Visit to Sri Lanka: Promoting Peace, Development and Unity
Culture & Celebration | Published: | 3 min read
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar recently visited Sri Lanka for the re-consecration of the Seetha Amman temple in Nuwara Eliya. During his three-day trip, he held several meetings followed by public events highlighting efforts for community development and peace.
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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar recently visited Sri Lanka for the re-consecration of the Seetha Amman temple in Nuwara Eliya. During his three-day trip, he interacted with Prime Minister Gunawardena, and several government officials followed by public events emphasizing the historical ties between Sri Lanka and India and highlighted efforts for community development and peace.
Warm Welcome and Important Discussions
Gurudev received a warm welcome by dignitaries and devotees upon arrival. He had a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena. They discussed collaborations in skills development, agriculture, tourism, conservation, and well-being. Gurudev emphasized the importance of uniting Asian countries to promote indigenous medicine.
Several hundred from around the world have joined me on a 3-day visit to Sri Lanka where I will be visiting the Sita Amman Temple, inaugurating skill centers, & leading public programs. The warm & gracious reception from dignitaries & devotees at the airport was truly touching. pic.twitter.com/llQY053DWr
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) May 18, 2024
Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, @DCRGunawardena, received me at the official residence, Temple Trees. We discussed future collaborations to support the people of Sri Lanka in areas such as skilling, agriculture, tourism, environmental conservation, & holistic well-being. Called… pic.twitter.com/l4GaDUIHXm
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) May 18, 2024
Spiritual Renewal at Seetha Amman Temple
Gurudev presided over the re-consecration ceremoney of Mother Sita’s new idol. He also performed the “kumbhabhishekam” at Seetha Amman Temple in Ashok Vatika. This site, linked to the Ramayana where Hanuman met Sita, attracted many devotees. Gifts from Ayodhya (Lord Rama’s birthplace), Janakpur, Nepal (Mother Sita’s birthplace), and Kishkinda (Lord Hanuman’s birthplace) enriched the ceremony.
“Nestled amidst the lush green mountains of Nuwara Eliya, may this scenic and sacred place inspire hope for women, promising a life free from suffering in a just and prosperous society.”, he tweeted.
Presided over the consecration of the new idol of Mother Sita and the "kumbhabhishekam" of the Seetha Amman Temple at Ashok Vatika, on invitation from the government of Sri Lanka. It is here that Lord Hanuman first met Mother Sita, assuring her of being reunited with Lord Rama.… pic.twitter.com/qvDRVAYHC5
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) May 19, 2024
Boosting Education and Skills
In Colombo, Gurudev hosted a public satsang called “Ekamuthuva”. The attendees included
- The Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena
- The Indian High Commissioner, Santosh Jha
- The venerable Dhammaratana Maha Thero
- Several cabinet ministers and other dignitaries.
The Art of Living announced the launch of 12 skill development centers at the event. These centers aim to empower Sri Lankan youth training them with industry-ready skills.
Satsang in Colombo, attended by the Hon’ble Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, H.E the high commissioner of India Mr Santosh Jha, the venerable Dhammaratana Maha Thero, several cabinet ministers and dignitaries.
The @ArtofLiving launched 12 skill-development centers to empower… pic.twitter.com/6Sc6oNIPNS
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) May 21, 2024
Inclusive Sports and Recognition
Gurudev met members of Sri Lanka’s wheelchair cricket team, highlighting inclusivity in sports. He acknowledged their challenges and upcoming matches against India.
The Sri Lankan wheelchair cricket team and officials also attended the event. After overcoming several challenges they finally get to play against India in the upcoming tournament. pic.twitter.com/ZMaDE2LHQi
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) May 21, 2024
Additionally, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ambassadors Forum of Sri Lanka, for his global peace efforts.
Also, received an award of lifetime achievement for peace efforts by the Ambassadors Forum of Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/9koydHDJn2
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) May 21, 2024
Celebrating Tamil Tea-Garden Workers
Gurudev chaired an event celebrating the 200th anniversary of tea-garden workers arriving from Tamil Nadu. The Hon’ble Governor of the Eastern Province – Mr. Senthil Thondaman and the Hon’ble Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament – Mr. Abeywardena invited Gurudev to release a postal stamp on this occasion. This event underscored the cultural and economic impact of the Tamil community.
An event to commemorate 200 years of the arrival of tea-garden workers from Tamil Nadu was celebrated in #SriLanka.
A postal stamp was released on this occasion in the presence of the Hon’ble Governor of the Eastern Province – Mr. Senthil Thondaman and the Hon’ble Speaker of… pic.twitter.com/MzSDKPEhvp
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) May 21, 2024
Gurudev’s visit to Sri Lanka underscored his commitment to peace, unity, and development. His activities strengthened cultural ties and laid foundations for future collaborations.
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