Exhibition Highlights Civilizational Bond Between India and Sri Lanka
Colombo, May 17 — In a vibrant display of shared cultural heritage, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka hosted a special exhibition titled ‘Dhamma Rupa’ at the iconic Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo as part of the Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival.Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha inaugurated the exhibition on May 12 at Seemamalakaya, a serene lakeside shrine. Sri Lankan ministers, deputy ministers, parliamentarians, and other dignitaries attended the event.
Organised in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Colombo, the Bihar Museum, Patna, the Prime Minister's Office of Sri Lanka, and the Gangaramaya Temple, the initiative underscores the deep-rooted civilizational ties and enduring spiritual connection between India and Sri Lanka, anchored in the teachings of the Lord Buddha.
Showcasing India’s Buddhist Legacy
The ‘Dhamma Rupa’ exhibition offers a rare glimpse into India’s Buddhist sculptural tradition. It features photographic displays of ancient Buddha statues from the 1st century BCE to the 11th century CE. These images, showcasing sculptures excavated from various parts of India and currently housed in the Bihar Museum, reflect the artistic and spiritual depth of India’s Buddhist past.Jataka Tales Reach Young Minds
To engage younger audiences, the High Commission distributed Sinhala translations of five Amar Chitra Katha comic books based on the Jataka Tales to children attending the five-day celebration. These illustrated stories aim to bring the moral teachings of the Buddha to life in a relatable and accessible way for the next generation.Community Outreach and Compassion
In the spirit of Metta (loving-kindness) and Karuna (compassion), central to Vesak, the High Commission also arranged a Vesak Dansala—a community food service—at the Bauddhaloka Vesak Festival, in collaboration with the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC).Additionally, Shree Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) organized a Jaipur foot registration camp at the venue, offering assistance to those in need of prosthetic support.
Through initiatives like ‘Dhamma Rupa’, India reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the spiritual and cultural fabric that has long united the two neighbouring nations.
