tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67163544668818043682024-03-13T16:10:46.764-07:00Sri Lanka TourismSri lanka is the world famous beautiful paradise for Tourists.This island offers you many small miracles. White sandy beaches, Serendipity at its best, lush greenery, exciting adventures, amazing wildlife and a rich heritage. The warm and friendly smiles of the people await you in the Isle of Sri Lanka.
Come experience and enjoy !Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-42484974116861502812014-02-02T14:45:00.001-08:002014-02-02T14:45:48.701-08:00<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oYQJSURqRlU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-49695447998582164812014-02-02T14:16:00.002-08:002014-02-02T14:16:18.671-08:00National Geographic calls Sri Lanka the 1st Best Island of the WorldUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-36917545804053867022014-02-02T14:12:00.000-08:002014-02-02T14:12:24.879-08:00<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jT9aniAkLv0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-44637112830749418882014-01-26T06:25:00.001-08:002014-01-26T06:25:24.192-08:00Proposed Crown Hotel in Sri Lanka<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Jk0biC21pJo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-77571170206597606052014-01-26T06:23:00.000-08:002014-01-26T06:23:31.515-08:00Crown’s Sri Lanka Casino Resort Venture to Cost $400 Million
Crown Ltd. (CWN), Australia’s largest gambling company, said a casino resort it’s in talks over co-developing in Sri Lanka will cost about $400 million.
The five-star resort will have about 450 hotel rooms and suites at Beira Lake in the center of the capital Colombo, the Melbourne-based company said in a regulatory statement today. Crown, controlled by billionaire Chairman James Packer, also said it’s seeking joint venture partners for the project.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeX0oZ9fIds/UuUaUYbUJ7I/AAAAAAAAAxI/W4wjIEw4V6w/s1600/jp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeX0oZ9fIds/UuUaUYbUJ7I/AAAAAAAAAxI/W4wjIEw4V6w/s320/jp.jpg" /></a></div>
Sri Lanka, for decades a destination for backpackers, religious pilgrims and beach-lovers, is building high-end hotels and casinos to woo wealthier tourists from India and China as it seeks to emulate the success of Singapore and Macau. The resort will join a growing lineup of luxury Colombo hotels, including a $400 million beachfront Shangri-La, the Taj group’s upgraded five-star Samudra Colombo, and a John Keells Holdings Plc. gaming resort.
“It is Sri Lanka’s time to shine in Asia,” Packer said in the statement. The resort would “play a significant role in helping to drive increased international in-bound tourism, especially from India and China.”
Packer is also seeking to develop a hotel for high-rollers in Australia’s largest city Sydney, as well as projects in Macau and the Philippines via Crown’s 34 percent stake in Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. (MPEL)
Crown also has a chance to build a resort in the Australian city of Brisbane after Queensland state’s government Oct. 14 said it would accept applications to redevelop a riverfront site in the state capital.
Crown is “very interested in pursuing an integrated resort in Brisbane,” Packer said in an e-mail last week, “but of course that depends on the Queensland government’s future regulatory framework and is still under consideration”.
To contact the reporter on this story: David Fickling in Sydney at dfickling@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Stephanie Wong at swong139@bloomberg.net
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-83471163288279087422014-01-26T06:15:00.000-08:002014-01-26T06:15:26.203-08:00<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/g_wMtrt1v1c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-53919950127403102572014-01-26T06:08:00.000-08:002014-01-26T06:08:38.617-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3fSa5ZS0_s/UuUW1ENXP1I/AAAAAAAAAw8/tvqNEW8jY-4/s1600/L17.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3fSa5ZS0_s/UuUW1ENXP1I/AAAAAAAAAw8/tvqNEW8jY-4/s320/L17.jpg" /></a>
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa opened ‘Aliya’, the first hotel in the Cultural Triangle, on Saturday 18 January heralding a new chapter in cultural tourism. It was built under the program to construct 50,000 new hotel rooms to accommodate the increasing number of foreign tourists scheduled to visit Sri Lanka by 2016.
‘Aliya’ (named after the king of Sri Lanka’s wild beasts) built at a cost of Rs. 1.4 billion comprises 96 rooms and is a fusion of many things old and new. Participants in the opening ceremony included Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Provincial Minister Pamitha Tennakoon, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Bhashwara Gunaratne and Aliya Hotel Chairman/Managing Director Chandra Wickremasinghe.
