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Message from H.E. the Prime Minister of India for the Publication
August 28, 2012
On the occasion of arrival of Sacred Kapilavastu Relics in Sri Lanka for an exposition, a Publication entitled “The Journey of the Holy Tree” was released jointly by the Hon’ble Kumari Selja, Minister of Culture, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation of India and Hon’ble Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka at a Symposium on “Relic Worship: History, Archaeology and Religion”. The event was held at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) Auditorium, Colombo on 20th August 2012. The publication contains papers presented by scholars from Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam at the International Buddhist Conference “Cultural Interface between India and Sri Lanka based on Buddhist History, Art, Literature and Philosophy”, held at Kandy in March 2011.

2. His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka and His Excellency the Prime Minister of India have sent congratulatory messages for this publication. In his message, H.E. the President of Sri Lanka, while thanking and expressing his immense gratitude to H.E. the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and the Government of India for the ongoing exposition of the Sacred Kapilavastu Relics, said “from the time of the arrival here of Arahat Mahinda, son of the Emperor Ashoka, more than 2300 years ago with the great message of Buddhism, relations between our two countries have flourished, based on this common heritage, with its emphasis on tolerance, compassion and understanding. The Publication is another milestone in bringing together current thinking on the universal values and philosophy propounded by the Buddha. It further underscores the cultural interaction between India and Sri Lanka in a vast range of social, religious, intellectual and cultural activities. It is a rich thread of interaction woven in the mosaic of good relations between our two countries that have lasted the test of time”. H.E. the President of Sri Lanka also commended the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and other partner institutes for organizing this timely conference.

3. In his message, H.E. the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh, while expressing his happiness at the publication being brought out on the auspicious occasion of the second exposition of the Sacred Kapilavastu Relics in Sri Lanka said “Since Prince Arhat Mahinda’s travel from India to Anuradhapura in the 3rd Century BC, which heralded the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Buddhism continues to be one of the common threads binding India and Sri Lanka together. The spread of Buddhism from the land of its birth to Sri Lanka and other parts of world was not on the strength of the sword but due to its compelling philosophy of universal love, compassion and non-violence. That message of tolerance, brotherhood and mutual understanding remains as relevant today as it was in the past. The exposition will reinforce the common cultural heritage shared between India and Sri Lanka and will strengthen the multi-faceted relationship between our countries.

4. The organisation of the International Buddhist Conference on 20-21 March 2011 at Kandy was the first and foremost among a number of initiatives taken by the Government of India to jointly commemorate the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanti (Anniversary of the Enlightenment of Lord Buddha) with the Government of Sri Lanka. The International Buddhist Conference, organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, was inaugurated on 20 March 2011 at the Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) by H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs of Sri Lanka, together with the Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy and the University of Peradeniya, were the Partner Institutes for the Conference.

5. The inauguration of the Conference at Kandy was also graced by the presence of Hon’ble D.M. Jayaratne, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Prof. G. L. Peiris, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, H.E. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner of India and Mr. Suresh K. Goel, Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The Governor of the Central Province, a number of senior Cabinet Ministers, the Attorney General of Sri Lanka, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, Provincial Ministers, Members of the Central Provincial Council and senior officials of the Government of Sri Lanka also attended the inauguration ceremony.

6. The ongoing exposition of the Sacred Kapilavastu Relics in Sri Lanka is the grand finale of the series of joint activities undertaken by India and Sri Lanka to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of the Enlightenment of Lord Buddha - Sambuddhatva Jayanti.

[ A soft copy of this publication is available online at: http://goo.gl/niEz9 ]

