Bridging Cultures: Indian Envoy engages with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to foster Ramayana Trail growth in Sri Lanka

Colombo, April 23: In a significant diplomatic move, Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka , warmly welcomed Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the Treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and his delegation at India House on Sunday (Apr 22). The focus of their meeting centered around exploring avenues for India's support in the development of the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

 

Expressing their collaboration on the social media platform X, the Indian High Commission in Colombo announced, "High Commissioner @santjha hosted Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, Treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust & his accompanying team at India House. Discussed ways in which can India support development of #RamayanaTrail in Sri Lanka, promoting P2P connect and economic growth."

 

 

 

 

Earlier, Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, graced the inauguration ceremony of the Ramayana Trail Project, an initiative supported by Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj. Jha emphasized the cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, highlighting that the Ramayana Trail Project would strengthen these connections. Notable attendees at the event included the National Security Advisor to the Sri Lankan President, Sagala Ratnayaka, former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, and other dignitaries.

 

 

 

 

 

In another update on X, the Indian High Commission in Colombo shared, "May the #RamayanaTrail flourish as friendship flourishes today! High Commissioner @santjha joined the inauguration event of #RamayanaTrail Project in Sri Lanka endorsed by Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, along with NSA @SagalaRatnayaka, cricket icon @Sanath07 & other dignitaries."

 

Highlighting the significance of the Ramayana Trail Project, the High Commission emphasized its role in strengthening the cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, promoting tourism, and bolstering local economies. This initiative is in line with the bilateral agreement reached in 2023 between India and Sri Lanka to promote and popularize cultural and religious heritage sites, including the Buddhist circuit and the Ramayana trail.

 

 

 

 

The joint document released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) further reiterated the commitment to enhancing tourism by raising awareness about India's Buddhist circuit and the Ramayana trail, along with other religious sites in Sri Lanka. This agreement stemmed from bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during their meeting in Delhi in July 2023.

 

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