On 16 May 2025, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E Santosh Jha paid respects to Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thero of Malwatte Chapter and Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero of Asgiriya Chapter in Kandy. High Commissioner informed the Mahanayake Theros of the outcomes of the State Visit of the Prime Minister of India to Sri Lanka last month, and sought their blessings for various ongoing and proposed bilateral initiatives that will result in benefits for the people of both countries.
The High Commissioner gifted a range of essential items to the Malwatte and Asgiriya Maha Pirivenas. These included computers, tables, chairs, almirahs, beds and study material. The gesture aims to help enrich the academic and spiritual pursuit of the venerable Theros and young resident monks at both the institutions.
Earlier, on 14 May 2025, the High Commissioner met Hon. Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa. The discussions focused on the numerous initiatives being undertaken by the Government of India for promotion of Buddhism ties with Sri Lanka, including the proposed exposition of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from Devnimori, Gujarat, in Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner also gifted 100 organic yoga mats toSri DaladaMaligawa, based on request of the Temple authorities, for the promotion of yoga and wellness.