Addressing those who attended the event Wickremasinghe attributed the current success of tourism to the initial five-year tourism development plan implemented under Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s guidance on the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Aliya Holiday Resort has been built on a 20-acre area at a cost of US dollars 7.8 million. It will give jobs to 220 unemployed youth of the area and provide nearly 500 others with indirect employment.
Aliya Resort built in a 20 acre area blends in with the Sigiriya villages and the simple carefree lifestyle of the people who live here. The architecture successfully links the interior to the exterior landscapes; floor to ceiling windows throughout and what seems like miles of airy open areas.
Other facilities of the Resort & Spa also include a state-of-the-art Conference Hall and Meeting Rooms, a well equipped gym, two pools, elephant study centre, a paddy museum, an Ayurveda Spa with in-house doctor for personalised treatments.
Aliya’s lounge and bar ‘Migara’ is spectacular by day or night with a 180 panoramic view. ‘Makara’, brings the orient to life with its tantalising Chinese cuisine. ‘Nagula’, is a specialty restaurant, which borders the Paddy Museum and has a mouth watering repertoire of local dishes. The UNESCO world heritage, Sigiriya rock and Pidurangala seven kilometres away can be viewed from the hotel.
By 2016, 2.5 million tourists are expected to visit Sri Lanka. Last year 1,274,593 tourists – the highest number in history – visited the country, bringing in an income of US dollars 1.45 billion. During the period 43 more hotels joined the tourism sphere, providing direct jobs for 112,550 persons while indirectly employing 1,576,000 people.
The construction of the 50,000 new hotel rooms will create 500,000 new jobs associated with the tourism industry. The new holiday resorts will increase sources of foreign exchange and by 2016 Sri Lanka is expected to earn nearly three billion US dollars in FE annually.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-62796221154591413022013-10-31T14:11:00.002-07:002013-10-31T14:11:50.455-07:00<b>Rapid growth of tourism in Sri Lanka<b></b></b>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNPVzAoniow/UnLHjitT7TI/AAAAAAAAAwE/jted-6YUayg/s1600/01.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNPVzAoniow/UnLHjitT7TI/AAAAAAAAAwE/jted-6YUayg/s320/01.2.jpg" /></a>
Three years after the end of a 30-year anti-separatist war, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry can look forward to the future with confidence. Boosting foreign and domestic tourism has been a major objective of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in accordance with the Mahinda Chintana Vision.
Tourism industry’s earnings grew by 22.1 percent this year when compared with the first 10 months of 2011 along with remittances, according to Central Bank data. The earnings have grown to 790.5 million U.S. dollars for the 10 months ending October 2012.
By the end of the year Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority(SLTDA) headed by Chairman Bhashwara Gunaratne hopes to attract total of one million tourists. During the first 10 months of 2012 total tourist arrivals amounted to 774,151, up by 16 percent. Last year, up to the first 10 months saw a 34 percent increase over the corresponding period of 2010.
Earnings from both tourism and workers’ remittances are expected to record high growth for the last quarter of 2012. For the first 10 months of the year, workers’ remittances recorded a growth of 17.6 per cent year-on-year. It amounted to 4.9 billion U.S. dollars.
The Economic Development Ministry under the direction of Minister Rajapaksa is working together with the private sector on an ambitious programme of doubling the hotel room capacity to 50,000 by 2016. The expected foreign direct investment is estimated at US.$3 billion.
The targeted 2.5 million tourists will increase tourism earnings by over five times to US. $2.75 billion by 2016. Minister Basil Rajapaksa is confident it will result in tourism industry employment increasing twofold to 500,000.
The World Tourism Organisation estimates that tourism accounts for up to 10 percent of global gross domestic product, making it the world’s biggest industry. It is potential to contribute significantly to economic growth and uplifting society as a whole is considerable.
- See more at: http://med.gov.lk/english/?p=14618#sthash.kRmrdooT.dpufUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-11179186596232529242013-10-31T14:08:00.002-07:002013-10-31T14:08:27.623-07:00Dubai Chamber explores Sri Lanka’s tourism potential<b></b>
A Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion seminar was recently organised by Dubai Chamber in collaboration with Sri Lankan Embassy. The vent urged Dubai businesses to invest in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector which offers investment opportunities due to the country’s open door policy.
