Sri Lankan delegation carry sacred Waskaduwa relics in inaugural flight to UP's Kushinagar

A Sri Lankan delegation, including a Holy Relic entourage, departed on October 20 for inaugural international flight to Uttar Presh’s Kushinagar from Colombo. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kushinagar International Airport near Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana, on Wednesday, and it was marked by landing of inaugural Colombo flight. flight carried Sri Lankan delegation of more than a hundred Buddhist Monks, dignitaries and a 12-member Holy Relic entourage bringing Holy Buddha Relics for exposition.

official handle of High Commission of India in Colombo informed in a tweet on Wednesday that “historic journey” commenced with sacred Kapilavastu relics of Waskuwa on board along with blessings of Ven Mahasangha. Prime Minister’s office has also informed in a statement that Sri Lankan delegation comprises of Anunayakas (Deputy Hes) of all four Nikatas (orders) of Buddhism in Sri Lanka -- Asgiriya, Amarapura, Ramanya, and Malwatta -- and five ministers of Government of Sri Lanka led by Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapakshe.

ditionally, prominent monks from Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and ambassors of several nations also participated in event to mark Abhidhamma Day. event was organised by Union Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation in association with Uttar Presh Government. Indian mission in Sri Lanka also hailed “new linkage” in a centuries-old connection between both countries as sacred Kapilavastu relics of Waskuwa were carried in inaugural flight from Colombo to Uttar Presh. 

Sri Lankan delegation led by Namal Rajapaksa

Sri Lankan delegation which arrived at invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is led by Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapaksa, son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, currently serving as Minister of Youth & Sports, Minister of Development Co-ordination and Monitoring and State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development. delegation who arrived at sacred city of Kushinagar from Colombo comprises of 100 senior Buddhist monks, four State Ministers and or senior officials.

State Ministers include DV Chanaka, State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development, Jeewan Thondaman, State Minister of Estate Housing & Community Infrastructure and son of late Minister Arumugam Thondaman, Sisira Jayakody, State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and Ayurvedic Hospitals Development and Community Health, and  Vijitha Berugoda, State Minister of Dhamma Schools, Pirivenas and Bhikkhu Education. 

Notably, senior monks belong to different sects, prominent temples and represent 22 districts of Sri Lanka. senior-most monk in delegation is Most Venerable Wedaruwe Upali Anu Nayaka ro. Since Buddhism is central to civilizational connection between India and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Modi h announced a sum of $15 million to be invested for promotion of bilateral Buddhist ties in September 2020.

It is pertinent to note that Kushinagar is alrey known for its heritage as Lord Buddha bread his last in holy city while also attaining Mahaparirvana in same place. Or sites of Buddhist significance are Sravasti, Kapilvastu and Lumbini are also nearby. se factors have attracted tourists from nations such as Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Burma to Kushinagar, who come to offer daily prayers at Mahaparinirvana Temple. This was also one of several reasons why international airport in Kushinagar was essential.

(Image: @IndiainSL/Twitter)