A replica of Emperor Ashoka’s Pillar of Dhamma was unveiled on 21 July 2025 at the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya in Sri Lanka, marking a milestone in India–Sri Lanka cultural and spiritual diplomacy.

The event featured sacred relic displays and reaffirmed shared Buddhist heritage.

Key Points:

1. Historic Inauguration:
   Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Ven. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero unveiled the replica at the Sri Subhuthi Viharaya temple in Waskaduwa, Kalutara District, on 21 July 2025.

2. First of Its Kind:
   This is Sri Lanka’s first replica of King Ashoka’s Pillar of Dhamma, symbolizing gratitude for Ashoka’s role in introducing Buddhism to the island.

3. Sacred Relics Display:
   A special exposition of the Sacred Kapilavastu relics took place alongside the unveiling, further underlining the event’s spiritual significance.

4. Indian Support for Buddhist Heritage:
   The project was fully sponsored by Tibetan spiritual leader Kyabje Ling Rinpoche. It continues India’s USD?15?million grant for preserving Buddhist sites, including solar electrification of 10,000 viharas and translation initiatives in Sri Lanka .

5. Cultural Bridges:
   High Commissioner Jha highlighted that such initiatives deepen historic ties—reflecting cultural roots dating back to the arrival of Arhat Mahinda and Sangamitta from India during Ashoka’s reign