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Thursday, 27 May 2010
Lanka expects tourism revenues to double in next five years
He said the government’s target is to increase the tourism revenues up to two billion US dollars. Sri Lanka currently earns over 400 million US dollars annually from the tourism sector.
At present about half a million foreign tourists visit Sri Lanka annually and the government hopes to increase the number to over 2.5 million in the coming years.
The Tourism Board says it is hoping to attract 2.5 million visitors by 2016 and to earn 2 billion-dollar annual income from tourism by 2016.
Sri Lanka has been experiencing an influx of tourists following the conclusion of the 30-years-long war between its security forces and the separatist Tamil Tigers last May.
The tourist arrivals have been steadily increasing since the end of the war and recent data from the Tourist Board has shown that Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals jumped by 50.3 percent in the first quarter of 2010 compared to a year earlier. In March tourist arrivals reached 52,352, up by 53.7 percent from a 34,065 a year earlier.
The island
Sri Lanka - Tourism to be highest foreign exchange earner - Minister Rajapaksa
Minister Rajapaksa said that the people emphasized the need for economic development in the country, and therefore, the Ministry of Economic Development, with assistance from relevant Ministries, will do so. He stated that development activities will begin in all areas ensuring the dividends of the country's development to all masses equally.
Moreover, the Ministry will ensure that all segments of society are integrated into the development of the country. As the Minister stated, capable Deputy Ministers and hard working officials will accelerate the development process of the country with the coordination of Samurdhi officials and local Government institutions.
www.priu.gov.lk
Friday, 21 May 2010
Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya awarded Four Star Classification
This colonial property being a landmark in the hotel industry of SriLanka, was identified and categorized as a "National Heritage" property by the Department of Archeology of Sri Lanka.
This is in addition to the many accolades received for the immaculate garden such as the Best Garden Award under the Large Commercial Category for the past 3 decades, consecutively. The other awards received for the Best Garden are, the Best Central Provincial Council Garden Award and the Best District Award, from the Governor of the Central Provincial Council to name a few.Grand Hotel was also the recipient of the Saga Holidays - United Kingdom "Good Food International Award" for the 5th year in succession for consistency of standards of quality, variety, food hygiene and service. The 4 Star Classification was awarded at the right time with the dawn of peace which will not only motivate the staff to forge ahead in keeping with the ever changing trends globally.
Currently 35 rooms are completely being refurbished and will be reopened in time to cater to accommodate the tourist traffic during the Esala Perahera season .
The hotel has 154 bedrooms with 03 Presidential Suites and 03 Junior Suites, overlooking the Prize Winning Gardens or the 117 year old golf course. The Main Restaurant known as the Barnes Hall serves the 3 main meals, The Coffee Shop with its show kitchen is open Round the Clock.
The speciality Indian Restaurant serves North Indian and South Indian cuisine, both vegetarian and non vegetarian food. The most sought after venue for dining is the Supper Club, for intimate dining whilst on vacation.
The Public Bar with its live log fire to keeps you warm whilst sipping your favourite drink. This is the most popular entertainment area situated adjoining the Billiard Room, which has 3 international sized Billiard Tables, on which some of the most memorable and note worthy Tournaments have been held.
The Banquet hall can accommodate up to 150 Guests for lunch or dinner and over 250 Guests for drinks. The private and well appointed Board Rooms are also available for smaller meetings seating upto 25 persons.
The following recreational facilities available are Billiards as stated above, indoor sports such as Carom, Chess, Draughts, Cards etc. The Gymnasium, Health Centre and Sauna are equipped with the latest exercise equipment. Golf and Horse riding nearby can be arranged by the hotel on request.
Nuwara Eliya popularly known as a land of peace, and silence. The nostalgia of the empire builders is reflected in Nuwara Eliya. The town is decorated with buildings ranging in style from Tudor to Edwardian. Botanical Gardens, Lake Gregory, trout streams, an 18 hole Golf Course complete with gorse, Horse Riding at the Turf Club, many Archeological sites such as the Post office with the clock spire, the Anglican Church with a lynch - gate, and the Hill Club.
www.dailymirror.lk
Malaysian companies in talks to invest in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dr Don Dandayanda Ranasinghe, said the companies, which included Sunway, YTL, Genting and Berjaya, showed interest in sectors like tourism, infrastructure, education and financial services.
