Promoting Buddhist Religious Tourism: Sri Lanka and Thailand Collaborate on ‘Solosmastana’ Documentary

The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Public Broadcasting Service of Thailand (Thai PBS), are producing a documentary on ‘Solosmastana’, featuring the 16 sacred religious sites of Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to strengthen Buddhist religious tourism between the two nations, highlighting shared cultural and spiritual heritage.

As part of the project, a seven member team from Thai PBS and TAT visited Sri Lanka from 11-21 November 2024 to document these revered sites. The project was made possible with the generous support of Thai Airways, which provided air tickets for the media crew, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, which facilitated air travel and coordinated with the religious sites. Walkers Tours Sri Lanka ensured seamless arrangements for accommodation and local hospitality throughout the team’s stay.

Prior to their departure to Sri Lanka, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe met with the visiting crew from Thai PBS and TAT at the Embassy. During the meeting, Ambassador Edirisinghe highlighted the significance of the ‘Solosmastana’ documentary in fostering deeper cultural and religious connections between Sri Lanka and Thailand. She emphasized the documentary’s potential to enhance Buddhist religious tourism by showcasing the spiritual and historical ties shared by the two nations. The Ambassador also extended her gratitude to Thai PBS, TAT, and all supporting partners for their collaboration in this initiative and wished the crew success in their mission.

The documentary is set to air on Thai PBS next year, offering audiences in Thailand an inspiring glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka and further strengthening the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
19th November 2024