Lucknow, October 7, 2026: Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, visited Lucknow as part of an effort to deepen cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka, with a strong focus on Buddhist heritage, Pali scholarship, art and cultural exchange. The visit took place on September 26–27 and was highlighted by the Sri Lankan High Commission this week.
Buddhist Heritage at Centre of Visit
During her visit, Colonne went to the International Buddhist Research Institute in Lucknow, where she interacted with scholars, faculty members and students.
Discussions focused on the importance of the Pali language and Sri Lanka’s historic role in preserving and transmitting Buddhist texts and teachings.
Interaction With Sri Lankan Buddhist Scholar
The High Commissioner also met Ven. Dr. Julampitiye Punyasara Thero, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk who teaches Pali at the institute.
The interaction highlighted the continuing academic and spiritual links between Sri Lanka and India through Buddhist studies.
Art and Cultural Institutions Also Visited
Colonne inaugurated the Soul of Art International Art Exhibition at the State Lalit Kala Academy and interacted with participating artists.
She also visited the State Museum in Lucknow and explored its collection of Gandhara art, along with the newly established Lucknow Museum of Heritage and Art.
Dhamma Sthali Project Highlighted
The visit also included the pre-launch of the Dhamma Sthali Coffee Table Book.
The project is linked to a new Buddhist cultural and spiritual centre being developed near Shravasti in Balrampur, with the aim of supporting pilgrimage, scholarship and cultural exchange.
Uttar Pradesh Holds Special Importance for Sri Lankan Buddhists
Colonne noted that places such as Sarnath, Shravasti and Kushinagar, along with Bodh Gaya in neighbouring Bihar, hold deep religious and cultural significance for Sri Lankan Buddhists.
She said these places are not viewed merely as pilgrimage destinations, but as part of Sri Lanka’s wider Buddhist cultural inheritance.
India-Sri Lanka Cultural Ties Remain Strong
The visit showcased the long-standing civilisational relationship between the two countries.
India and Sri Lanka share centuries-old Buddhist, cultural and spiritual links, which continue to play an important role in their bilateral relationship.
Scope for More Academic and Cultural Exchanges
The High Commission said the visit highlighted opportunities for stronger cooperation in Buddhist scholarship, art, heritage conservation and people-to-people exchanges.
Such initiatives are expected to complement broader diplomatic and tourism ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Source – High Commission of Sri Lanka in India, Daily News Sri Lanka
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