“Discussions are still ongoing and progressing very smoothly,” he told reporters after a seminar on Business and Investment Opportunities in Sri Lanka, organised by Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Sri Lanka here yesterday.
Among the major Malaysian companies having operations in Sri Lanka are Axiata Group Bhd in cellular mobile phone network, Merbok Hilir Bhd in medium density fibreboard, Lagenda Sentissa Sdn Bhd in public payphone system, Felda Marketing Services Sdn Bhd in cultivating oil seeds and hydrogenated edible oil, and Pembinaan Wincon Sdn Bhd in housing development.
Malaysia is expected to remain as one of the main investors in Sri Lanka in next five to 10 years, according to Ranasinghe.
He said the Sri Lankan government was calling on the Malaysian business community to invest in various sectors promoted by BoI Sri Lanka as the country was now in a new phase of economic development.
Among the sectors are infrastructure, tourism, education, logistical services, agriculture, manufacturing, rubber industry, business process outsourcing and software industry as well as gems and jewellery. — Bernama
Ranasinghe said Sri Lanka aimed to attract US$1bil in foreign direct investments this year from last year’s US$889mil as foreign investments would play a major role in economic development.
“Sri Lanka, which has gone through a difficult and turbulent period of over three decades due to internal conflict, is now at a turning point in our history, both politically and economically,” he said. — Bernama.
biz.thestar.com.my
Tourism Authority launches Rooms in Homes project
Small and medium hoteliers have far more greater potential to increase tourist arrivals as the country is opened for tourism. Households are encouraged to provide accommodation to tourists in Jaffna and other tourist destinations.
Rooms in Homes project will provide opportunities for households to accommodate tourists and earn an income.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority having understood the need is now conducting the Rooms in Homes project to assist interested people to bring more business opportunities to the country.
“Sri Lanka at present has only 14,600 hotel room facilities and this will give an attractive supplementary accommodation by encouraging households to provide accommodation for tourists.
The Government understood this as a timely need to support them in what they need,” Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Director General S. Kalaiselvam told Daily News Business. An advertisement about the project was displayed in November last year to which 300 houseowners have responded by now.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has already registered 82 house room providers.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority will market the product of Rooms in Homes by linking them with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority’s corporate website.
An accommodation guide will be given to tourists providing them information on accommodation in these houses.
“It is expected to conduct this project all over the island covering even North and East areas. However, a minimal participation was shown in Jaffna compared with the other districts for the project,”he said.
www.dailynews.lk
Thursday, 20 May 2010
First resorts of Kalpitiya ready by 2013
Phase one of the project, which put out four islands out of the 14 identified for bids, has been successfully leased out for a period of 30 years. The three islands are Vellai I, Vellai II and Ippantivu with a land extent of 1.55 ha, 10.80 ha and 76.88ha respectively. A total investment of Rs. 5.6 billion will be put forward for the three projects.
Additional Project Manager of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Tissa Sooriyagoda yesterday said that out of eight approved projects, the above mentioned resorts take centrestage in the Kalpitiya Development Project.
“These three are the large scale projects for which we have given approval. All resorts would be five stars and above and would have 550 rooms overall,” Sooriyagoda said.
It was revealed that the resort construction and management of the three had been undertaken by organisations from Bahrain, India and a joint one by Maldives and Switzerland.
Bahrain and Indian companies will set up two 200 room resorts worth of Rs. 1.7 billion and the joint partnership would build a 150 room resort worth of Rs. 1.2 billion.
“All resorts in the Kalpitiya islands will be five star hotels as there is no definition of a six star hotel according to the World Trade Organisation. All three projects have a Sri Lankan partner as well and are currently awaiting the environmental screening process under the Ministry.”
Construction will kick-start next year and the ‘Dutch Bay Resort’ undertaken by Six Sense Group is set to have a soft opening on 11 November 2011. Sooriyagoda acknowledged that a minimum of three years was needed to construct a 200 room resort.
He also observed that Phase 2 of the project would start at the end of the month with six islands put up for bids.
