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‘Shree Ramayan Trails’ set to revitalize tourism (Pics)
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.
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Foreign diplomats head to Kandy by train for “Siri Dalada Vandanawa” (Pics)
The special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, commenced today (April 18) after 16 years.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake, along with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other diplomats representing several countries, is expected to participate in the inaugural event.
Diplomats from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada and South Korea were among those taking part. The group traveled to Kandy this morning in a special observation saloon of a train that departed from Colombo Fort Railway Station at around 7:00 a.m.
This initiative aims to convey a message to Sri Lanka’s friendly nations that the country is recovering economically, overcoming previous challenges, and fostering national harmony. The event also seeks to strengthen international support for Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival in Kandy, the delegation first visited the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, where a special Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration was organized in accordance with local customs to welcome them.
Additional diplomats joined the group in Kandy, bringing the total number of participants to 44. Together, they proceeded to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the “Siri Dalada Vandanawa.” Afterward, they returned to Colombo by train.
Today, on the opening day, the public had the opportunity to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. From tomorrow (April 19) onwards, veneration will be open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Pics : President’s Media Division)
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‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ inaugurated (Video / Pics)
The inauguration of the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic commenced today (April 18).
President Anura Kumara Disanayake attended the ceremony.
Additionally, a number of foreign diplomats traveled to Kandy on a dedicated train service to attend this event.
(Video : SLRC)
(Previous news 2025 April 18 – 10.40.a.m.)
“Siri Dalada Vandanawa” commences today
The ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, will commence today (April 18) at 12:30 noon, after 16 years.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake is scheduled to participate in the inauguration ceremony.
Additionally, a number of foreign diplomats are expected to participate in this event. Special arrangements have been made for them to travel from Colombo to Kandy via a dedicated train service.
From April 19 to 27, the special exposition will be from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police’s Information Technology Division has introduced a new system to provide essential services for the convenience of devotees attending the ‘Siri Dalada Wandanawa’ and to facilitate collaboration with the police.
Through this platform, devotees can access information and receive instructions regarding the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic via the official website of the Sri Lanka Police, daladadekma.police.lk
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Oil anointing rituals at Dehiwala Zoo (Pics)
The oil anointing tradition for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held today (April 16).
The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka in Dehiwala also performed these rituals on several of its inhabitants.
The rituals began with the ‘Kadol’ elephant, continuing a customary tradition of blessing elephants during the New Year period.
The head of a brown bear recently received by the zoo from United Arab Emirates, was also anointed.
However, the most special zoo resident that was included in these rituals, was the 153-year-old giant tortoise, recognized as the oldest living animal in Sri Lanka.
The event was organized by the zoo’s management team under the guidance of Director General Chandana Rajapaksa and coordinated by Deputy Director Dinushika Manawadu.
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