28/11/2007 - The Bottom Line

Advise from maha Sangha to boost tourism



(Photo – The maha Sanga including Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thero, Pro. Bellanwila Wimalarathana thero, Ven. Dr. Aluthwewa Soratha Thero, Ven. Akuratiye Nanda Thero, Ven. Thirikunamale Ananda Thero,
Ven. Dr. Ittapane Dhammalankara Thero, Ven. Neluwakande Ganananda Thero, Ven.Vagama Piyarathane Thero, Ven. Wendarauwe Upali Thero and several other members were present at the advisory committee meeting. Deputy Minister Faiszer Musthapha, Secretary P.M.Leelarathne, Addl. Secretary Mr. George Micheal also attended this meeting.)

Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda met with the Ministry appointed Advisory Committee of Buddhist priests to advise the ministry in promoting pilgrim tourism locally and internationally. A discussion was held at the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management and with this advisory committee Minister Mr. Moragoda is planning to uplift local and international pilgrimage based tourisms. The committee report on meditation centers was discussed at this meeting and the Maha Sangha pointed out that there are a number of meditation centers operating in the country and there must be a some rating system for those and proper literature has to be given for foreigners to get information. 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 and ministry officials were also present at this discussion.