Cabinet Approves Exhibition of Sacred Sri Lankan Buddhist Relics in Texas

The Sri Lankan Cabinet has granted approval for several sacred Sarvagna Dhatu (relics) to be transported to the United States for public veneration and exhibition. These revered relics will be displayed at the Maha Vipassana Meditation Center in Texas from May 2 to May 10, 2026. The collection includes relics unearthed from the 1st-2nd century BCE Nilagiri Stupa in Ampara's Lahugala region, hair relics from the Gangarama Viharaya (a gift from the Thai King), and relics from the Mahiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya. This initiative follows a request from the US meditation center, allowing international devotees to pay homage to these artifacts, which are held in immense reverence by the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka.