UNP unaware of pristine significance associated with Relics’ arrival - DVJP

Priyanka Kurugala

The Desha Vimukthi Janatha Party (DVJP) strongly condemned UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake’s statement which claimed the Kapilavasthu Sacred Relics exposition was aimed at garnering votes for the government at the upcoming elections.

Issuing a special statement under the signature of DVJP chairman Ven Galagama Dhammaransi Thera, the party said the UNP is unaware of the pristine significance associated with the arrival of the Sacred Relics in the country to make such utterances.

The exposition of the Sacred Relics is taking place in Kelaniya, Gampola, Wariyapola, Matara, Tissamaharama and Colombo, all areas outside the theatre of the Provincial Council elections, the DVJP said.

Meanwhile, Counsellor (Press Information and Culture) Indian High Commission said there was no doubt the Sacred Relics brought to Sri Lanka from India are of the Buddha.

“ There is no argument on this,” he said.

“The Indian High Commission can conform that these Relics are of the Buddha,” he said. Meanwhile, Ven Welimitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera said according to historic accounts and evidence, there was no doubt that the Relics were of the Buddha.

“The Relics were brought to Sri Lanka in 1978 under former President J R Jayewardene where thousands paid homage . The country got a special opportunity to have an exposition of the Sacred Relics after 34 years on President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s request to India,” the thera said.

“Archaeologist Alexander Cunningham excavated the Sacred Relics in the late 19th century from the ruins in Piprahwa, now known as Bihar- Piprahwa. Everybody consider these Sacred Relics as that of the Buddha,” he said.