Ayubowan, Wanakkam, Namaste, Good evening,

Excellencies, Mr. Richard Nuttall, CEO /SriLankan Airlines, distinguished guests, Media friends and partners.

It is with immense pride and joy that I welcome all of you to this special occasion, as we unveil SriLankan Airlines’ latest travel initiative – the Ramayana Trail Travel Package. This is not just another travel offering; it is an extraordinary journey into a narrative that has spanned millennia, transcended borders, and deeply resonates with people across the world.

The Ramayana is not merely a story; it is a beautiful tapestry, encapsulating culture, spirituality, and heritage. For centuries, it has been a source of inspiration and guidance, fostering connections between India and Sri Lanka, through mythology, traditions and values, in which people-to-people ties have always been at the core. These interactions have shaped our languages, religions, art, architecture, and way of life, with the Ramayana being a shared cultural heritage that continues to bring us together. Today, we have the privilege of retracing the footsteps of Lord Rama, Sita, King Ravana and Hanuman, by exploring the sacred sites that are intricately woven into this epic tale, across the scenic island of Sri Lanka.

Through the Ravana Trail travel package, SriLankan Airlines is not only offering an opportunity to rediscover these significant locations, but also to celebrate Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and natural heritage. This mythological narrative is elaborately entwined into the country’s landscape, with the pilgrimage route encompassing over 50 sites across the island, which bring the epic to life. From Ashoka Vatika near the city of Nuwara Eliya, believed to be where Sita was held in captivity, to the hallowed grounds of Sita Eliya and to Ravana’s cave in Ella, which are parts of this journey, promise to be a deeply enriching experience, blending spirituality, history and natural beauty.The intertwining of mythology and reality, where local history and global narratives converge, can be experienced in this expedition. Each site has its own story, its own significance, and together they form a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural identity.

SriLankan Airlines has continuously and diligently been committed to showcasing the best of Sri Lanka to the world. The Ramayana Trail Travel Package is a testament to its dedication, to creating meaningful and immersive travel experiences that resonate with the visitors, offering them an opportunity to explore the soul of our island. My very best to the Airline for the success of this travel initiative. I am confident that the arrivals of the visitors from India will continue to be in the top slot of incoming tourists to Sri Lanka, which this travel package would bestow.

The success of this Ramayana travel initiative would not be possible without the collaboration and support of all of you here, who would assist us in the unveiling and offering of an authentic and transformative experience. A heartfelt thank you to each of you in the travel trade, and friends in the media, for your unwavering commitment in taking this offer to the Indian travellers. For the people of Sri Lanka, Indian tourists are not merely visitors; they are fellow bearers of the same cultural and spiritual heritage – in essence extended family and therefore are always welcome home.

To our guests who will embark on this trail, I assure you, that this will be more than a journey. It will be a passage through time, culture, and faith, leaving you with memories and insights that will last a lifetime.

Once again, thank you for joining us in celebrating this significant milestone. May the Ramayana Trail inspire countless travellers to connect with and experience the timeless essence of Sri Lanka.

Let us now move forward with excitement, as we progress to officially launch this remarkable travel package.

Thank you, and welcome aboard the Ramayana Trail to journey through Sri Lanka with SriLankan Airlines.