COLOMBO : Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda yesterday appointed an Advisory Committee of Buddhist priests to advise the ministry in promoting pilgrim tourism locally and internationally.

A discussion was held at the Mihintale Pilgrims' Rest last week and appointment letters were given to 22 Bhikkus by the Minister.

Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anu Nayaka Thera (Malwatta Chapter), Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa nayake Thera (Amarapura Chapter), Ven. Godagama Mangala Thera (Asgiriya Chapter) and Ven. Ittapane Dammalankara Thera were among the members of this committee.

The Maha Sangha appreciated this move of the Government which took place for the first time as there had been many lapses due to lack of co-ordination among the various ministries.

The Maha Sangha pointed out that there are a number of meditation centres operating in the country and there must be some rating system for those and proper literature has to be given for foreigners to get information.

The foreigners are charged different amounts in different places to visit the Buddhist sites but there is no proper control over them.

Similarly there is no proper mechanism to take action against the foreigners committing offences, the Maha Sangha said.

They also proposed that the support of Buddhist countries like Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia will be very useful to promote the Buddhist philosophy among tourists worldwide.

It was decided to implement these proposals stage by stage and to have discussions once in three months on the progress and problems. The next meeting will be held in Kandy.