A heartwarming moment unfolded during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Anuradhapura, when Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, a respected Buddhist monk, praised India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka, saying, “Whenever Sri Lanka is in trouble, India stands up like family.”
Significance of Anuradhapura and the Sacred Bodhi Tree
Speaking to ANI, the monk highlighted the importance of Anuradhapura, especially for Buddhists around the world. The site is home to the 2,300-year-old Bodhi tree, under which Buddhism is believed to have first taken root in Sri Lanka.
“Prime Minister Modi has come here for the second time, and we are very happy. This is a sacred place for Buddhists. The Stupa here holds relics of Lord Buddha, which makes it very special,” the monk said.
PM Modi’s Second Visit Strengthens Spiritual and Cultural Ties
This marked Modi’s second visit to Anuradhapura, reinforcing the deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka. The monk referred to Buddhism as India’s greatest gift to Sri Lanka and appreciated India’s consistent role in offering support during crises.
Who Is Ven. Hemarathana Thero?
Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero is the Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalaviya and the Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura. He was appointed as the 11th Atamasthanadhipathi on November 3, 2022, after the passing of Ven. Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayaka Thero.
Modi Heads to Rameswaram After Sri Lanka Visit
PM Modi concluded his three-day visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday and departed for Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, where he inaugurated India’s first vertical lift sea bridge — the New Pamban Bridge on the occasion of Ram Navami.
He was seen off at the airport by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