“We are expecting luxury resorts in all islands and a proper investment expectation from each island cannot be stated right now. The project is one of the Government’s priority projects and we are doing what we can to fast-track the construction and launch of these resorts to comply with the demand for additional rooms.”
A total of 37, 500 people will receive employment opportunities after the completion of all projects. This includes 15,000 direct and 22,500 indirect employment opportunities.
www.dailymirror.lk
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Win Chelsea Flower Show tickets with Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Tourism is offering TTG readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to next week's Chelsea Flower Show in London.
The tourist board will be sponsoring the Orchid Society of Great Britain stand at the show for the second year running. After a successful display last year culminating in a gold award, the OSGB will be looking to repeat the feat at their 50th anniversary at the show.
The stand will feature a distinct Sri Lankan theme with the main feature revolving around the famous Sri Lankan Yapahuwa Lions sculptures.
This is your chance to see the OSGB exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show as guests of Sri Lanka Tourism.
For the chance to win a pair of tickets for the show on Tuesday May 25, just email infouk@srilanka.travel and put “Chelsea” in the subject line. Please include your name, email address, company name and telephone number.
The deadline for entries is noon on Friday May 21. Please note, no cash or alternative prize can be provided.
www.ttglive.com
The tourist board will be sponsoring the Orchid Society of Great Britain stand at the show for the second year running. After a successful display last year culminating in a gold award, the OSGB will be looking to repeat the feat at their 50th anniversary at the show.The stand will feature a distinct Sri Lankan theme with the main feature revolving around the famous Sri Lankan Yapahuwa Lions sculptures.
This is your chance to see the OSGB exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show as guests of Sri Lanka Tourism.
For the chance to win a pair of tickets for the show on Tuesday May 25, just email infouk@srilanka.travel and put “Chelsea” in the subject line. Please include your name, email address, company name and telephone number.
The deadline for entries is noon on Friday May 21. Please note, no cash or alternative prize can be provided.
www.ttglive.com
Peace in Sri Lanka brings sales boom
Sales to Sri Lanka are on the rise as the country prepares to celebrate the first anniversary of the end of its civil war.
Operators are expanding their programmes to the Indian Ocean island as it starts to benefit from a year of peace following the 25-year conflict with rebels, which ended in May 2009.
Adventure specialist Explore has seen sales to Sri Lanka rise by 200% compared with the same time last year. Head of product strategy Peter Crane said: “We always operated to Sri Lanka during the conflict but headlines don’t make for strong bookings. That’s all changed now.”
“The country is also great value for a long-haul destination as it’s cheap to fly to. We will expand our programme with a new tour for the autumn, which will be more focused on activities.”
Tui brands Hayes & Jarvis and Thomson Tailormade are also strengthening their Sri Lankan programme for winter 2010-11 including new hotels and Yala national park in the island’s south-east, which had been closed to visitors due to the war.
Product manager Juliet Darlington said that sales were up by 50% on last year. “Sri Lanka has really taken off and sales for the winter season have been exceptional,” she said. “It’s good value with prices of £499 for 10 nights in a four or five-star hotel. We have a lot of people who combine a tour with a beach stay.
Kuoni is also planning to expand in Sri Lanka. The long-haul operator says it has seen “huge demand” for beach holidays as well as “encouraging” growth in touring holidays in recent months.
The latest arrival figures confirm Sri Lanka’s tourism boom, with overall visitor numbers rising by 47% to 38,300 in April compared with the same month in 2009.
Arrivals have risen for 11 consecutive months since the war ended – a total increase of 23% over this period. For the first four months of 2010, there was a 49.7% rise to 198,700 compared with last year.
www.ttglive.com
Operators are expanding their programmes to the Indian Ocean island as it starts to benefit from a year of peace following the 25-year conflict with rebels, which ended in May 2009.
Adventure specialist Explore has seen sales to Sri Lanka rise by 200% compared with the same time last year. Head of product strategy Peter Crane said: “We always operated to Sri Lanka during the conflict but headlines don’t make for strong bookings. That’s all changed now.”
“The country is also great value for a long-haul destination as it’s cheap to fly to. We will expand our programme with a new tour for the autumn, which will be more focused on activities.”
Tui brands Hayes & Jarvis and Thomson Tailormade are also strengthening their Sri Lankan programme for winter 2010-11 including new hotels and Yala national park in the island’s south-east, which had been closed to visitors due to the war.
