A 14-member Indian religious delegation led by Kaishanand Giriji Maharaj, chief priest of a prominent Shiva temple in Ayodhya, arrived in Sri Lanka today (23) for a five-day official visit aimed at enhancing cultural and spiritual relations between the two countries.
The delegation was received at Bandaranaike International Airport by Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ranasinghe.
During their stay, the group is scheduled to visit and offer prayers at several important Hindu religious sites, including the historic Thiruketheeswaram Temple in Mannar, Naguleswaram Temple in Jaffna, and Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee. The itinerary also includes visits to the Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya and the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa.
India remains the leading source of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. Officials stated that the purpose of the visit is to further encourage Indian Shiva devotees to experience Sri Lanka’s sacred heritage and places of worship.
The Deputy Minister noted that the initiative is expected to further strengthen longstanding cultural ties between Sri Lanka and India while promoting the island’s rich spiritual heritage at the international level.
