Sri Lankan High Commissioner meets Maharashtra Governor
Those who are keen to visit Sri Lanka to visit Ramayan trail and many more ancient tourist places in Sri Lanka have a reason to cheer. Sri Lanka is considering developing an exclusive Ramayana Trail and a separate Sita trail which would be significant steps to attract Indian tourists. This was stated by Sri Lanka’s high commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda, when he called on Governor of Maharashtra, Ramesh Bais as a courtesy visit. The meeting was held at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai on 30th March, 2023.
Similarly in a significant move, Sri Lanka is discussing the possibility of using the Indian Rupee (INR) for economic transactions in their country. It is envisaged that the move will help increase the flow of Indian tourists to Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan Ambassador said he is working closely with India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and added that the island nation is trying to get more investment from India.
The Ambassador highlighted that Sri Lanka has at least 40 places associated with Ramayana. Besides, there are 5 ancient Shiva Temples in Sri Lanka. It is believed that one of temples which is located in Trincomalee is believed to have been established by Ravana. He further informed the Governor that there is also a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka where Vibhishana is worshipped. He said many Sri Lankans believe that Lord Buddha had visited Sri Lanka.
It may be noted that Theravada Buddhism is the largest and official religion of Sri Lanka, practiced by 70.2 percent of the population as of 2012. Practitioners of Sri Lankan Buddhism can be found amongst the majority Sinhalese population as well as among the minority ethnic groups.
The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai Valsan Vethody was also present.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
