Around 70 members of the Diplomatic Corps experienced Sri Lanka’s rich religious and cultural heritage during a special three-day visit to Kandy organized from August 26 to 28, 2026. The programme was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, in coordination with Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, to provide foreign diplomats with an opportunity to witness the renowned Kandy Esala Perahera and gain first-hand exposure to Sri Lanka’s religious traditions, cultural heritage and tourism attractions. The delegation included Colombo-based Heads of Mission, Heads of Mission concurrently accredited to Sri Lanka and resident in New Delhi, their spouses and other diplomatic officers.
Diplomatic Programme Begins at Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy
The diplomatic programme began with a visit to the Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA Campus), Pallekele, the higher educational institution of Sri Dalada Maligawa. The visiting diplomats were briefed on the academy’s activities and its role in preserving Buddhist ideology, knowledge and heritage.
They also attended a briefing on the historical, religious and cultural significance of the Kandy Esala Perahera. A cultural programme followed the briefing, after which the Chief Custodian of Sri Dalada Maligawa hosted the delegation to a traditional dinner inspired by the customs, traditions and hospitality of the Kandyan era.
Diplomats Visit Sri Dalada Maligawa and Historic Sites
On August 27, the Diplomatic Corps visited Sri Dalada Maligawa, where they witnessed the traditional Thewawa ceremony, an important religious ritual associated with the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The delegation also explored several historical and cultural sites connected with the Temple and the city of Kandy, including the International Buddhist Museum, elephant stables and Ehelepola Walawwa. A traditional luncheon hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism at Ehelepola Walawwa provided the diplomats with another opportunity to experience Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional hospitality.
Grand Randoli Perahera Becomes Programme Highlight
The major highlight of the visit was the opportunity to witness the Grand Randoli Perahera, one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent religious and cultural processions. The diplomats witnessed a grand procession featuring traditional dancers, drummers, ceremonial performers and elephants. The event offered the visiting representatives a first-hand experience of centuries-old traditions associated with Sri Dalada Maligawa and the historic Kandyan Kingdom.
Exploring Sri Lanka’s Botanical and Tea Heritage
The programme also included visits to the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, where the delegation received a briefing on the garden’s historical and cultural significance. The diplomats also visited the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hanthana, where they were introduced to the history, development and heritage of Sri Lanka’s globally recognized tea industry. The visits provided the foreign representatives with broader exposure to Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings beyond its religious and cultural heritage.
Strengthening Tourism Diplomacy
The special Kandy programme was organized as part of the ministry’s continuing efforts to engage the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Sri Lanka in promoting the country’s culture and tourism. Through direct exposure to Sri Lanka’s religious traditions, cultural heritage, cuisine, historical sites and tourism attractions, the programme aimed to strengthen awareness of the country among foreign diplomatic representatives.
The initiative also seeks to enhance Sri Lanka’s international visibility as a tourism destination with a distinctive and diverse cultural identity. By bringing diplomats directly into contact with the country’s heritage and tourism experiences, Sri Lanka is using cultural diplomacy as a means of strengthening international engagement and promoting the country as a culturally rich destination.
