- On July 2025, a replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, a significant Buddhist temple in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka.
- The initiative honors Emperor Ashoka’s legacy in spreading Buddhism and reflects India’s deepening spiritual and cultural diplomacy with Sri Lanka.
Foundation Stone Laid: 28 January 2024
Dignitaries Present:
- Indian High Commissioner Shri Santosh Jha
- IBC Secretary General Ven. Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche
- Project Sponsor: H.E. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, 7th Ling Rinpoche incarnation
- Location: 42 km south of Colombo, temple housing Kapilavastu Buddha relics
Significance of the Ashoka Pillar:
- Symbolizes Emperor Ashoka’s role in promoting Buddhism to Sri Lanka via his children Arhat Mahinda and Arhat Sangamitta
- A tribute to Ashoka’s often underappreciated role in Sri Lankan Buddhist civilization
- Celebrated by Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero as a historic gesture of reverence and unity
India’s Cultural Diplomacy & Buddhist Initiatives:
- 10,000 temples/monasteries in Sri Lanka being solar-electrified
- Pali granted classical language status in 2024
- Supports reprinting of ancient Buddhist texts and academic exchange
Preservation & promotion of Buddhist sites:
- Restoration of Anuradhapura Sacred City
- Relic expositions from Devnimori (Gujarat), Sarnath, and Kapilavastu
- India’s diplomatic intervention to stop auction of Buddha relics in Hong Kong—a strong signal of heritage protection