HE Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called upon Sri Lankan companies to share Dubai’s experience in the tourism sector. In its drive to promote tourism, the island country can benefit from Dubai’s diversified economy which is working to support the tourism industry and drive new growth through a number of visitor-friendly initiatives, said Al Ghurair.
The Sri Lankan delegation was headed by Hon MLA M Hizbullah, deputy minister of economic development (tourism). Also speaking during the event was HE Dr Mahinda Balasuriya, ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE and HE MM Raheem, consul general of Sri Lanka in Dubai.
The deputy minister of Economic Development added that tourism is the first beneficiary of peace and political stability in the country. Sri Lanka has seen a rapid increase in tourist arrivals and last year the country recoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-63783162836572104572013-10-31T14:01:00.000-07:002013-10-31T14:01:05.135-07:00<b>Nelum Pokuna International theature</b>
The Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) – Mahinda Rajapakse Theatre is a fully equipped sate of the art performance centre, meant for large scale theatrical productions. The theatre consists of two venues for performances, which includes the main auditorium and an open air amphitheater.
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHrX8Qylf4w/UnLFBnpruzI/AAAAAAAAAv4/8VQEpJlMSF8/s1600/nelum+pokuna.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHrX8Qylf4w/UnLFBnpruzI/AAAAAAAAAv4/8VQEpJlMSF8/s320/nelum+pokuna.jpg" /></a>
Situated in the heart of Colombo city, this modern architectural masterpiece facilitates easy access for both local and foreign producers. The Theatre is also surrounded by several five Star Hotels and other commercial establishments, like ODEL, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct etc.
The ease of access and the other facilities in the area ensures that foreign, local producers and artistes are given the prime opportunity to promote their work financially and artistically. Hence, the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaska Theatre becomes a solid body for bringing in foreign investment to the economy and will play a vital role in promoting tourism in Sri Lanka Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-8891456116561505422013-10-31T13:46:00.000-07:002013-10-31T13:46:33.562-07:00The Salient Features of Colombo-Katunayake Expressway
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5I67ncLYfHU/UnLBonQ1JfI/AAAAAAAAAvs/1nkOmeUdADs/s1600/cke_map_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5I67ncLYfHU/UnLBonQ1JfI/AAAAAAAAAvs/1nkOmeUdADs/s320/cke_map_thumb.jpg" /></a>
The long felt need of a high mobility link between the Bandaranaike International Airport and the capital of this country has now been realized with the opening of Colombo - Katunayake Expressway to public on 27th of October 2013 by his Excellency the president Hon. Mahinda Rajapakse. There was a ceremony and a public rally held at Ja-ela after the inauguration ceremonies held at Peliyagoda and Katunayake with the participation of special guests, invitees and Government officials. Now, we are able to witness the successful completion of long awaited expressway passing through the open land of Muthurajawela marshes and the Negombo lagoon giving a glimpse of natural beauty of this country. The CKE will reduce the travel time between Peliyagoda and Katunayake to 20 minutes from the earlier time of 1.5 hours using Peliyagoda-Puttalam road (A003). The quick travel between the Bandaranaike International Airport and the capital of the country with enhanced safety will surely help to boost the country’s economy in addition to providing pleasant travel to the road users.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-24131663440727442712013-10-31T13:43:00.000-07:002013-10-31T13:43:46.532-07:00Opening of Southern Expressway
Sri Lanka’s first ever access controlled expressway from Kottawa to Pinnaduwa (Galle) was ceremonially opened by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse on 27th of November 2011. The length of this section is 96km and newly constructed Galle Port access road of length 5km will connect this Expressway to the Galle city. The expected travel time from Kottawa to Pinnaduwa (Galle) when this expressway is used about one hour.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGZ-rX-nfEY/UnLA8G_VkEI/AAAAAAAAAvk/C0NmHv4CLJo/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGZ-rX-nfEY/UnLA8G_VkEI/AAAAAAAAAvk/C0NmHv4CLJo/s320/pic1.jpg" /></a>
The section from Galle to Matara of length 35km is under construction and scheduled to be completed by 2013. There are plans to extend the Southern Expressway up to Hambantota connecting Mattala International Airport which is being constructed. The length of this section will be 75km and surveys are being done to acquire land for this section of the Expressway. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-8554386865993416102013-10-31T13:29:00.000-07:002013-10-31T13:39:13.379-07:00<b>Water World Kelaniya, Only Public Aquarium in Sri Lanka with Underwater Tunnel</b>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iN-XJ3SxYNo/UnK_3zhy3nI/AAAAAAAAAvc/FSIoaNrCJ78/s1600/under-water-tunel.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iN-XJ3SxYNo/UnK_3zhy3nI/AAAAAAAAAvc/FSIoaNrCJ78/s320/under-water-tunel.jpg" /></a>
Welcome to Water World Kelaniya, the only public aquarium in Sri Lanka! Located on a scenic 5 acre property on the banks of the Kelani River, Water World is an aquatic wonderland which is home to a diverse collection of over 500 varieties of fish and invertebrates. Our unparalleled range of aquatic life includes fresh water, marine and brackish water fauna and flora, from eco systems around the globe. At Water World, you will witness rare and fascinating species such as Arapaima (The largest fresh water fish in the world), Lung fish (A fish that has real “lungs” like that of a human), Electric eel (The world's most dangerous electricity generating fish) and Fresh water sting rays from the Amazon River.
