Foreign Ministry: Social media report on Indian religious leader's visit refers to February 2026 trip

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said a report circulating on social media about Indian religious leader Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashananda Giri Ji’s visit to Sri Lanka refers to a previous visit on February 23, 2026.

The religious leader and his delegation travelled to Sri Lanka following an invitation from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. During the visit they toured several important religious and historical sites, including prominent Shiva temples in the country.

One of the main objectives of the visit was to promote Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural tourism attractions, including the Ramayana Trail, among Indian devotees and tourists. The Ministry said such visits are important in promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination in India, which is the country’s largest source market for tourist arrivals.

The visit also aimed to support the government’s efforts to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and further strengthen the religious and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and India.

The Ministry emphasised that it is incorrect to interpret the circulating report as an account of a current event. It has requested the public to verify the date and relevant background of the report before drawing conclusions.