Sustainable Tourism through the Buddhist "Trail of Civilisation"

Sri Lanka Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda took part in the third annual meeting in connection with the Borobudur Declaration, on the invitation of the Indonesian Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jero Wacik.

The signatories of the Declaration: Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam agreed in 2006 to cooperate on a 5-year plan of action to preserve and promote, through sustainable cultural tourism, a Trail of Civilization, which links prominent Buddhist heritage sites located in these six ASEAN countries.

This year’s meeting took place during the annual Vesak celebrations, which were attended by thousands of pilgrims and participants, and held at the grounds of the historic 9th century Buddhist temple of Borobudur, Indonesia.

On the night of Vesak, a cultural programme was held which revolved around the theme of "Thilakkana", the Illustration of the Message of Lord Buddha. As part of the night’s programme, dance troupes from the six signatory countries performed traditional dances dramatizing aspects of the teachings of Lord Buddha.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was the chief guest. Minister Moragoda joined the six Ministers representing each of the Borobudur Declaratory countries, who were present at this occasion.