High Commission of India
Colombo

PRESS RELEASE

Visit of Delegation led by Governor of Gujarat and Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat (February 04 to 07, 2026)

The delegation led by Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat, and Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Harsh Sanghavi have concluded their visit to Sri Lanka from 04 to 11 February 2026. The Delegation accompanied the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha from India to Sri Lanka for their first international exposition, currently underway at the Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo.

2. During the visit, the dignitaries called on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka and thanked her for the warm reception to the Holy Relics. The delegation also met Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. The engagements focused on ways of furthering cooperation across economic, cultural and tourism domains.
   
   
3. In addition, the dignitaries interacted with members of the Gujarat-origin community in Sri Lanka. Hon. Hanif Yusoof, Governor of Western Province graciously joined the occasion, himself being a member of the Gujarat-origin community. They also participated in the “Friends of IBC Reunion” organized by the International Buddhist Confederation. They visited areas of cultural and heritage significance in and around Colombo as well.
   
   
4. A delegation led by ShriMangubhai C. Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh will arrive in Sri Lanka next week, for the conclusion of the Exposition and the return of the Holy Devnimori Relics to India.

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Colombo
07 February 2026