In a bid to strengthen cultural and religious ties, Sri Lanka, India and Nepal, have planned to jointly organize a motorcycle expedition to travel across significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the three South Asian nations.
Accordingly, the armed forces and the youths of the three nations are expected to embark on this bicycle expedition which will commence from Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, and traverse the iconic destinations in India to Colombo that are of historical and religious significance to Buddhist pilgrims.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the expedition will kick off in January 2024.
A preliminary discussion was held with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo on September 01, with the participation of several ministers and organizers and the representatives of tri-forces and the police.
This exciting expedition will pass through Kusinara, Bodhgaya, Shavastri, Saranath, and Sankassa where Lord Buddha spent many years some 2,600 years ago.
The crew will arrive in South India and cross the sea at Rameswaram by ferry to Mannar and arrive in Colombo by road through Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Kataragama and several other places of religious worship.
Appreciating the organizers’ efforts of this expedition to enhance religious and cultural relations between the three countries, PM Gunawardena pledged full support of the government for the journey.