Product manager Juliet Darlington said that sales were up by 50% on last year. “Sri Lanka has really taken off and sales for the winter season have been exceptional,” she said. “It’s good value with prices of £499 for 10 nights in a four or five-star hotel. We have a lot of people who combine a tour with a beach stay.
Kuoni is also planning to expand in Sri Lanka. The long-haul operator says it has seen “huge demand” for beach holidays as well as “encouraging” growth in touring holidays in recent months.
The latest arrival figures confirm Sri Lanka’s tourism boom, with overall visitor numbers rising by 47% to 38,300 in April compared with the same month in 2009.
Arrivals have risen for 11 consecutive months since the war ended – a total increase of 23% over this period. For the first four months of 2010, there was a 49.7% rise to 198,700 compared with last year.
www.ttglive.com
Palestinian Tour Agents To Boost Tourism In Sri Lanka
Thrilled by the Tourism Road Show of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau held in Ramallah last month with Sri Lankan dances and with the participation of Sri Lankan and Palestinian tourist agents and officials from Sri Lanka tourism, Ethihad airways decided to sponsor this tour. Mr. Sanjika Perera and Mr. Gayan Perera who participated at this show in Ramallah held discussions with the officials of Ethihad Airways and Palestinian Society for Travel and Tour Agents and finalized the tour.
However the trip was in the balance due to the India International Film Awards - 2010 ceremony to be held in Colombo where a few thousands of Indian and International film artists and fans are expected to be in Sri Lanka during this period. All those involved in the hospitality industry were busy.
Thanks to the efforts made by Mr. Gayan Perera of Sri Lanka Tourism who was personally aware of the need of this tour of the Palestinian tour agents a very attractive program has been arranged for the tour agents from Palestine.
According to Mr. Mohammed Zorba of Ethihad Airways in Palestine the travel agents group will visit Pinnawela elephant orphanage, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bentota and Colombo where they will get a fair knowledge of the tourist attractions in Sri Lanka and about the hotels and tour agents.This will enable them to market Sri Lanka to the Palestinian tourists with a firsthand knowledge.
While in Colombo the tour agents will meet their counterparts in Sri Lanka and exchange views. Mr. Hani Lama, President of the Palestinian Society for Travel and Tour Agents (PSTTA) will head this group of tour agents. This trip they unanimously feel is a great opportunity thanks to the initiative taken by Dr. Jayasinghe supported by Ethihad airways and Mr. Gayan Perera of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. It was Mr. Hani Lama and his society that took great pains to make the Ramallah Tourism Road Show a great success.
- Asian Tribune -
Two hotels for Rs 3.9 billion
The investment value of these projects will be Rs 1.2 billion and Rs 1.7 billion respectively.Eight projects will be implemented under the Kalpitiya Integrated Tourism Resort program.The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority will provide the land for these projects under leasing agreements.
It is expected that these leasing agreements will generate Rs 80 million revenue to the Government. These projects are given on 30 years lease and the revenue includes 30 years lease as well as the monthly rental of Rs 2800 per perch for a month, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Additional Project Director, Tissa Sooriyagoda told Daily News Business.
“Both these new projects are set up to cater to the needs of the tourists with five star facilities and the room rate will be over US $ 250,” he said.The hotels will be constructed in an environmental friendly manner in the Kalpitiya zone. It is expected to have around one million tourists and over 5000 hotel rooms in Kalpitiya after the completion of the Integrated Tourism Resort program.
The tourism industry will benefit in two ways by the development of the tourist resorts in Kalpitiya. It is by increasing the number of stays and the average spending of tourists in Sri Lanka.“We are in the process of constructing mockup rooms for the two projects. Mockup rooms are those that demonstrate the nature of the rooms after the construction of hotels. It is expected to start the projects by mid next month after the signing of agreements,” Sooriyagoda said.
Another project has received Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) clearance for a 200 roomed hotel in Kalpitiya.Named as Dutch Bay Resort the investment has been directed from Bahrain. The project value is Rs 2 billion. It is expected to start construction on November 11 in 2011.
www.dailynews.lk
Friday, 7 May 2010
Sri Lanka Tourism soars
*Sri Lanka is beautiful - Indian tourist
Sri Lanka is witnessing an upswing in tourism. The island with abundant natural beauty is luring visitors, particularly from India, not just with sun, sand and sea but also with new attractions like Ayurveda and adventure.
