PM Modi Visits Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple in Sri Lanka, Highlights Shared Spiritual Heritage

Anuradhapura visit underscores deep-rooted India-Sri Lanka cultural ties​

Colombo, April 6 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, marking a symbolic gesture of shared spiritual and civilisational heritage between the two nations.

Accompanied by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Modi paid his respects at the ancient Buddhist shrine, located approximately 200 kilometers from Colombo. He also received blessings from the head monk of the temple during his visit.

“Offered prayers at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura with President Dissanayake. It's a deeply humbling moment to be at one of the most revered sites in Buddhism,” Modi shared in a social media post.

“It is a living symbol of peace, enlightenment and spiritual continuity. May the teachings of Lord Buddha always guide us,” he added.

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Sacred Tree Traces Roots to India’s Bodhgaya​

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple holds immense spiritual and historical significance, particularly in the context of India-Sri Lanka relations. The temple is home to a sacred Bodhi tree, believed to be a sapling from the original tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya, India.

The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Theri Sanghamitta, daughter of Indian Emperor Ashoka, and was planted within the temple grounds — a legacy that continues to represent centuries of religious and cultural exchange.

India-Assisted Railway Projects Inaugurated​

During their visit to Anuradhapura, Modi and President Dissanayake also inaugurated two India-assisted railway projects, furthering bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development.

Strategic Agreements Cemented During Visit​

Modi’s arrival in Colombo on Friday evening followed a diplomatic visit to Thailand. On Saturday, the two leaders held extensive talks and announced over 10 strategic outcomes, including seven key agreements across sectors like defence, energy, and digitalisation.

A significant highlight was the defence pact, seen as a renewed strategic alignment between India and Sri Lanka nearly four decades after the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) episode. Other notable agreements included a trilateral initiative with the UAE to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub, and a pact on power grid connectivity.

The visit marks a pivotal moment in India-Sri Lanka ties, weaving together spiritual legacy and strategic collaboration for the future.