There is a popular saying that one remembers God only in times of distress. This is true when we look at Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka feels that popularising the places mentioned in the Ramayan might help their economy. Currently chaos has reached its peak in Sri Lanka, citizens feel insecure, there is a dearth of basic amenities. This is an outcome of Sri Lanka cozying up to China. Despite this, India has been a good neighbour and helped Sri Lanka with the intention of improving Indo-Lankan relations. SL Tourism Ambassador Sanath Jayasuriya has thanked India for her assistance. In short, the land of India where Shriram was born, is saving Sri Lanka today.
Now the question of Sri Lanka’s rebuilding has arisen. Many places, caves, hillocks and temples associated with Shriram, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshman, Ravan, and Mandodari exist in Sri Lanka. The land referred to as ‘Lanka’ or ‘Lankapuri’ in the Ramayan is present-day Sri Lanka. Shri Vishnu incarnated as Shriram in Tretayug, destroyed demons like Ravan and others in Lankapuri. Despite having a heritage of such immense significance, 70% of the population in the country is Buddhist. Even their constitution accords a special place to Buddhism.
Presently Hindus living in Sri Lanka constitute about 15% of the population, 30 years ago their number used to be 30%. Christianity is on the rise there. So along with the country, the Hindus also need to be saved. It appears that this purpose can be fulfilled to a certain extent by developing the places associated with Ramayan.
