The official launch of the “Ramayana Trail – The Sacred Mission” Project at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo, was marked by an inspiring speech by His Excellency Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. The event, organized by the Supreme Global Holdings group on April 21st, 2024, brought together esteemed guests, including Param pujaniya Swami Govind Dev Giriji Maharaj ,former Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Honourable Karu Jayasuriya, and Mr. Manivanan, Chairman of the Supreme Global Holdings.
High Commissioner Jha commenced the event by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate and commended the organizers for their efforts in promoting the Ramayana trail. He warmly welcomed the Indian delegation, led by Swami Govind Dev Giriji, highlighting the enduring connection between India and Sri Lanka that spans centuries.
Reflecting on the historical and cultural significance of the Ramayana trail, High Commissioner Jha emphasized its role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. He recounted his personal experiences of discovering the trail during his tenure in Sri Lanka, underscoring its resonance with both Indian and Sri Lankan heritage.
Highlighting the importance of tourism promotion, High Commissioner Jha noted the economic potential of the Ramayana trail for Sri Lanka, citing the Vision Document issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stressed the shared commitment to enhancing tourism, particularly through initiatives like the Buddhist circuit and the Ramayana trail.
Acknowledging India’s substantial contribution to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, High Commissioner Jha emphasized the unique appeal of Indian tourists, who engage with a diverse range of cultural and historical sites. He underscored the economic benefits of attracting Indian tourists, whose spending extends across various regions of Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, High Commissioner Jha expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to establish a land bridge between India and Sri Lanka, envisioning its transformative impact on tourism connectivity. He reaffirmed the deep-rooted people-to-people ties and shared civilizational heritage between the two nations, emphasizing the need for sustained cooperation across all spheres.
In conclusion, High Commissioner Jha thanked the organizers for their invitation and extended best wishes to the Indian guests for a memorable experience in Sri Lanka. He expressed hope for the flourishing of the Ramayana trail alongside the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka.
The launch of the Ramayana trail project, marked by High Commissioner Jha’s insightful remarks, signals a significant step forward in fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between India and Sri Lanka.
