A Replica of the Ashoka pillar, built in the sacred premises of Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya was unveiled on 21st July 2025. It is a Buddhist temple situated in the city of Waskaduwa, in Kalutara district, a Southern Province of Sri Lanka, about 42km south of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The sacred event took place with the participation of Chief Incumbent of the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero, Shri Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest, Aruna Prasad Chandrasekera, Chairman of Waskaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha, Deputy Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Dr. Damenda Porage, Dr. Shermila Milroy, Dhamma Secretary of IBC, Mr Krishani Peduruarachchige, Chairperson of ASB Group and many more dignitaries.
The complete sponsorship for this replica of Ashoka pillar in Sri Lanka was provided by H.E. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, one of the Tibetan Buddhism’s foremost spiritual leaders, denotes the lineage of Tibetan Buddhist masters, particularly the 6th and 7th incarnations. The 6th Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche (1903-1983) was a highly revered figure, serving as the 97th Ganden Throne Holder (Gaden Tripa) and the senior tutor to the 14th Dalai Lama.
The current, 7th incarnation, born in 1985, is also a prominent figure, at Drepung Loseling Monastic University, Karnataka. He is the spiritual head of Ling Khangtsen and has travelled extensively to teach and guide students.
The Foundation Stone for the replica of the Ashoka pillar was laid over a year ago, on 28 January 2024 by the Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, the Secretary General of the IBC.
Speaking on the occasion Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero stated that the Ashoka Pillar was built at this temple in recognition of the great service of Emperor Ashoka to Sri Lanka.
The Mahanayaka Thero retraced the historical importance of the temple saying that it was due to the noble efforts of Emperor Ashoka that Sri Lankans received such a wonderful spiritual path, like Buddhism.