Bilateral relations: Pakistan, Sri Lanka inherit rich cultural heritage, says Siddiqui

Holy relics were sent to Sri Lanka for Vesak festival

ISLAMABAD: A Sri Lankan delegation returned Gandharan relics of Buddha which were sent for a month long exposition to the country, for Buddhist devotees, from May 19 to June 26 for the Vesak festival.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui, received the holy relics from the delegation led by Sri Lankan Minister for Internal Affairs and Cultural Affairs SB Navinna, here on Monday at the ministry.

Siddiqui speaking on the occasion said the exhibition was promised by the Pakistani prime minister during his visit to Sri Lanka in January, 2016, adding that he had offered to send the holy relics of Buddha to Sri Lanka on a regular basis.

The adviser said that Sri Lanka and Pakistan inherit a rich cultural heritage and strong cultural relations deep-rooted in history, adding that the ties had become stronger due to the peace-loving religion of Buddhism, which was a common feature of the countries’ past.

To renew our deep cultural relations we organised the first ever pilgrimage to the holy places of Buddhism in Taxila and Takht-e-Bhai for monks, devotees and media persons from Sri Lanka, the adviser to the prime minister said.

Navinna said that the exposition highlighted peace, tolerance and harmony between the two countries.

The minister also said that the holy relics were exhibited at 17 places across the country and thousands of people gathered to catch a glimpse of the holy relics.

Later, the Sri Lankan delegation visited Taxila museum and performed their religious rituals and prayed at the museum.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2016.