India and Sri Lanka are strengthening their cultural cooperation through the preservation of their shared Buddhist heritage, with the launch of the SAMHiTA Project at Colombo’s Gangaramaya Temple.
The SAMHiTA (South Asian Manuscript Histories and Textual Archive) Project aims to digitise ancient manuscripts and preserve their historical, religious and cultural knowledge for future generations.
The initiative is being undertaken by the India International Centre in New Delhi, with grant assistance from the Government of India. Gangaramaya Temple has become the first institution in Sri Lanka to partner with the project.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July this year, a team of local experts is digitising 100 ancient manuscripts preserved at the temple. The work is expected to be completed by the end of November, with India extending support to the initiative.
The manuscripts contain valuable knowledge relating to religious traditions, philosophy, languages and cultural practices, offering insights into the region’s intellectual and spiritual heritage.
The project seeks to safeguard these historical records in digital form while improving their preservation and accessibility. It also aims to encourage more institutions across Sri Lanka to participate in the initiative.
The SAMHiTA Project reflects the longstanding Buddhist and civilisational links between India and Sri Lanka and underscores the role of cultural cooperation in preserving South Asia’s shared heritage.
(Ritesh Chaudhary is a special correspondent for Prasar Bharti)