“The tourism figures in the first quarter have doubled in comparison to last year, with nearly 16 percent of it being tourist arrivals from India,” said Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya.
“After the historic defeat of terrorism, the tourism industry has been on the rise with increased interest from foreign tourists as well. Tourism is finally seeing an upward trend. I’ve been working non-stop since December. Usually I used to work for just 18 days a month, but after the war ended there has been an upswing in tourists and thus more work for me,” said National Tourist Guides organization Secretary General Wije Manawadu.
“We are looking at 2011, which we call the year of Sri Lanka. We are focusing on bringing close to 1.5 million tourists to the country by that time.”
“At the moment we have close to 14,500 hotel rooms in the country. The government is trying to bring it up to close to 50,000 by then,” he added. Developmental programs and marketing strategies are being worked out to lure as many foreign visitors as possible.
“Vigorous promotions in terms of trade and consumer fairs will take place in our key markets; this includes Britain, the Middle East, India, France, Germany and China.
The communications campaign will also be launched in these markets,” said Mudadeniya. “Traditionally the product offering has been restricted to sun, sand and sea. However, now, new product offerings are being developed to improve the experiential component of tourism. They include Ayurveda, wildlife, eco-tourism and adventure tourism, to name a few,” said Mudadeniya.
Even tourists are happy to be in the country that boasts of beautiful, clean beaches, tempting water sports, breathtaking mountains, bounteous rivers and waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife.
“I’m here for the first time and I have to say that it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited.It’s hot here no doubt, but the scenic beauty is breathtaking. I’m enjoying my time here,” said Linda Christopher who is from London and staying at the Mount Lavinia hotel.
Jasmine Shankar from India said: “I had planned to come to Sri Lanka with my husband four years ago, but everyone discouraged us because of the terrorist problem here. I’m glad that finally now, when it’s over, we have got a chance to come here and see the place. It’s beautiful.”
The country is also pinning its hope on the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Award that will take place in Colombo from June 3-5. The number of visitors is expected to increase manifold during the event.
“This event will help us change our image internationally and will confirm that we can host an event of a big magnitude,” said Tourism Ministry Secretary George Michael.
www.dailynews.lk
First Ever Sri Lanka Travel Guide In Arabic By Emirati Author Launched At ATM 2010
The guide book titled “Sri Lanka: The Most Beautiful Island in the World,” is a 205-page guide book on the island nation which has become a favoured travel destination for Gulf residents. The author, Heba, Al Mansoori, currently the Middle East director of the Sri Lanka Tourism and Promotion Bureau is a former broadcast and print journalist in Dubai. She holds a post graduate degree in mass communications.
Ms Al Mansoori has a keen interest in social activity and charity work both within and outside the UAE and has visited Sri Lanka frequently over the years.
“I love travelling and was fascinated by stories on the wonders of Sri Lanka told to me by our house maid and gardener who both incidentally hail from Sri Lanka. I first visited the island with my whole family and I was totally enthralled by the experience and has since come back many times on holiday destination discovering more fascinating aspects of the country on each visit.”
Ms. Al Mansoori said the book is a “labour of love” and proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to a charity. The initial print run of the book is 10,000 copies in both hard bound and soft bound copies. (AED 100 for the former and AED 75 for the latter), which will soon be available in leading book stores in Dubai. For further inquiries please call the Middle East office of the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau.
When commenting on the motivation for writing a book on Sri Lanka Ms Al Mansoori said: “Due to the many decades of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, some Arab travellers have misconceptions about Sri Lanka that I would like to put to rest.”
She noted that Sri Lanka is now on the threshold of developing to its full potential as a prime tourism destination offering diverse offerings for members of the whole family whether it is beaches, shopping, visits to wildlife reserves, relaxing at a spa, or simply enjoying the cuisine.