Water World is truly unique as it is the only local facility that offers the thrilling experience of observing majestic sharks and graceful eagle rays in action.
Water World comprises impressive attractions such as over 150 display tanks and ponds with a total water capacity of over one million litres, a walk path built to look like a cave spanning of over 800 feet, a Shark Dome with 110,000 litres of sea water, and over 10,000 living aquatic organisms.
Other attractions of Water World include, live diving shows with the sharks (Only when suitable diving conditions exist) riding boats at boat yard, hand feeding of fish and getting a hands on experience of marine creatures at the “ Touch Pool”.
A visit to Water World is likely to prove much more than the perfect, fun-filled family outing. It is guaranteed to be both a memorable educational experience and as well as an enthralling encounter with the wonders of the aquatic world.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-38195585874254178362010-08-29T12:19:00.000-07:002010-08-29T12:25:20.855-07:00Tourism is booming in Sri Lanka(August 13, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Currently we live on the sweat of the expatriate labour force mostly in the Middle East which is the main income of the nation in place of traditional exports such as tea rubber coconut and apparels. Middle East thrives on oil which the nature has gifted them. We are gifted with one of the most beautiful beaches rivers wild life climatic conditions and natural resources in addition to friendly educated and smiling nation coupled with great cultures and religions.Are we ready to embrace the boom after the end of the cruel war of thirty years which Sri Lanka successfully won by eradicating the most ruthless outfit terrorist organization on the earth in a short span of four years? To be the wonder of Asia in few years we have to change our selves and the strategies drastically and on the right direction. We must now admit that no longer our nation can depend on traditional incomes such as plantations apparels and exports. We are blessed to be in the most beautiful country on the planet and I am sure no other member of the world family would register claims to be so. We have to think fresh and explore new ventures to be the “Wonder”. The best and readily available vehicle for us to achieve this target is tourist trade which we are conversant with.<br /><br />Tourism is thriving in most parts of the world due to hard work and a proper vision in the absence of natural resources or ideal climatic conditions the Sri Lankans are blessed with. Singapore has been a barren land but a fine business hub today. Due to hard work and a proper vision it has become a leader and an example for tourist trade. Thailand and Malaysia are countries with natural resources where maximum use of their natural wealth is made use of. Maldives is a tiny group of islands lived on fishing and dried fish thriving on tourism today. United Arab Emirates has been a desert 45 years ago but currently one of the richest countries and one of the best tourist destinations. Abu Dhabi is the richest town in the world and UAE the fifth richest. Dubai is the “Business Hub” of the Middle East and the platform to Africa and surrounding countries as one of the busiest airports in the world. UAE became the “Wonder of Middle East” not necessarily with the enormous wealth bestowed on by oil alone. They have a vision and the resources are well invested. The country of 20% locals have got 80% expatiates to manage the country which is well managed using ultra modern technology being though a traditional Muslim country. The best part is that tourism too is thriving in the UAE despite the adverse climatic conditions which they have won over. Water is purified from sea and the road net work is excellent. We have to learn a lot from these success stories for us to earn our living from tourist trade and to achieve the target set up in ‘Mahinda Chintana’ the policy document of Mahinda Rajapaksa Government which pledges to introduce an accelerated development programmed for the tourist industry, a programmed to be launched to fulfill the infrastructure and other requirements in order to attract 2.5 million tourists annually by the year 2016. This is a very encouraging and challenging target not at all impossible to meet provided the “Nation” is geared towards the goal as one. We have to work harder to achieve this target with a proper plan of action using modern knowledge and experiences on technology while keeping pace with the modern developments. It is very encouraging to note that New York Times has rated Sri Lanka as first out of 31 popular destinations for tourists. Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in 2007 have been 494008 and in 2008 it has dropped down to 438475 with a decline of 55533. In the year 2004, 566000 tourists have visited the country and in 2010 the expected number is 575000. These are very rough figures which will give an idea for us to plan for the future. Currently we have only 15,000 hotel rooms and we need at least 50,000 in the near future to cater the demand. We are informed hotel rooms in the periphery if fill to capacity. Tourism is booming and even currently the hotel rooms are full. It is clear that we have to launch a vigorous and accelerated programme.