Tourism Minister aims to attract more tourists from Buddhist
countries
Indika Polkotuwa and Bandara Pilawala
Tourism Minister Achala Jagoda after visiting the Mahanayaka of the
Malwatte Chapter yesterday said his aim is to attract more tourists from
Buddhist countries to propagate Sri Lanka's great Buddhist heritage to
the world.
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The newly appointed Tourism Minister Achala Jagoda called on
the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter Most Ven.
Tibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thera at the
Malwatte Viharaya in Kandy yesterday and received his
blessings. Here Minister Jagoda offering Atapirikara to the
Prelate. National Heritage Minister Piyasiri Wijenayake was
also present. Picture by Gamini Ramanayake |
Towards this end, he plans to use all sites of historical importance
in the country.
The Minister met the Mahanayaka of the Malwatte Chapter, the Most Ven.
Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera and also paid homage at the historic
Sri Dalada Maligawa.
Offering his blessings, the Mahanayaka Thera spoke of the importance
of establishing the Buddha Sasana Ministry. He also had no objections to
Ministries being established to represent the other religions.
The Minister said his aim was to see the country reaching the target
of 2.5 million tourists annually by 2016. He said hitherto the country's
tourism was based on the potential of the coast.
But he hopes to change this concept by tapping other sources as well.
One such area of potential is the country's Ayurvedic system
vis-a-vis tourism, he added.
Cultural Affairs Minister Piyasiri Wijenayake, Diyawadana Nilame
Pradeep Nilanga Dela and NFF Parliamentarain Nimal Premawansa were also
present.
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