“With peace finally dawning on Sri Lanka after years of ethnic strife, more areas previously inaccessible have now opened up for tourism operation,” Ms Al Mansoori concluded.
www.albawaba.com
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Sri Lanka was in Kuwait, quite for a week
Jointly hosted by the Embassy of Sri Lanka and the National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters, the Culture Week was inaugurated on April 26 at the Keifan Auditorium by Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, Minister of Information & Oil. Lighting the ceremonial oil lamp to the tune of “Mangul Bera” and playing the two National Anthems followed in the presence of the Secretary General of the Council Sheikh Bader Al-Rifai, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kuwait Sarath Dissanayake, Manager Sri Lankan Airlines Mr. Lalith Peiris and Mr. Chandana Wickramasinghe, Director of the Chandana Wickramasinghe & the Dancers’ Guild.It is of particular significance that the Minister of Information & Oil who was the Chief Guest for the inauguration watched the entire performance for almost 3 hours together with over 35 Ambassadors and their spouses.
Secretary General of the National Council Sheikh Al –Rifai in his welcome address said Kuwait was profoundly motivated by its deeply rooted Arab and Islamic traditions and is always embracing all cultures, admires and respects them.
“We in Kuwait are privileged to see many cultures represented by its nationals who resided in Kuwait over many decades, giving our society such a ‘colorful’ diversity of culture”, he added. He went on to say “it’s true that modern Kuwaiti-Sri Lankan relations only date back to 1971, but it is equally true that our mutual cooperation and friendly relations are deep-rooted in history”.
“Kuwaiti ships used to have its major ports in old Ceylon; historically known in Arabic as the Island of Sarandeeb, where beside goods traded, culture was exchanged as well”.
Sri Lankan Ambassador Dissanayake was in particular grateful to the people of Kuwait for their abiding interest and enthusiasm in Sri Lankan culture, heritage, music etc. which serve as a bridge and a means of communication that help bring countries and peoples closer to each other. He appreciated their contribution for the promotion of a greater understanding and cooperation between the two countries and their peoples.
Cultural extravaganza: The “Sri Lak Rangana” Cultural extravaganza was put-on stage by a 28-member cultural troupe featuring a combination of traditional dances, fusion acts, contemporary and modern forms of performances while an orchestra entertained the audience with live music, modern & classical songs.
During the culture week celebrations an exhibition of handicrafts, textiles & garments, masks, decorative items, ornaments etc. was held parallel to the main cultural performances. The stalls attracted large crowds who have admired Sri Lanka’s beauty, diversity and richness.
Food Festival: A Sri Lankan food festival was inaugurated on April 28 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel which lured many Kuwaitis and expats to taste Sri Lanka’s unique cuisine and dishes which were specially prepared by Sri Lankan chefs from Crowne Plaza hotel. The Chief Guest of the occasion was Ambassador Mohammad Al-Roumi, Director of Asia Department in the Foreign Ministry and the invitees present at the dinner included a group of Asian Ambassadors, media, well-wishers etc. accompanied by their spouses. The Sri Lankan community too had the opportunity to experience their own culture, heritage, dancing and music performed by the dancers and the orchestra which truly won the hearts and minds of the members in the audience.
“Batik, Lifestyles & Role of Sri Lankan Women”: The finale of the culture week on May 2 has been a wonderful experience for the ladies of the International Women’s Group (IWG) who converged on the SAS hotel for a presentation by the renowned designer Ms. Sonali Dharmawardene on the title “Batik, Lifestyles & Role of Sri Lankan Women”. The lecture cum presentation was a stunning display of her talents in the art of Batik and fashion industry of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Dharmawardana also made a presentation at the Kuwait Textile Art Association on her work to a group of high profile ladies which were well appreciated and received.
Prior to their departure to Sri Lanka Mr. Chandana Wickramasinghe, Director of the Dancers Guild accompanied by Mrs. Sonali Dharmawardana, Designer addressed the media at a press conference held on May 2 at the Embassy premises which was well attended by members of both print and electronic media.
Cementing friendship & goodwill: The local media covered the week-long events extensively together with a Sri TV crew, the Media Sponsor of the Sri Lanka Culture Week who has been specially flown in to Kuwait for the occasion. The Sri Lankan tourism, SriLankan Airlines, Sri TV together with a host of well-wishers patronized the Sri Lankan Culture Week with their valued sponsorships.
