Lanka beckons Myanmar pilgrims
Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI
Sri Lanka will be Myanmar’s second choice for pilgrim visits after
India in the near future, Myanmar Ruby Lanka Tourism Services Managing
Director Aye Kyaw said at a press conference at Sri Lanka Tourism
Development Board on Friday.
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Aye Kyaw, Bandula de Silva and other delegation members at the
press conference |
Kyaw the head of the delegation and members arrived in Sri Lanka on
the invitation of Travelon Sri Lanka to promote pilgrimage tourism
between the two countries.
He said an average of six thousand Myanmar people visit Bodhgaya in
India annually but at least one thousand out of it will come to Sri
Lanka in the future because Myanmar people are keen to visit places
where Lord Buddha has visited.
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Lei Lei Win
Pictures by Thushara
Fernando |
They are also interested in visiting the Dalada Maligawa,
Anuradhapura and Adams Peak.
“In the past more than 2000 people have visited Myanmar annually but
only around 700 people have visited Sri Lanka from Miyanmar.
“There is a huge imbalance and this will be reduced as a result of
the new plan,” he said.
Kyaw said there are 320 monks from Myanmar living in Sri Lanka and it
helps to develop a good relationship between the people of the two
countries as there are similarities such as Pirith and the use of Pali.
He said another advantage for them is that Sri Lanka is not only a
pilgrimage destination but also has beautiful beaches ,mountains and
shopping malls as well.
Travelon Director Bandula de Silva said now the tourism industry is
progressing well and it would give benefits to both countries in the
future.
Myanmar’s Oriental Dragon Travel General Manager Lei Lei Win said the
challenge for them is getting Sri Lankan flight bookings and it would be
very convenient if some arrangement could be made to solve this problem.
An Oscar award winner Sin Yaw Mg Mg was among the delegation to film
a documentary on Buddhism in Sri Lanka and India. |
