PM Modi inaugurated the International Airport at Kushinagar on October 20, 2021. The inaugural international flight arrived from Sri Lanka to mark the occasion.
A delegation, led by Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapaksa, comprising around 100 senior Buddhist monks, 4 State Ministers & other senior officials arrived at the sacred city of Kushinagar from Colombo on the auspicious Vap Poya Day. Buddhism is considered to be an important bridge that connects the people of India and Sri Lanka.
Kushinagar enjoys a pre-eminent position on the global map due to its rich heritage. The Buddha breathed his last and attained Mahaparinirvana in this holy city. Other sites of Buddhist significance like Shravasti, Kapilvastu & Lumbini are also located nearby.
The inaugural international flight from Sri Lanka will pave way for increased traffic & a greater number of visitors to Kushinagar, particularly from Buddhist countries.
The only documented authentic relics of The Buddha in Sri Lanka, the sacred Piprahwa relics, discovered in the late 19th century in India which are kept at the Waskaduwa Viharaya in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, have also been brought by the delegation.
A delegation of Tathagat Buddha Chair lead by Dr. Heero Hito, Advisor, Samrat Ashok Subharti School of Buddhist Studies comprising Dr. Champalal Mandrele, Convener, Tathagat Buddha Chair, Miss Pallavi Tyagi, Assistant Professor, Tathagat Buddha Chair along with Dr. Nilima Chawhan, Head, Samrat Ashok Subharti School of Buddhist Studies, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University paid homage to Holy Buddha Relics at Mahaparinirvana Temple, Kushinagar.
