Photo Story

‘Shree Ramayan Trails’ set to revitalize tourism (Pics)

Published

2 weeks ago

April 22, 2024

editor

Indian High Commissioner in Colombo – Mr. Santosh Jha has said that Tourism promotion has been an ‘important source of economic activity’ for Sri Lanka and ‘promotion of Ramayana trail holds a significant promise.’

He said this during the official launch of the “Shree Ramayan Trails” Project organised by the Supreme Global Holdings group yesterday (April 21) in Colombo.

He added that the ‘Ramayana trail also confirms the deep people-to-people connect and shared civilisational antiquity of India and Sri Lanka.’

“I must also recall that our leaders have pledged to promote the Buddhist circuit and the Ramayana trail in both our countries in the Vision Document that was issued when our leaders – President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi – had their summit meeting in New Delhi in July 2023. I must add that this is the vision of our leaders that guides our actions today in all areas,” he added.

“Our effort to establish the land bridge, on which we have begun our joint work, promises to further provide fillip to our ongoing efforts to promote tourism between our two countries. No doubt that it will be a game changer. It will, of course, bring many benefits to communities along the alignment of this connectivity but more specifically, it will make Ramayana and Buddhism tourism easier and more alluring to people on both sides,” the High Commissioner added.

The High Commissioner joined the inauguration event of Ramayana Trail Project in Sri Lanka along with a host of dignitaries including Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj – Treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Sagala Ratnayaka – Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor to Sri Lanka’s President, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and former member of the European and British Parliament Niranjan Dev Adhitya.

The ‘Shree Ramayan Trails’ project aims to transform nine key sites across Sri Lanka into world-class monuments, epitomizing the spiritual and historical essence of the epic Ramayana, with cutting edge technology.

From Adam’s Bridge in the Mannar Basin to Seetha Eliya in Nuwara Eliya, each site is chosen to tell a part of the Ramayana story in a way that is tangible and transformative. According to the Supreme Global Holdings group, these sites will serve as beacons of cultural heritage and spiritual introspection, drawing visitors from around the globe.

This project, executed by Supreme Global Holdings in partnership with powerful regional investors, is an investment of over USD 50 million and aims to boost tourism and bilateral ties while fusing history, heritage, culture and spirituality with technology.

Photo Story

75th Foundation Day of ICCR celebrated in Colombo (Pics)

Published

3 days ago

April 30, 2024

editor

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, cultural arm of the High Commission of India, Colombo, commemorated the 75th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at the Viharamahadevi Park Open Air Theatre in Colombo on April 29, 2024.

The event unfolded with a vibrant showcase of Indian classical dances and musical performances, painting a tapestry of cultural harmony and universality.
High Commissioner of India H E Santosh Jha was joined by Minister of Education – Dr Susil Premajayantha as the Chief Guest and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Vidura Wickramanayaka as the Guest of Honour in inaugurating the event. High Commissioner Jha in his address congratulated the ICCR family for being the pillar of India’s cultural diplomacy for 75 years and counting. Minister Premajayantha thanked ICCR for offering over 200 fully-funded scholarships annually for Sri Lankan students to pursue Under Graduate, Post Graduate and doctoral degrees in diverse subjects in more than 120 leading Universities and institutions of India.

On this occasion, High Commissioner jointly with the Minister of Education Dr Susil Premajayantha and the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka felicitated the winners of the second edition of the Pratibha Sangam competitions. An initiative of ICCR to commemorate 75 years of Indian independence, Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Pratibha Sangam (Confluence of Cultures) shines spotlight on the invaluable contributions of foreign nationals and overseas Indians to Indian classical art forms.

ICCR was founded in 1950 by India’s first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The 75th Foundation Day of ICCR holds immense significance as it commemorates 75 glorious years of an institution that has been at the forefront of India’s cultural ties, fostering understanding, goodwill, and cooperation between India and the world. The ICCR centre in Sri Lanka, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre under the aegis of High Commission of India has also completed 25 Years. Established as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka, the Centre serves as a hub for cultural exchange, appreciation, and dialogue.

News

Uma Oya project launched (Video / Pics)

Published

1 week ago

April 24, 2024

editor

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and Sri Lankan President – Ranil Wickremesinghe have jointly inaugurated the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) a short while ago.

This project is one of the largest irrigation projects in Sri Lanka following the Mahaweli Development Project.

Speaking at the event, Iran’s President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi emphasized Iran’s technical prowess and engineering expertise and highlighted that Iranian experts are currently involved in significant electricity and water projects across more than 20 countries.

“Today the Islamic Republic Of Iran, enjoys great technical and engineering skills and expertise, and in more than 20 countries, our experts are running great and big electricity and water projects,” he said.

He further noted that Iran stands ready to share its knowledge, expertise and experience with Sri Lanka for the progress and development of the country, including partnerships in large-scale projects.

Following the inauguration of the Uma Oya multipurpose development project, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to Iran for their technical support, emphasizing that without Iran’s assistance, Sri Lanka couldn’t have diverted the Uma Oya tributaries into Kirindi Oya. He highlighted the south’s desire to establish its identity & independence, suggesting that southern countries should now strive for their own strength and autonomy

(Video / Pics – PMD)