ECONOMYNEXT – Gagan Malik, an Indian film actor famous for playing the role of Prince Siddhartha in the film ‘Sri Siddhartha Gautama,’ has visited Sri Lanka with 65 Buddhist pilgrims from Maharatshtra, Madhya Pradesh and Telengana.
Malik, who is also a Buddhist activist, said he is committed to propagate Buddhism and work for promoting Sri Lanka in India and the world. “There is vast potential for Buddhist pilgrim tours as there are millions of Buddhists in India,” he was quoted in a statement.
“We have visited the temple in the beautiful hill capital of Kandy and it was a memorable experience,” Anita Pramod from Maharashtra, one of the pilgrims, said. “I brought my two small children also. So happy to see this beautiful country”.
“In Anuradhapura, we have seen majestic chaithiyas and worshiped the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi,” Shashikant Wankhade from Indore, Madhya Pradesh said. He said he would urge his friends and relatives also to visit these places.
The group met Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple Trees in Colombo on Wednesday (4).
“Buddhism is the strongest bond which binds India and Sri Lanka together and we are eternally grateful to Indian Emperor Ashoka and his son, Arahat Mahinda for giving us the greatest gift of the teaching of The Buddha,” Gunawardena said. (Colombo/Sep5/2024)