Replica of Ashoka Pillar Unveiled in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka

On 21st July 2025, a replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, a renowned Buddhist temple in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka. The initiative is a significant symbol of India-Sri Lanka spiritual and cultural diplomacy, acknowledging the contributions of Emperor Ashoka to Sri Lankan Buddhism. This development also reflects India’s sustained efforts to promote Buddhist heritage and cultural ties across the region.

Background

The foundation stone for the Ashoka Pillar replica was laid on 28 January 2024 by Indian High Commissioner Shri Santosh Jha and IBC Secretary General Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche. The project was fully sponsored by H.E. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist leader and the 7th incarnation in the Ling Rinpoche lineage. The temple, situated just 42 km south of Colombo, houses authentic Kapilavastu relics of the Buddha and has emerged as a center of India-Sri Lanka Buddhist cooperation.

Significance of the Ashoka Pillar

The Ashoka Pillar is a timeless emblem of Emperor Ashoka’s contribution to Buddhism and his efforts in spreading the Buddha’s message beyond India. Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero emphasized that Ashoka’s role in establishing Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka through his children Arhat Mahinda and Arhat Sangamitta has been historically underrecognized. Erecting this replica pays tribute to his monumental role in shaping Sri Lanka’s Buddhist civilization.

India’s Cultural Diplomacy Initiatives

• The unveiling of the pillar is part of broader Indian efforts to promote shared Buddhist heritage. Key initiatives include:
• A USD 15 million grant by the Government of India (announced in 2020) for strengthening Buddhist ties, under which 10,000 temples and monastic colleges in Sri Lanka are being provided solar electrification.
• Classical language status granted to Pali in 2024, with efforts to republish ancient treatises and promote scholarly exchange.
• Support for the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex and expositions of sacred relics from India, such as from Devnimori (Gujarat), Sarnath, and Kapilavastu.
• Diplomatic intervention by India to halt the auction of sacred Buddha relics in Hong Kong, underlining India’s commitment to protecting and repatriating religious artefacts.

Spiritual and Bilateral Impact

Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya was selected for its historic and spiritual significance. The temple houses sacred relics of the Buddha and is led by Mahanayaka Thero, a staunch advocate of India-Sri Lanka unity in Buddhist heritage. The installation of the Ashoka Pillar adds symbolic strength to the millennia-old civilizational ties between the two countries. The event also showcased participation from dignitaries across India and Sri Lanka, underlining the shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Buddhist culture.