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[more News]
High Commissioner placing a wreath at the IPKF memorial on India's 63rd Republic Day
Cultural performance by students of ICC at India House on the occasion of Republic Day - 26 Jan 2012
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha inspecting a Guard of Honour
The National Anthem being played following the unfurling of the tricolour at India House on India's 63rd Republic Day - 26 Jan 2012
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha unfurling the National Flag at India House on the occasion of India's 63rd Republic Day
EAM Krishna at the bicycle distribution function in Jaffna on 18 Jan 2012
EAM Krishna inaugurating the renovated school at Kilinochchi on 18 Jan 2012
EAM Krishna visiting the District Hospital in Kilinochchi on 18 Jan 2012
EAM Krishna records his remarks in the Visitors Book kept at the IPKF memorial
EAM Krishna at the IPKF memorial near Colombo on 17 Jan 2012
EAM Krishna with Prof G.L.Peiris on 17 Jan 2012
EAM Krishna meeting President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo on 17 Jan 2012
EAM with Prof G.L.Peiris, Minister of External Affairs and High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha on arrival in Sri Lanka on 16 Jan 2012
External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna being received by Prof G.L.Peiris and High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha on arrival at Katunayake airport on 16 Jan 2012
Hon’ble Kumara Welgama, Minister of Transport, addressing the gathering during the signing ceremony for restoration of the Pallai-Kankesanthurai Railway Line
An agreement for restoration of the Pallai-Kankesanthurai Railway Line being exchanged between Mr. B.A.P. Ariyarathna, General Manager, Sri Lanka Railways and Mr. Mohan Tiwari, Managing Director, IRCON (a Government of India Undertaking)  in presence of Hon’ble Kumara Welgama, Minister of Transport, H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner of India.
Hon’ble Kumara Welgama, Minister of Transport, H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner of India, Mr. Dhammika Perera, Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr. A.P. Mishra, Member (Engineering), Ministry of Railways, Government of India, Mr. B.A.P. Ariyarathna, General Manager, Sri Lanka Railways and Mr. Mohan Tiwari, Managing Director, IRCON (a Government of India Undertaking) during the signing ceremony for restoration of the Pallai-Kankesanthurai Railway Line
Hon'ble Basil Rajapaksa, Minister for Economic Development, Government of Sri Lanka addressing the gathering at the signing ceremony of a MoU regarding restoration of the Thiruketheeswaram Temple
H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner of India addressing the gathering at the signing ceremony of a MoU regarding restoration of the Thiruketheeswaram Temple
High Commissioner handing over lab equipment to Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education under assistance provided by Government of India to the Siddha Faculty, Trincomalee Campus of Eastern University
High Commissioner with Hon'ble Governor, Eastern Province at handing over ceremony of assistance provided under Government of India grant to the Siddha Faculty, Trincomalee Campus of Eastern University
High Commissioner handing over a computer to one of the school Principals at a ceremony organized at Vivekanand College, Trincomalee on 24 September. Also seen in the picture are Hon'ble Governor, Eastern Province and Hon'ble Chief Minister, Eastern Province
Prime Minister meeting with President of Sri Lanka on the sidelines of the UNGA ( 23 September 2011, New York)
Mr. P. Uma Shankar, Secretary (Power), Government of India delivering an address at the signing of JV Agreement between NTPC and CEB to set up Sampur Power Plant.
Co-chairs High Commissioner Ashok K. Kanth and High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam with Board members at the 27th meeting of the Board of Directors of India Sri Lanka Foundation held in New Delhi on 25th August
Hon'ble Kumara Welgama, Minister of Transport, H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner witnessing the signing ceremony.
High Commissioner reading the President's address to the Nation
High Commissioner inspecting the guard of honour presented by BSF contingent
High Commissioner unfurling the national flag at a function to celebrate the 65th Independence Day of India
Minister of Economic Development Hon. Basil Rajapaksa and High Commissioner of India Ashok K. Kantha flagging the start of wreck removal work at a ceremony in Kankesanthurai
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha and Mrs. Sujatha Cooray, Secretary of Ports and Highways signing MoU to Rehabilitate of Kankesanthurai Harbour
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha and Hon'ble Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development signing MoU for setting up of facilities at Vocational Training Centre in Nuwara Eliya
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha addressing at the commemoration of formation of India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association.
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha along with Hon'ble Arumugam Thondaman, Navin Dissanayake, Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Muthu Sivalingam, Sunil K. Amarathunga, other prominent members of Central Provincial Council and other dignitaries
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha along with Hon'ble Maithripala Siriasena, Minister of Health at the Foundation Stone Laying ceremony at Dickoya
High Commissioner, Ashok k. Kantha presenting a plaque to Padma Shri Pandit Amaradeva at a felicitation event organized at India House on 27 June, 2011.
Padma Shri Pandit Amaradeva and his daughter Subhanie presented a spellbinding rendition of music at the event organized at India House to felicitate Padma Shri Pandit Amaradeva.
Pt. Amaradeva's felicitation
Pt. Amaradeva's felicitation
High Commissioner with the members of an ICCR sponsored Odissi Dance troupe after their performance
Odissi Dance troupe performance
Hon. Mr. S. Alavi Mowlana (Jamal Allai), Governor with Mr. Ashok K Kantha, High Commissioner of India at "Puducherry Blue" exhibition.
"Puducherry Blue" exhibition was inaugurated by Hon. Mr. S. Alavi Mowlana (Jamal Allai), Governor, Western Province, Sri Lanka, in the presence of Mr. Ashok K Kantha, High Commissioner of India at the J. D. A. Perera Gallery in Colombo on 5th April.
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha, Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Sri Lanka, Hon'ble S. Alavi Moulana Governor of the Western Province and Mr. Buddhi Keertisena, taking a round of the stalls
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha addressing the gathering at the inauguration.
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha inaugurated the joint Handicrafts exhibition and fair by award winning craftspersons from India and Sri Lanka at the National Art Gallery.
The President, Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka at the inauguration of the International Buddhist Conference in Kandy, together with the High Commissioner of India and the Director General of ICCR.
Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka, Prof. G.L. Peiris, addressing the inaugural session of the Conference
DG ICCR Sh. Suresh K.Goel addressing the inaugural session of the Conference
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne and High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha at the Inaugural Session of the Conference
President Mahinda Rajapaksa visiting the exhibition of photographs by Benoy Behl of Buddhist sites and artefacts in India and Sri Lanka
High Commissioner, Chairman, NFC and Deputy High Commissioner glancing through the brochure before the screening of the film
IGP, Sri Lanka lightening the traditional lamp
High Commissioner lightening the traditional lamp to inaugurate the Indian Film Festival
Chairman, National Film Corporation escorting the High Commissioner to NFC Hall for the inauguration of the Indian Film Festival
