Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Ties: Sacred Relics Exhibition Follows Critical Cyclone Assistance

From February 4 to February 10, 2026, the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, served as the prestigious venue for a historic exhibition of sacred Buddha relics. These ancient artifacts, originally unearthed from the Devnimori archaeological site in Gujarat, India, were presented to the public following a grand opening ceremony on February 4. During the event, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake performed the sacred consecration of the relics, which were received with full state honors. This significant cultural milestone was the direct result of diplomatic agreements established during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit in April 2025, further cementing the enduring partnership between the two neighboring nations.

This exhibition marked a historic first, as these specific relics had never previously been displayed outside of Indian borders. The international debut of these sacred items serves as a powerful testament to the spiritual and civilizational bonds that have united India and Sri Lanka for more than 2,500 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his personal gratitude to President Dissanayake for inaugurating the showcase, emphasizing that the arrival of the relics in Colombo symbolizes an unbreakable spiritual thread connecting the two peoples.

The timing of this cultural exchange is particularly poignant, occurring as India continues to provide robust support to Sri Lanka following recent natural and economic challenges. India has consistently demonstrated its commitment as a "first responder" in the region. This was evident during the 2022 economic crisis, when New Delhi provided approximately $4 billion in credit lines, grants, and humanitarian aid. More recently, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwa in late November 2025, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28. This rapid response initiative delivered over 300 tons of essential supplies, including specialized search and rescue teams and advanced medical technology such as the BHISHM modular trauma cubes.

Beyond immediate relief, Indian engineering expertise has been central to the island's recovery efforts. In January 2026, the Indian Army successfully finalized the construction of a 120-foot Bailey bridge on the B-492 highway, a vital piece of infrastructure damaged during the cyclone. This project is part of a broader commitment to restoration, following the successful installation of two other bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy regions. These efforts have been crucial in restoring the primary transport artery linking the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, facilitating the movement of goods and people.

Economic synergy remains the bedrock of this bilateral relationship. In 2025, India took significant steps to alleviate Sri Lanka's financial pressure by restructuring nearly $931 million in credit lines. This move provided much-needed debt relief as the nation works toward stability. Furthermore, Indian investments now account for roughly 50 percent of the total foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka, illustrating a profound level of economic integration. As Sri Lanka navigates its path to recovery, events like the relic exhibition serve to complement the pragmatic solidarity shown during times of crisis, paving the way for a future of shared prosperity and resilience.