<br /><br />Having realized this President Rajapaksa has proposed a financial scheme for medium scale entrepreneurs to obtain loans up to 100 million in relation to the tourist industry and invite prestigious hoteliers to open two seven star hotels. Support also will be extended to the private sector to develop 50,000 hotel rooms under the guidance of BOI. Necessary facilities will be provided to local suppliers to manufacture equipment needed for the hotel trade. Assistance and opportunities will be provided to residents of popular tourist destinations to start small comfortable houses for tourists at reasonable rates.<br /><br />This seems to be a practical solution without launching mega projects which needs large sums of money and not cater urgent needs. At the same time the State will be extremely careful of the adverse side effects that follow tourism on culture, religion, upbringing children and families. There should be a separate legal machinery ( as in many other countries where tourism is thriving) to monitor tourist guides, tour operators, hotels, and others engaged in the industry as there should be a balancing effect. In Brazil child prostitution and drug addicts are rampant as a result of tourist trade. Thailand too is infested with drugs and prostitution though thriving on tourism. These are areas we should be careful about. The Ministries of Culture Social Services should act in hand with the Ministry of Tourism to strike the balance of tourism and the development of the society.<br /><br />Local entrepreneurs of main tourist areas will be encouraged to construct Ayurvedic centers which could accommodate around 200 patients. Currently alternative medicine is popular worldwide. Ayurvedha, Siddha and Unani are systems of medicine established in Sri Lanka which is practiced for generations successfully. It has become extremely popular among tourists being a treatment with nature and no side effects. The Government has pledged to support “Eco Friendly” tourism and agriculture based tourism and will use of government and private owned farms for this purpose. “Farm Tourism” is extremely popular in other parts of the world where tourists enjoy the life of a farm and live and enjoy farm life. Yala, Walawa, Kumana, Bandula,Wasgamuwa,Wilpattue, Minnariya and Hortain Plans are few national parks with wild life elephants and thick jungle with water full of streams run through ending with beautiful water falls. “Religious Tourism” is also encouraged by developing Buddhist places of worship in order to increase tourists from countries such as Thailand and Buddhist countries. There are plans to establish a tourist centre with special cultural importance to Asia.<br /><br />Why do tourists love Sri Lanka? They like Sri Lanka for the beauty, water falls, climatic conditions, nice and cheap hotels, friendly staff, warmth and the friendly nature of the people, sandy beaches, beautiful blue sea, Kandy and Kandy Perehera, Nuwera Eliya where the climate is as cold as Wales, villages, elephants, wild life, Temple of Tooth, Ayurveda and alternate medicins, mountains, natural beauty, precious stones, Sinharaja forest, ancient archaeological sites such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, National Parks such as Yala, Kumana, Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala are only very few amongst hundreds of places for tourists. There is nowhere in the world such a selection for tourists are available in a small island.<br /><br />The sad story is that we have hardly explored this priceless wealth as in the Middle Eastern countries blessed with “OIL which they have very wisely invested on development including tourism. There are 250,000 Sri Lankans in UAE all of whom are employed serving the development of UAE and Sri Lanka simultaneously by developing the host country and remitting the earnings to motherland uplifting the economy as the main front liner contributor to the national economy. Sri Lankan Ambassador in UAE has pleaded from the Sri Lankans to promote at least one tourist per year was taken very seriously considered. This exercise will promote tourism as well as the two national carriers namely Sri Lankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka. There is the potential for employment for Sri Lankans in the Middle East for the next 30 years and these promotions will have a favorable ripple effect as the employers travelling to Sri Lanka will become potential investors and new ventures and employment opportunities will be generated. Unlike European backpackers Arabs are genuine and rich tourists who should be provided with luxury rooms with attach pools, helicopter travel from Colombo to destinations and Arab food in hotels. These are investments well worth and the Sri Lanka embassy in UAE ( lankemb@emirates.net.ae) is ever prepared to help the prospective tourists and the investors in tourist trade in Sri Lanka.