KALUPAGE AUSTIN FERNAND,
HIGH COMMISSIONER OF DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA
The visit to the Kumbh complex has been great for several reasons. In my country, about 10 per cent of the population are Hindus and Kumbh Mela commands much regard. In fact, many of them would also be visiting Kumbh 2019. We now have a fair idea about the preparations and facilities made by the Government for the Mela. This visit has given us the opportunity to understand how the entire organisation of the Mela is a leap forward from the previous Kumbhs and how it will host 120 million people within a span of less than three months. I have already asked officials here to provide me with detailed information so that I can make a summary and send it to the Minister of Hindu Affairs in Sri Lanka. The Minister can, in turn, discuss this with organisations, temples and religious leaders and arrange for pilgrims to visit Kumbh 2019. It was a very nice experience and I must thank the State Government, India’s Minister of External Affairs, the Dean of Diplomatic Corps and other officials who made it a splendid visit.
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