Sri Lanka Tourism, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Korea, is providing support for the two VVIP South Korean Buddhist delegations visiting the country, demonstrating solidarity and strengthening cultural and religious ties with Sri Lanka.

The first delegation of South Korean Buddhist monks and devotees arrived in Sri Lanka on 01st December 2025, with the intention of undertaking a pilgrimage tour and highlighting Sri Lanka’s importance as a major Buddhist attraction for Buddhists around the world.

This 120-member delegation, including senior Buddhist monks, chief monks, and executive-level officials from South Korea, was led by the Most Venerable Hosan, an Anunayaka Thero of the Jogye Order. The Jogye Order is the most prominent Buddhist monastic order in the Republic of Korea and is recognized as the custodian of the authentic tradition of Korean Buddhism. Most Venerable Hosan is widely respected and regarded as a highly influential spiritual leader.

These VVIP Buddhist delegation was given a warm welcome and much reverence at the Bandaranaike International Airport , with a Cultural Dance troupe escorting them to the Arrival Lobby . They were very much impressed with the colorful welcome given by the SLTPB officials and each of them were given a souvenir from Sri Lanka Tourism to mark their arrival .

The delegation led by most Ven. Hosan of the Jogye order also visited Anuradhapura and participated at the poojas arranged by the maha sangha of the Ruwan welisaasya temple. These visits will continue visiting sites such as Anuradhapura , Mihintale , Dambulla , Sigiriya , polonnaruwa, Kandy , Aluvihara , and Kelaniya.

The second delegation is due to arrive on the 10th of December , led by Ven . Hyeil, , Chief priest of Haeinsa Temple . The main purpose of this visit is to show support for Sri Lanka during a difficult situation, showcasing Sri Lanka as a welcoming and culturally vibrant destination, and their purpose was further established as during their stay , Sri Lanka had to go through the “Ditwa” cyclone disaster. The South Korean delegation showed their compassion and humanity as they distributed dry rations among the affected locals and standing by as a good friend in need. Despite this difficult time period which Sri Lanka is facing right now , it is highly commendable that these delegatuions ate showing their extreme support and solidarity and also spreading the message of peace and Spiritual well being .

This will be a valuable opportunity for Sri Lanka also to further strengthen the historical Buddhist ties between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea. The Jogye orxder shares a special relationship with Sri Lanka , dating back to 19113 when Anagarika Dharmapala visited Korea. As the Jogye order maintains close connections with leading political and business communities in Korea, this visit may indirectly contribute to enhancing bilateral economic corporation. The visit is also expect a positive impact on Sri Lankas Tourism sector , generating wide publicity in Korea with the visit.

Thus this visit not only enhance the bilateral ties between Sri Lanka but also gives a new hope to Rebuild Sri Lanka , along with Sri Lanka Tourism .The South Korean Market remains a most important source market for Sri Lanka Tourism , especially in bringing more South Korean tourists to Sri Lanka and highlighting its 2500 year Buddhist culture and heritage among the Buddhist community over the world .