Replica of Ashoka Pillar Unveiled in Sri Lanka to Honor India-Sri Lanka Ties

In a historic ceremony that celebrated the enduring spiritual and cultural bonds between India and Sri Lanka, a replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled on 21st July 2025 in the sacred precincts of Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, a renowned Buddhist temple in Kalutara District, Southern Province of Sri Lanka, situated about 42 km south of Colombo.

The event marked a significant milestone in commemorating the contribution of Emperor Ashoka, whose missionary efforts helped spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka more than two millennia ago. It also reaffirmed the spiritual partnership and mutual reverence that continue to define India-Sri Lanka relations.

A Reverential Gathering of Dignitaries and Spiritual Leaders

The unveiling ceremony was graced by a distinguished assembly of guests including:

• Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the temple

• Shri Santosh Jha, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka (Chief Guest)

• Mr. Aruna Prasad Chandrasekera, Chairman, Waskaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha

• Dr. Damenda Porage, Deputy Secretary General, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)

• Dr. Shermila Milroy, Dhamma Secretary, IBC

• Ms. Krishani Peduruarachchige, Chairperson, ASB Group

• Monastics, civil dignitaries, scholars, and devotees from across the country

Spiritual Sponsorship from a Tibetan Luminary

The construction of the Ashoka Pillar replica was entirely sponsored by H.E. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, the 7th incarnation of the revered Tibetan Buddhist master and head of Ling Khangtsen, Drepung Loseling Monastic University, Karnataka, India. The sponsorship reflects the deep-rooted connection between the Indian subcontinent and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, unified by a shared respect for Emperor Ashoka's legacy.

The foundation stone was laid on 28 January 2024 by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of the IBC. Within eighteen months, the structure was completed through collaboration and devotion, standing now as a symbol of gratitude and reverence.

Honoring Ashoka’s Legacy in Sri Lanka

Speaking at the event, Most Venerable Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero emphasized Emperor Ashoka’s profound contribution to the spiritual identity of Sri Lanka. “The Ashoka Pillar has been erected to acknowledge and celebrate the unparalleled service of the Mauryan Emperor to Sri Lankan Buddhism,” he said.

He traced the origin of the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka to the arrival of Arhat Mahinda Thero and Arhat Sangamitta Therani, the son and daughter of Ashoka, who brought Buddhism and the sacred Bodhi Tree sapling respectively. “Ashoka’s contributions to building Sri Lanka’s Buddhist civilization are monumental, yet under-recognized. We wish to fill this void with this gesture of gratitude,” the Thero said.

India’s Commitment to Buddhist Heritage

High Commissioner Santosh Jha highlighted multiple initiatives by the Government of India to deepen cultural and religious ties:

• A USD 15 million grant announced in September 2020 for promoting Buddhist connections between India and Sri Lanka

• A project to solar-electrify 10,000 Buddhist temples and Pirivenas across Sri Lanka

• Classical language status granted to Pali, the canonical language of Theravada Buddhism, in 2024

• Reprinting ancient Pali grammar texts like Namamala and Balawatharo

• Assistance for the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex Project

He also referenced efforts to preserve sacred relics of the Buddha, including the successful intervention by India to halt the auction of sacred gem relics in Hong Kong, which were originally discovered in Piprahwa, India, in 1898.

“Once repatriated, these relics will be available for global veneration, including in Sri Lanka, fostering stronger devotional links between our peoples,” the High Commissioner said.

Why Waskaduwa Was Chosen

According to Dr. Damenda Porage of the IBC, Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya holds immense significance as it houses the authentic Kapilavastu relics of Lord Buddha, gifted to Sri Lanka by India. The temple has been a beacon of inter-cultural and inter-religious cooperation.

“Mahanayaka Thero has consistently expressed deep gratitude to India and has upheld the vision of unity and peace. The erection of the Ashoka pillar at this sacred site is a profound symbol of our shared spiritual lineage,” said Dr. Porage.

Bridging Millennia: A Shared Path Forward

The event not only commemorated historical bonds dating back to 3rd century BCE, but also served as a living testimony to ongoing cooperation in preserving and celebrating Buddhist heritage. Both nations continue to engage through religious diplomacy, heritage conservation, scholarly exchanges, and community initiatives.

The replica of the Ashoka Pillar now stands tall in Waskaduwa, echoing the ideals of dharma, compassion, and unity. It bridges time and geography, reconnecting the Indian subcontinent through the path of the Buddha, first forged under Ashoka’s visionary reign.