Colombo, Feb 5 (NationPress) Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi engaged with Sri Lanka's Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti in Colombo on Thursday. They explored collaboration by linking the industries of Gujarat and Sri Lanka to identify opportunities for investment and industrial growth within the island nation.

According to a statement from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka shared on X, "Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and Deputy CM Shri Harsh Sanghvi met Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. They discussed collaboration through connecting industries of Gujarat and Sri Lanka for exploring opportunities in investment and industrial development in Sri Lanka."

"The Sri Lankan delegation was cordially invited to Gujarat, including attendance at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2027," it further noted.

Earlier, Devvrat and Sanghavi also met with Sri Lanka's Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi at the Lankan Parliament.

In this meeting, both parties discussed enhancing regional cultural cooperation and promoting their shared Buddhist heritage, as explained by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.

The duo also had a meeting with Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath.

According to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka's post on X, "Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and Deputy CM Shri Harsh Sanghavi met with Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism."

They appreciated Sri Lanka's positive public response to the Holy Devnimori Relics Exposition and explored avenues for people-to-people exchanges, including potential cultural visits to Gujarat by Sri Lankan Buddhist monks.

Devvrat and Sanghavi also paid a visit to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to express their gratitude for the warm reception extended towards the Holy Devnimori Relics Exposition of Lord Buddha.

The Holy Devnimori Relics arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday via an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft for a notable international exposition, marking a significant milestone in the cultural and spiritual relations between both nations.

The relics were received at the airport by Sri Lankan Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi and Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, in the presence of the Acting High Commissioner.

The exposition is currently taking place at the esteemed Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo from February 4 to February 10, with thousands of devotees expected to attend.

The Devnimori relics, which hold great significance for Buddhists, are being showcased abroad for the first time in an international public exposition, anticipated to draw thousands of devotees and visitors from Sri Lanka and beyond.

Officials noted that this exhibition symbolizes the profound spiritual, historical, and civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka. It is also perceived as part of India's ongoing efforts to bolster cultural diplomacy and advocate for Buddhist heritage throughout the region.

The Gangaramaya Temple, recognized as one of Sri Lanka's most prominent Buddhist sites, has made extensive preparations for the public viewing and exposition of the relics. This occasion is expected to strengthen people-to-people connections and underscore the shared Buddhist legacy that unites India and Sri Lanka.

The exposition was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, as part of India's commitment to share its Buddhist heritage with the world, reinforcing India's role as a steward of global Buddhist heritage.