<br /><br />It seems that the tourism in Sri Lanka is leading towards the right direction by setting up Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Institute of Hotel Management and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau with new life and vigor headed by young and educated professionals. Tourism Development Authority has the main responsibility in promoting and implementing the concepts laid down in ‘Mahinda Chintana’. They have to look for innovative methods of achieving the targets. They must try to upgrade the existing hotels, convert good houses to motels, give incentives for training, improve railway to make it more attractive by reintroducing first class and observation compartments as the quickest mode of conveyance which the tourists will like will be the train where the tourists will love traveling through Kandy to Nuwera Eliya and to Down South with wonderful views around.<br /><br />Steps will have to be taken to modernize the airport to be clean, modern and friendly. Immigration and customs officers must be friendlier. Airport staff be trained properly, notices and signals at the airport should be exhibited very carefully because the first impression of a tourist matters a lot as a result of adverse publicity by a section of the international media. First impression carries a long way and we listen to adverse comments by tourist and would be tourist with utmost sadness. Reality is that we have yet to achieve the required standards for which no funds are necessary. Certainly no funds are required to be clean, pleasant friendly and smiling. We won the war which the world predicted would loose due to determination of the nation and leadership of the leader and the lieutenants who was around him at the decisive hour of the nation. What is needed here too is determination and centralized action with a decisive aim.<br /><br />Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau and the Institute too will have to draw up a modern programme with the Convention Bureau in compatible with world standards. There is a demand for hotel staff all over the world including Middle East where the Institute of Hotel Management must be in a position to provide staff worldwide which will have a ripple effect on the tourist industry in the country. There is lot of potential for employees in hotel trade in the Middle East. Leading hotel chains must be invited to set up hotels mostly in Kandy and Nuwera Eliya where the Arab world loves the climatic conditions.<br /><br />We no longer should depend on the traditional western tourists. Our catchment areas on tourism should be Middle East, Chinese, USSR, Balkan and the Asian Regions. It is easier for us to cater to them as now Western tourists have become liabilities to us. Most of them do not bring funds and parasites to us by living on our goodwill and polluting the culture and breeding of the younger generation. The Middle Eastern tourists will prefer Sri Lanka due to the distance, compatibility, beauty and the friendly nature of the people. Currently the influx of tourists from the Middle East is growing day by day and it is time for us to meet the target by setting up new hotels, Arab food outlets and set up quick helicopter towards from Colombo to the respective destinations. As for the tourists from the Middle East money is not a issue. They want comforts, rooms with mini swimming pools and things to do during the holiday. Dubai though a traditional Muslim country night life is as lively as London.<br /><br />Sri Lanka is as safe as any other Middle Eastern country and definitely safer than London for a tourist. Travelling in London in the night on foot is dangerous especially for a non white which is not the case in Colombo today. Security is absolutely safe and there is politically stability for the next 500 years as any remnants of any possibility of terrorism is completely eradicated.<br /><br />It is good news that Sri Lankan Missions worldwide today has broken the shell of traditionalism and become a part of the development of the Nation by actively engaged in tourism, business promotion, employment promotion investment promotion and generally become an active member of the exercise of achieving the target of reaching wonder of Asia earlier that anticipated. It is heartening to note that e Sri Lankan embassies and the expatriates work together at this juncture with the Government Institutions in Sri Lanka to make Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia by creating a conducive atmosphere for the tourists to enjoy their holiday freely and peacefully and investors to invest and engage in business with Sri Lanka.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-50824552493637637532010-04-22T23:40:00.001-07:002010-04-22T23:40:32.513-07:00Ranmihitenna Tele - Cinema VillageOpening the Mahinda Rajapaksa Ranmihitenna Tele - Cinema Village is fulfilling the artistic aspirations of the nation under the Mahinda Chintana concept of making our country the Miracle of Asia, Mass Media and Information Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said in a message issued for the occasion. The message adds:<br /><br />“Ranmihitenna will be an impetus to the artistes who could endeavour to create cinematic productions of excellence as its location and ample space available for film makers could be made use of with all the facilities provided for tele-cinema arts.”