High Commissioner with IGP, Sri Lanka and Chairman, SLRC at the inauguration of the Indian Film Festival
NFC Hall- Venue of the Indian Film Festival in Colombo
Poster displaying screening schedule of the Indian Film Festival
Indian decor at the entrance of the NFC Hall hosting Indian Film Festival
Indian ambience at the venue of the Indian Film Festival
Speaker with President
Plenary Session - III
Defence Secretary of India Mr. Pradeep Kumar laying wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo on 28 December 2010.
Defence Secretary of India Mr. Pradeep Kumar laying wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo on 28 December 2010.
High Commissioner Mr. Ashok K. Kantha laying wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo on 28 December 2010.
Defence Secretary of India Mr. Pradeep Kumar signing the Visitors Book at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo on 28 December 2010.
IPKF Memorial, Colombo.
IPKF Memorial, Colombo.
Tractors lined up at Galle face, Colombo for a Tractor handing over ceremony by the High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha to the Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka Basil Rajapaksa-1 November 2010.
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha handing over tractors to Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka Basil Rajapaksa at a ceremony held at Galle Face Green, Colombo on 1 November 2010.
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha with Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa interacting with media at the tractor handing over ceremony held at Galle Face Green, Colombo on 1 November 2010.
High Commissioner, Minister of Economic Development, Minister of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprises Development enjoying a tractor ride at Tractor handing over ceremony held at Galle Face Green, Colombo on 1 November 2010.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma and High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha with H.E. President of Sri Lanka at Presidential Banquet on occasion of Diamond Jubilee celebration of Sri Lanka Navy, 8 December 2010.
Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa meeting with Minister of Tourism of India Kumari Selja in New Delhi- August 2010.
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha participating in a meeting between Minister of Tourism of India and Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka held in New Delhi in August 2010.
Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka meeting Minister of Tourism of India in New Delhi in August 2010/ High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha is also seen in the picture.
Exchange of gifts during call by Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka on Minister of Tourism of India in New Delhi in August 2010.
Minister of State of External Affairs Mrs. Preneet Kaur with H.E. the President of Sri Lanka at the luncheon hosted by the President after the swearing in ceremony for his 2nd term held in Colombo on 19 November 2010.
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha felicitating H.E. the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa at a luncheon hosted by the President after swearing in ceremony for his 2nd term held in Colombo on 19 November.
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao interacting with the recently resettled IDPs in Wanni, Sri Lanka (31August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao interacting with the recently resettled IDPs in Wanni, Sri Lanka (31August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao interacting with the recently resettled IDPs in Wanni, Sri Lanka (31August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao at Mahilankulam where demining operations are being conducted by an Indian demining group (31 August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao distributing consignment of Indian assistance to recently resettled IDPs in Omanthai, Sri Lanka (31 August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao distributing consignment of Indian assistance to recently resettled IDPs in Omanthai, Sri Lanka (31 August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao distributing consignment of Indian assistance to recently resettled IDPs at Kilinochchi (31 August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao lighting a lamp at a function in Jaffna where consignments of Indian assistance were distributed to recently resettled IDPs (31 August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao distributing consignment of Indian assistance to recently resettled IDPs at Jaffna (31 August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao was accorded a warm public reception at the Jaffna Public Library (31 August 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao distributing consignment of Indian assistance consisting of roofing sheets to recently resettled IDPs in Mullaitivu (1 September 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao distributing consignment of Indian assistance consisting of roofing sheets, agricultural tool kits and cement bags to recently resettled IDPs in Mullaitivu (1 September 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao distributing consignment of Indian assistance to recently resettled IDPs in Mullaitivu (1 September 2010).
Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao interacting with recently resettled IDPs at Mullaitivu (1 September 2010).
The President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa laying wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat, in Delhi on June 09, 2010.
The President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa paying floral tributes at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat, in Delhi on June 09, 2010.
The President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh with the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil welcomes the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010. The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh is also seen.
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh meeting the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
The President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries at the closing ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010-Delhi, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in New Delhi on October 14, 2010.
The President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa greeting the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on the successful completion of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, at the closing ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010-Delhi, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in New Delhi on October 14, 2010.
The President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the President, CGF, Mr. Michael Fennell during the closing ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010-Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on October 14, 2010.
Minister of State of External Affairs Mrs. Preneet Kaur exchanging greetings with H.E. the President of Sri Lanka at the swearing in ceremony for his 2nd term held in Colombo on 19 November 2010.
High Commissioner Ashok K, Kantha and Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka C. R. Jayasinghe signing the Notes for the establishment of Consulates General of India at Jaffna and Hambantota on 20 August 2010.
High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha and Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka C.R. Jayasinghe exchanging notes for the establishment of Consulates General of India at Jaffna and Hambantota on 20 August 2010.
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa witnessing the signing ceremony between India and Sri Lanka, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, at the delegation level talks, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
The President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa meeting the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
 
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