The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur hosted a fruitful engagement with the Malaysian Indian Tour & Travel Association (MITTA). His Excellency Air Chief Marshal (Rtd.) Sumangala Dias, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, met with MITTA representatives to explore avenues for promoting the Ramayana Trail tourism in Malaysia on 16 August 2024.

MITTA, which encompasses over 200 Indian-Malaysian travel and tour agencies, plays a pivotal role in advancing outbound and inbound tourism, with a particular focus on Tamil-speaking travelers. This meeting built upon discussions previously initiated with the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSICCI) in July 2024.

High Commissioner Dias highlighted the growing potential for tourism between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, noting that approximately 10,000 Malaysians visited Sri Lanka last year, while around 60,000 Sri Lankans traveled to Malaysia. This presents a unique opportunity to enhance Sri Lanka’s tourism appeal, especially among Malaysian travelers of Indian origin, who have historical connections through the Ramayana epic.

During the meeting, a compelling video documentary on the Ramayana Trail was presented, showcasing Sri Lanka’s historical monuments and Hindu deities linked to the Ramayana. High Commissioner Dias requested MITTA’s support in promoting these tourism opportunities to Malaysian agencies and outbound travelers.

Dato’ Aruldas, President of MITTA, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to explore the Ramayana Trail and committed to disseminating this valuable information within the Indian-Malaysian travel community.

The Sri Lanka High Commission is dedicated to the ongoing development of trade, investment, and tourism between Sri Lanka and Malaysia and looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with MITTA to achieve these objectives.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Kuala Lumpur, 22 August 2024