High Commission of India
Colombo

PRESS RELEASE

High Commissioner of India visits Rangiri Dambulla Viharaya (04 June 2026)

​ High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, visited the historic Rangiri Dambulla Viharaya on 04 June 2026. During the visit, High Commissioner met with Most Ven. Dr. Godagama Dharmakeerthi Sri Chandananda Mangalabhidhana Thero, Viharadhipathi Thero of Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya and senior member of the Karaka Sabha of the Asgiriya Chapter.

2.​ As part of India’s continued support towards educational and community development initiatives in Sri Lanka, High Commissioner handed over computers, printers, tables, chairs and other educational equipment to improve learning facilities for young theros and students of the Sri Walagamba Pirivenna.

3. Highlighting India's broader commitment to preserving shared heritage, High Commissioner noted that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India had announced a special USD 15 million grant to promote Buddhist ties between the two countries. He emphasized that a key ongoing initiative under this grant is the project to provide free electricity to around 9,000 Buddhist viharas and pirivenas across the island.
   
   
4. ​He offered prayers for continued peace, prosperity, and strengthening of the longstanding friendship and close relations between India and Sri Lanka. Reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening people-to-people connections, he stated that shared spiritual values and Buddhist heritage remain at the heart of the "civilizational twins," guiding both nations toward a future of shared prosperity and closer bilateral cooperation.

 
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Colombo
08 June 2026