Sri Lanka contributes to international dialogue on religious tourism and pilgrimage

Sri Lanka was invited to be a panelist at the High Level Dialogue of the International Congress on Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage which took place in Fatima, Portugal from 22-23 November.

The dialogue was moderated by UNWTO Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai. 

The panellists included the Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, Minister of Economy of Portugal, Minister of Tourism of Paraguay, Minister of Economy of Macedonia, Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Secretary General, Mediterranean Tourism Foundation and former Minister of Economy of Lithuania. 

The congress was jointly organised by UNWTO and the Ministry of Economy of Portugal on the occasion of the centenary anniversary of the apparitions of Fatima (1917-2017). The congress reflected on the potential and role of religious tourism and sacred places as a tool for socioeconomic and cultural development of destinations. Delegates also discussed the ways and means of preserving the sanctity, authenticity and integrity of destinations in the way that they are managed, promoted and made accessible to all.

Speaking as a panellist in the High Level Dialogue, Minister John Amaratunga explained how the four major religions have harmoniously coexisted alongside each other in Sri Lanka for hundreds of years. “We have Buddhist temples, Christian churches, Muslim mosques and Hindu kovils standing side by side in perfect harmony. Our people have a profound respect for each religion and the State itself has taken upon the role of safeguarding each of these religions and ensuring peaceful cohabitation through the mechanism of a dedicated ministry for each religion,” he told the congress.

The congress, which is taking place during the UN designated ‘International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development’, also discussed how effective partnerships in sacred places could benefit local communities and encourage sustainable development and socioeconomic empowerment in the long term.

“The participants discussed the need for specific policies for conservation and management of religious and sacred sites taking into account the distinct culture and history associated with such places,” noted Minister Amaratunga.