Diplomatic Corps Experiences Kandy Esala Perahera to Boost Tourism 📈

• Diplomatic Participation: Around 70 members of the Diplomatic Corps—including Heads of Mission based in Colombo and New Delhi—visited Kandy from 26–28 August 2026 to experience Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and promote tourism. • Key Cultural Highlights: • Attended briefings on religious significance at SIBA Campus. • Witnessed the traditional Thewawa ceremony at Sri Dalada Maligawa. • Attended the Grand Randoli Perahera pageant featuring traditional dancers, drummers, and elephants. • Visited historic sites, including the International Buddhist Museum, elephant stables, and Ehelepola Walawwa. • Economic & Sector Exposure: • Ceylon Tea: Toured the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hanthana to learn about its rich history and national economic significance. • Botany & Environment: Visited the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens. • Cuisine & Hospitality: Experienced traditional Kandyan dining hosted by the Chief Custodian of Sri Dalada Maligawa and the Foreign Ministry. • Strategic Impact: Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism to enhance global visibility, position Sri Lanka as a unique cultural destination, and support economic diversification through enhanced tourism engagement.