- The Buddhist link between India and Sri Lanka dates back to 2nd century BC.
- During the reign of Emperor Ashoka, Buddhism was made as the official religion of India.
- Ashoka’s daughter Sanghamitta is believed to have brought a branch of original Bodh tree to Anuradhapura.
- Theravada Buddhism is widely practiced in Sri Lanka.
- Why important? PM Modi travelled to Sri Lanka to attend the Buddhist festival ‘Vesak Day’ (Buddha Jayanti) that commemorates birth, enlighten and death of Buddha.