Sri Lanka and Myanmar:

Tourism needs expansion

Tourism between Sri Lanka and the Union of Myanmar is one of the key areas that needs to be further expanded as the travelling between Sri Lanka is mainly confined to Buddhism related travel, External Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera told Myanmar Foreign Minister U Nyan Win.

The Minister U Nyan Win on the sidelines of the 13th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Nay Pyi Taw the Administrative Capital of the Union of Myanmar on January 20 to 22.

The Deputy Minister congratulated Myanmar for excellent arrangements that have been made for the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting and expressed his fullest cooperation for the success of the Summit. He further stressed that our bilateral relations that was raised in the historical relations and cultural ties existed from the 3rd century, linked two countries through Theravada Buddhism.

Perera also underscored the importance of enhancing greater understanding of between the two countries and cultural heritage with this year being declared as “Visit Sri Lanka” year.

”Direct air services between Sri Lanka and Myanmar is essential to succeed in this endeavour,” he said. Importance of establishment of a Sri Lanka Temple in Myanmar was also highlighted by the Deputy Minister.