A cycle expedition is to be held in December from Lumbini. through the Buddhist circuit to Colombo

A preliminary discussion was held with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo on August 10 regarding a Cycle Expedition on the Buddhist circuit. The Proposed Cycle Expedition will be held from Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, through the sacred places of Buddhist worship in India, to Colombo, with the participation of the three armed forces of Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal and youths of the three countries. The bike ride will pass through Kusinara, Buddha Gaya, Shavastri, Saranath, and Sankassa, where Buddha spent many years 2,600 years ago. It will also pass through Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra state, famous for their Buddhist frescoes, and arrive in South India. It will cross the sea at Rameswaram by ferry to Mannar and arrive in Colombo by road. Appreciating the organisers’ efforts in this cycle expedition to enhance religious and cultural relations between the three countries—Sri Lanka, Nepal, and India—the Prime Minister assured the full support of the government for the cycling expedition. Under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, this bike ride is scheduled to be held in December. The organisers have held discussions with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister Vidura Wickramanayake, and State Minister Rohana Dissanayake.