cabinet Ministers, the Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, former Presidents and numerous Members of Parliament were among those who paid their respects.
During the visit, the Indian delegation met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Hon. Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Environment Hon. Anton Jayakody, and Governor of the North Western Province Hon. Tissa Kumarasiri Warnasuriya. The dignitaries also interacted with members of the Indian-origin community in Sri Lanka.
Complementing the exposition, two special exhibitions titled “Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa” and “Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India” were held, highlighting the shared Buddhist heritage of India and Sri Lanka.
The exposition was first announced by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. The event further strengthened the spiritual and cultural ties between the two nations, with India reaffirming its commitment to deepening bilateral relations through continued religious, cultural and scholarly exchanges.
