Digital Preservation of Buddhist Heritage: A Strategic Pillar in India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Ties

The launch of the South Asian Manuscript Histories and Textual Archive (SAMHiTA) Project at the historic Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo marks a significant development in India’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy. By focusing on the digitization of ancient manuscripts, this initiative transcends mere technical cooperation, serving as a powerful instrument of soft power diplomacy. The project, facilitated by the India International Centre and the Government of India, aims to systematically preserve the vast corpus of shared religious and philosophical literature that underpins the civilizational relationship between the two nations. Historically, the transmission of Buddhism from India to Sri Lanka served as the bedrock for cultural exchanges, influencing art, literature, and architecture across the island nation. In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, such initiatives are crucial for strengthening bilateral trust. By digitizing these fragile records, both countries are not only ensuring the safeguarding of South Asian intellectual history against environmental degradation and time but also fostering a deeper academic and cultural dialogue. For India, this engagement serves to solidify its historical ties within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), emphasizing its role as a custodian and partner in the shared regional heritage.