Govt unaware of Sri Lankan plans to develop Ramayana related sites

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) The Centre was not aware of plans by Sri Lankan government to develop 50 sites related to Ramayana, the government informed the Rajya Sabha today.

Minister of Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni informed the house that that her Ministry had no information in this regard.

The Tourism ministry was asked whether it knew about plans by the Sri Lankan government to develop 50 places related to Ramayana and whether it was a fact that over 20 per cent of the tourists visiting these place were from India.

''The development of tourist places is primarily the responsibility of state governments and UT administrations. The Ministry of Tourism provided financial assistance to states and UTs for development of tourist infrastructure on the basis of project proposals received from them as per guidelines,'' the Union Minister added.

Recent media reports had suggested that Sri Lanka has sought India's assistance to develop sites associated with the Ramayana as tourist destinations.

The tourism authorities in Sri Lanka were planning sound and light shows, proper logistic facilities and other amenities at the sites to attract Indians and other tourists from world over.

Detailed documents prepared by the Sri Lankan Tourism Ministry said the 'Pushpaka Vimanam' could have landed at Werangatota, about 10 km from Mahiyangana, east of the hill station of Nuwara Eliya in central Sri Lanka.

According to a Sinhalese legend, Dunuwila is the place from where lord Ram used 'Bramshira' (Brahmastra) that killed Ravana.

UNI NAB SK AS1430