NEW DELHI, INDIA, January 17, 2008: With an eye on its “primary source market”, Sri Lanka Tourism officials have identified 50 sites associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana to attract more pilgrim travellers from India to the island nation.
“Following the Trail of Ramayana” is a touristic circuit based on research findings that link the sites to Lord Ram, Sita and the demon king Ravana, SLT director-general S. Kalaiselvam told reporters on Thursday while unveiling the ambitious thematic program. “Currently we are taking steps to develop and restore all sites to facilitate foreign and local visitors the opportunity to witness and experience the sacredness of these sites,” he said.
The programme includes places like Seethaeliya, Ram Bodha, Ussangoda and Roomassala and special temples in areas where Ravana is believed to have held Sita captive. Kalaiselvam said the “Ramayana epic is a very special feature in the bond that we have with India and we are trying to offer opportunity to our friends here to visit Sri Lanka to explore, absorb and enjoy the various places of significance present in the epic”.