It has been a week of hyper activity for the Sri Lankan Embassy and the National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters which put together week long celebrations on Sri Lankan culture that mesmerized the crowds who gathered for the event. The Embassy and the Council hoped that the events had been a life time opportunity for the Kuwaitis and their foreign counterparts to learn and experience the rich and proud Sri Lankan culture, history and the lifestyles of Sri Lankan people which would go a long-way in further cementing the excellent friendship and goodwill that exit between the two countries and its people.
www.asiantribune.com
Kalpitiya tourism project in spotlight
Tourism is gaining at a rapid pace and the recent past has seen some positive indicators for the boost which Sri Lanka hopes to achieve by 2016.
In order to showcase another beautiful Sri Lankan spot, as well as increase room capacity, it is necessary to expedite the development of the Kalpitiya Integrated Tourism Resort Project (KITRP) at the Dutch Bay Islands, an official said. Therefore, six investors in Kalpitiya have been requested to set up two hoardings on their lands in Kalpitya, which will display the layout of their hotel as per their concept, according to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
They will also construct an abstract model of an accommodation unit (guest room/villa/chalet) to scale, using the materials anticipated for the construction of their hotel.
This presentation will showcase the new designs and concepts being developed by Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, as well as help monitor the quality of workmanship and standards being followed prior to the final approval of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority for construction, SLTDA data showed.
These model units will be constructed before the end of this year with the investments from; Heritage Reserves (Pvt) Ltd, Dutch Bay Resorts, West Agro Property Developers (Pvt) Ltd, Palm Lanka Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, M. S. A Sham Saudeen Development & Reality (Pvt) Ltd and Alpha Tours (Pvt) Ltd, data showed.
Also, the SLTDA said many resorts in the Eastern province are well in progress and construction of the washrooms and changing rooms in the Passikudah Resort commenced last month and will be completed in August.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the Resort was published for public comments until April 15. Upon approval of the EIA Report by the CCD, work of the resort will begin. Approval has been granted by the CCD for a pilot hotel project consisting of 40 chalets.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the development of Kuchchavelli is being carried out.
Investors for the development of 48 hotels sites have been selected; the land will be allotted accordingly. Around 150 acres will be developed as a championship golf course.
The Project Implementation Unit for the East Coast Action Plan identified sites for the following development projects,
= Observation platform to view elephants at Lahugala
= Observation platform to view birds at Kumana
SLTDA also awarded star ratings to nine hotels this year during the period of January 1 to April 30.
Four hotels received 1-star category under the programme; they were Full Moon Green Hotel Seeduwa which has 30 rooms, Kandyan Reach Hotel Kurunegala with 23 rooms, Randiya Hotel Moratuwa with 10 rooms and Emarald Bay Induruwa with 50 rooms in the capacity.
Also three hotels were awarded two stars which are Yapahuwa Paradise Yapahuwa with 20 rooms, Browns Beach Hotel Negombo with 140 rooms, Induruwa Beach Induruwa with 90 rooms in their capacity.
The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya and Hilton Residencies Colombo were awarded four stars.
Source :The Island
Malaysian investors eyeing Lanka
The Malaysian Business community is interested in investing in infrastructure, construction, real estate and power generation in Sri Lanka, Malaysian High Commissioner Rosli Ismail told Daily News Business.
Ismail said Malaysia is now interacting with many countries in the region and exploring economic opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Among the several projects that have been directed towards Sri Lanka, a housing project in Galle was undertaken by a Malaysian company.
Under this housing project, over 900 low and medium class apartments will be constructed for public servants by MTB Group of Companies.
“There are many other investments in the sectors such as telecommunication. Many local companies are exploring opportunities of investments in properties in Sri Lanka in the future.
“Apart from trade, Malaysia is also interested in the booming tourism industry in Sri Lanka,” Ismail said.
The number of Sri Lankan visitors to Malaysia has also increased last year. More than 50,000 Sri Lankans have visited Malaysia in 2009.
Since Sri Lankan tourism has shown signs of an aggressive increase, it is expected to have many from Malaysia in the coming months. The International Business Leader’s Forum organized by the Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council (SLMBC) will reveal insights to Malaysia’s courageous and successful growth on June 9 this year.
The International Business Leader’s Forum is organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at the request of Foreign Affairs Ministry and under the sponsorship of Dialog.
