### Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award in India 📈

• Event: Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji has been conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by KITT University, India. This marks the first time a Sri Lankan has received this prestigious honor. • Significance: The award recognizes exceptional contributions to Buddhist scholarship, spiritual leadership, and the strengthening of Sri Lanka–India cultural relations. Previous recipients include eminent figures such as former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. • Bilateral Impact: • Highlights the role of religious diplomacy in enhancing regional harmony and mutual cooperation. • Commemorates milestones such as the 2017 State Vesak Ceremony attended by PM Narendra Modi and the historic exposition of Indian Buddhist Relics at Gangaramaya. • Reinforces academic ties, as Ven. Dr. Assaji is an alumnus of the University of Delhi (MA and PhD). • Context: This recognition underscores the strategic importance of cultural and religious ties in the broader Sri Lanka–India partnership, fostering long-term bilateral stability and mutual respect. ---