Saturday, 2 August 2014 00:00
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Mihin Lanka, Sri Lanka’s national low-cost carrier operates a choice of flights to religious destinations and has over the years helped thousands of pilgrims fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting a sacred site. The airline operates flights across the region to sacred places that are of significance to different religions; however one of the airline’s most popular pilgrimage routes for Buddhist devotees runs from Colombo to Gaya and Varansi in India.
Manager Government & Public Affairs Gamini Abeywardana
Previously, no other airline flew from Colombo to Gaya and pilgrims had to travel excessive distances to reach Gaya. Now Mihin Lanka provides a direct flight to Gaya and Manager Government & Public Affairs Gamini Abeywardana along with Mihin Lanka Head of Sales Asanka Fernando and the entire Mihin Lanka sales team work together to ensure pilgrims have a safe and memorable journey.
The Mihin Lanka sales team takes great pride in helping pilgrims embark on special religious journeys. Those interested in travelling to Gaya and Varansi often contact them for advice and all the information they require. Pilgrims are given a list of reputed travel agents that run tours to Gaya and Varansi; they are then able to select a tour that best meets their requirements. Gamini Abeywardena also provides government officials and pensioners with special promotions and incentives to assist them with their bookings. He regularly accompanies pilgrims and conducts the pilgrimage himself to ensure it remains a safe and wholesome experience for all pilgrims.
Commenting on the journey to India, Gamini Abeywardana said, “From Gaya and Varanasi pilgrims are able to easily visit key sacred sites that have a very special significance in Buddhism. India is especially important to Buddhist devotees as the main events in Lord Buddha’s life occurred there. There are four sacred places that pilgrims visit on a pilgrimage to India and these include; Lumbini, Buddhagaya, Varanasi (Isipatana) and Kusinara (Kushinagar). These are the places where Prince Siddhartha Gautama Buddha (Lord Buddha) was born, attained enlightenment, delivered his very first sermon – ‘Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta’ and attained nirvana respectively.”
Located in Nepal near the border of India, Lumbini is the place where Siddhartha Gautama, Lord Buddha was born. Buddhagaya or Bodh Gaya is situated approximately 10 km south of the famous city of Gaya and is the site of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment. Also located on the site is a descendant of the original Bodhi tree which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under. Lord Buddha then travelled to the deer park in Sarnath, Varanasi (once called Isipathana Migadaya) where he delivered his first sermon to five disciples. His sermon called the ‘Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta’ (Turning of the Wheel of Law) is one of the most important events described in the Buddhist canons. Finally on an auspicious full moon day in Kusinara (Kushinagar), Lord Buddha completed his spiritual journey by attaining nirvana (Mahaparinirvana), a release from suffering and rebirth, when he died without any physical or psychological pain, at the age of 80.
Providing more information on how Mihin Lanka helps government officials and pensioners fulfill their pilgrimage dream Abeywardana said, “Under the Mahinda Chinthana, which emphasises the well-being of pensioners, Mihin Lanka facilitated a special instalment plan to make pilgrimages more affordable for pensioners and government officials. Now through Mihin Lanka, pensioners and anybody serving in the government can apply for an easy payment plan, which enables the cost of the pilgrimage to be paid over 10 months.”
Commenting on the benefits pilgrims receive when flying Mihin Lanka Abeywardana stated, “Mihin Lanka also provides special benefits for pilgrims on their flights. Special vegetarian meals are served at no extra cost and the Mihin Lanka crew also provides help with immigration forms if assistance is required. By flying Mihin Lanka direct to Gaya or Varanasi, pilgrims are able to avoid a perilous two-day train journey to the sacred sites, now they are can travel safely and comfortably. Mihin Lanka flights operate every Wednesday from Colombo to Gaya and every Saturday from Colombo to Varanasi. The direct flights help take pilgrims to the heart of India’s sacred sites. All main places of religious significance, hotels, restaurants and attractions are approximately half an hour away from Gaya and Varanasi, making Mihin Lanka’s direct flight option truly helpful for pilgrims.”
Commenting on Mihin Lanka’s dedication to assisting pilgrims, Asanka Fernando, Head of Sales, stated, “The entire Mihin Lanka sales team is committed to ensuring pilgrims receive all the guidance they need when preparing for their journey. The team has extensive experience in ensuring that pilgrims flying Mihin Lanka receive the maximum assistance and support required. The Mihin Lanka team uses a variety of special offers to create an incentive for pensioners and government officials. Mihin Lanka’s commitment to quality service and the airline’s ability to meet the needs of its passengers, have contributed significantly to Mihin Lanka becoming one of the most admired and affordable travel brands in the region.”
