Theravada Buddhist Sri Lanka to showcase sites linked to Mahayana Buddhism

• These are to be made popular among tourists as well

By Yohan Perera  

A number of ancient Sri Lankan historical sites including  some sites of Mahayana tradition of Buddhism are to be listed as global  heritage sites, Minister of Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs  Vidura Wickramanayake said yesterday.  

 Mihintalaya, Buduruwagala and Dhamabegoda which are sites  connected with Mahayana Tradition of Buddhism, some 17th-century churches,  ancient irrigation systems, frescoes of Kandyan era, caves belonging to  Sri Lankan protohistory, Arukkele, Ritigala, Manakanda and Pabatha  Viharas are to be included in the list of global heritage sites  according to the Minister.  The Minister said these are to be made popular among the tourists as well.   
Also, the Ministers said watching the sunset from the top of Sigiriya Rock will also be promoted as a popular tourism pastime.   

“All plans pertaining to tourism promotion are to be  implemented in 2024,” the Minister told local and foreign journalists.  He requested the journalists to do their part in promoting new sites and  activities among the tourists.  Acting Director General Department of Archaeology Nishanthi  Jayasinghe, Director General Central Cultural Fund Professor Gamini  Ranasinghe also participated in the press conference.