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Highlights of
Sri Lanka |
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» French travel agents captivated
In Sri Lanka to participate at the annual congress of the SNAV Provence (Syndicate National des Agences de Voyage) - President South Eastern Region Lucien Salemi said “Sri Lanka is a beautiful destination with many places that are still pristine. Which adds charm to the country. By pristine I mean that many places do not appear in all tourist brochures, they are hidden products and are meant for people who have looked for them. Those places are magic. By pristine, I also mean the exclusive and exceptional contact with people, there is a real relation: human, true, genuine.” |
» Romance in the air in Sri Lanka
Lucien Salemi of SNAV Provence also said, “One of the participants of our SNAV Provence annual congress came here with his partner. When in the country, he was in such a mood that he bought a ruby, asked his partner to be his wife and they have decided to come back for a honeymoon in Sri Lanka. Isn't that a most meaningful illustration of the effects and beauties of the island.” |
» Every Tuesday evening is theatre time
Every Tuesday evening between 9 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. the ‘Open Air Theatre’ at Bentota comes alive with dance performances from the southern tradition. From folk dancers to drummers to flautists there are artistes eager to showcase their talent to visitors and also give an introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the southern tradition. The performances are sponsored by the Southern Tourism Promotions Bureau supported by Sri Lanka Tourism and entrance is free. |
» Tree planting continues to be hot news
It’s ‘Green Month’ in Sri Lanka, from October 15th to November 14th, where the Ministry of Environment goes ahead with planting 100,000 trees, another step towards keeping Sri Lanka green.
Schools also joined Tourism industry and environmentalists and will receive Green Star rating from this month. Sri Lanka Girl Guides and the Ministry of Education will coordinate workshops and awareness programmes for school children in a bid to further enhance awareness of the need to conserve and preserve. |
» Sri Lankan handicrafts in the spotlight
Three Sri Lankan handicraft artists representing the National Crafts Council won the UNESCO Award of Excellence for their creations at a competition held in Chennai recently.
The rewards of excellence in craftsmanship were earned by Abyeratne of Kandy for silver carving, Hutin of Galle for bobbin lace making and Soma also from Galle for rush, reed and fibre crafting. |
» Visiting volleyball team wants to return for more
The visiting Japanese National High School Volleyball Team in Sri Lanka to participate at the Asian Volleyball Youth Championships 2008 enjoyed the sport and a bit of Sri Lanka’s nature and culture leaving them thirsting for more.
Director of the Team Mr. Oura Masafumi voiced it when he said “ I had an image of an island in the Indian Ocean called Sri Lanka. But After the arrival, I felt that there are so many things to enjoy such as ayurveda, Ceylon tea, good hotels etc. The parents of the students were also very encouraging. I enjoyed morning sea breeze and spicy food very much. We did have worries before coming to Sri Lanka as the travel advisory warns us against it. But, I felt very relieved once I witnessed the situation here. As soon as I get free time, I want to visit Sri Lanka in the near future as this is a wonderful place.” |
» Ramada International in Seeduwa
Ramada International recently signed up with Ramada, Katunayake to invest Rs.500 million to construct a hotel in Seeduwa, a ten minutes drive from the Colombo International Airport. To be built on a five acre plot of land north of the Katunayake airport in close proximity to the tourist resort town of Negombo. |
» Business for Peace makes headlines
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka’s ( FCCISL) Business for Peace Initiative, was adjudged the Best Social Marketing Project, at the Brand Excellence Awards of the Asian Brand Congress in Mumbai recently.
The initiative launched in March 2006, with the vision of harnessing the business community for the cause of peace building in Sri Lanka. Since the launch the FCCISL confirms having rehabilitated 957 livelihoods and businesses and channelled support for a value of more than Rs26 million as direct support. |
» MICE capabilities strengthened
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)Sri Lanka chapter joined the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB)in conducting a training programme for 25 industry personnel to update knowledge and on the essentials of Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions operation. The Program covered a wide range of subjects including the role of the SLCB, as a statutory body, and the necessary methodology of seamless conduct of MICE events. |
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