With the objective of further strengthening the spiritual and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and India, Swami Kailasanantha Giri Ji Maharaj, the head of Sri Panch Agni Akhathasa, arrived in Jaffna this afternoon – on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, as part of his official visit to Sri Lanka.
Swami Kailasanantha Giri Ji Maharaj and his special delegation arrived at Jaffna International Airport in Palaly by helicopter. From there, they proceeded to the Jetwing Hotel in Jaffna town. They were accorded a special welcome by a delegation led by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, and Hon. Member of Parliament K. Ilankumaran.
On this occasion, the Governor honoured Swami Kailasanantha Giri Ji Maharaj by draping him with a golden shawl and presented him with two special publications — “Siva Pilgrimage Trail” and “Ramayana Pilgrimage Trail” — published by the Northern Province Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Subsequently, Swami Kailasanantha Giri Ji Maharaj visited the historic Keerimalai Nakuleswaram Temple and engaged in special religious worships. The Keerimalai Nakuleswaram Temple is one of the key temples included in the newly introduced “Siva Pilgrimage Trail” by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Notably, the temple’s significance is also highlighted in the “Siva Pilgrimage Trail” publication presented by the Governor.
As the Chief Organizer of the world-renowned 2025 Maha Kumbha Mela, Swami Kailasanantha Giri Ji Maharaj’s visit is expected to make a significant contribution toward promoting Sri Lanka’s Ramayana and Siva pilgrimage routes globally and attracting a greater number of devotees from India to Sri Lanka.