The Forum will be attended by the former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamed and many other resource persons from India, Maldives and Australia.
www.dailynews.lk
Sri Lanka:‘Miracle of Asia’
With the leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa under the 'Mahinda Chinthana' the recent Election success will pave the way for Sri Lanka to grow in 'Leaps and Bounds'.
With the Rapid Infrastructure Development taking place in Sri Lanka with improvements on the network of Roadways, Ports, Airports, and the excellent growth of the Tourism Sector augurs well for Sri Lankan to emerge as the 'Miracle of Asia'.
A stable Government has been established with the President receiving a Mandate, to usher Sri Lanka to prosperity in the future.
The emergence of the younger generation, as Members of Parliament will no doubt bring Fresh Inputs, focused on how best the youth can be mobilized with opportunities to make Sri Lanka the 'Miracle of Asia'. Sri Lanka will be the main Hub for 'Investment especially Tourism and the Leisure Industry in the Indian Sub Continent and Asia'.
'Tourism growth has already shown a Positive Trend in arrivals from various destinations, and Sri Lanka can today be classed as the "Safest Holiday Destination', to visit with diverse attractions beyond compare.
The North and East with the vast development taking place spear headed by the Government in Nation Building will no doubt open the doors for the Sri Lankan Diaspora to return to Sri Lanka to the "Motherland" which is open for investment and also a country rich in resource to make Sri Lanka the "Miracle of Asia".
Under the Leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his team of Cabinet Ministers together with all others, will certainly make Sri Lanka the 'Miracle of Asia'.
The Travel Industry, including the hotel sector and other Travel and Tourism related services, and the economy will grow in Sri Lanka for all Sri Lankans to live in peace and harmony and happiness in the future.
These observations were made by Nihal Perera, a former Director Sri Lanka Tourist Board, Past President Travel Agents Association and IATA Agents Association, and the current Chairman of Sparklink Group.
Nihal is a currently serving as a member of the Board of Management - Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
Sri Lanka Hotels ready for tourist influx
he present capacity of the leisure sector will be sufficient to meet the current requirement but these hotels need to be refurbished. Considering the target of 2.5 million tourists by 2015, the present capacity of accommodation will not be sufficient, a senior tourism official said.
Some of the hotels have already started refurbishment and others should also get started, Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority Director General S. Kalaiselvam told Daily News Business. “Tourists arrivals was 2 percent in 2008 and 2009 but in the first three months of this year it increased to 20 percent. Fifty percent of the hoteliers should go for refurbishment soon,” he said.
He said that at present Hotels in the Northern and Eastern part of Sri Lanka do not cater to the demand. It is expected that in 2012 numerous hotels will come up in these areas. The “Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority is in the process of identifying locations for tourism in the Northern and Eastern areas. The selected land will soon be leased out to build hotels,” Kalaiselvam said.
“We have already developed two islands for tourism in Kalpitiya and will call tenders for the rest of the six islands in the future,”he said. He said most of the hoteliers today are investing in North and East.
The hotel school in Colombo is well-equipped with facilities to train the necessary staff for the industry.
He said hotel schools in Kandy, Anuradhapura, Bandarawela, Koggala will more effectively cater to the industry. The salary scales in the hotel industry have also gone up while a person’s salary is ultimately decided by the hotel.
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Sri Lanka John Keells hotel in upgrade investment deal
The 140-room Cinnamon Lodge Hotel at Habarana, part of the John Keells group hotel chain, will be upgraded to a five-star rated hotel, the BOI statement said.
"The hotel is expected to attract more guests with the boom in the tourism industry."BOI approval for projects enables companies to be entitled to incentives like tax breaks and duty free import of equipment and raw materials. Sri Lanka's tourist industry has revived with a sharp upturn in arrivals following the end of the 30-year ethnic war last May.
The BOI statement also said it signed another deal with Emmaus Industries for a venture to manufacture ladies footwear for the export market to be supplied to well known brands in the European Union and USA.
The joint venture between Italy and Sri Lanka represents an investment of over 650,000 US dollars, the BOI said.
The manufacturing plant established in the industrial estate in Dankotuwa, north of Colombo, is expected to provide employment for a work force of 220.
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