<br /><br />“The tax charged on screening foreign films and tele-films was used productively to build this cinema village and President Mahinda Rajapaksa had directly and indirectly contributed to making it a reality. Ranmihitenna complements the massive development of the South with the Hambantota Port, International Airport at Mattala, International Sports Stadium at Suriyawewa and other major development schemes coming up.”<br /><br />“We wish that the tele-cinema village will render a long lasting service to the nation”, the message states.<br /><br />Courtesy: DailyNewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-45961109183888383672010-04-22T23:34:00.000-07:002010-04-22T23:36:41.039-07:00Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan in Sri Lanka today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/S9E_6FjCw2I/AAAAAAAAARA/xRA0mkV7Zb8/s1600/amitab.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/S9E_6FjCw2I/AAAAAAAAARA/xRA0mkV7Zb8/s320/amitab.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463218090131243874" /></a><br />Apr 20, Colombo: Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan is to visit Sri Lanka today. He is expected to address a press conference in the evening, meet the Sri Lankan President, and leave for India tonight, sources say.<br /><br />Following the press conference to be held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel this afternoon, Mr. Bachchan will meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He is scheduled to leave Sri Lanka tonight.<br /><br />Mr. Bachchan is in Sri Lanka to participate in a media awareness programme on the IIFA 2010 awards ceremony of the International Indian Film Academy. The festival is to be held in Sri Lanka on June 3, 4 and 5.<br /><br />Sri Lanka Tourist Board sponsors the event that is to be held with the patronage of Bollywood stars like Sharukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai.<br /><br />The IIFA will hold several activities in Colombo during the IIFA Weekend including an international fashion show, film festivals, gala celebrity events, business conferences, and the main event, the award ceremony which will be held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-63253098439815922502009-09-17T10:51:00.000-07:002009-09-17T10:56:46.364-07:00“Come September not good for tourism in SL ”-HoteliersTourism is a fast-growing industry, but with the credit crunch in 2008, figures have dropped as people have less money to spend and companies are unable to expand as rapidly. However, with the recent defeat of the Tamil Tigers, tourism along with other industries is expected to rise and shine in the near future. <br />With the large scale promotions taking place all over the world and the actual ground work, the tourism sector seems to be causing much buzz around these days. Daily FT took it upon our selves to go forth and see what exactly is happening in the field when it comes to some of the major direct benefactors, the city hotels in Sri Lanka.<br />The overall view of the occupancy rates seems to have dropped slightly this month based on the pre-booking of some of the main hotels in Colombo. Following the increased occupancy rates in the months of July and August, the General Managers and Sales Dirctors of the hotels stated that they are anticipating a drop in the month with the summer vacation being over.<br />“During the past two months occupation levels were high due to the Middle Eastern traffic that came into Sri Lanka. However just because the war is over we cannot expect people to flock to Sri Lanka. The increase during the last two months was due to the summer vacations in the Middle East and as they are not very welcomed in the West they now opt to come to Asian countries such as Maldives, Thailand and Sri Lanka,” said General Manger of Galadari Hotel, Sampath Siriwardena.<br />The tourism promotional activities held at the Dubai travel market was said to be another plus factor which attracted the large number of Middle Eastern travelers.<br />Chairman of Ceylon Continental, Nahil Wijesooriya agrees, somewhat strongly than the latter. “Our occupancy rates gradually increased in the post war condition with 43% occupancy in June, 56% in July and 63% in August; however occupancy is looking down in September with the Middle Eastern crowd returning to their country, especially because of the Ramazan season.”<br />“The situation is slightly better than before but it is not the huge drama the Tourism authorities expect,” said Mr. Wijesooriya. “They want us to increase our rates, but for that we have to have good occupancy. The Ministry trying to control and impose rates to hotels seems to have forgotten the underlying rules of market demand and supply. Of course we’ll increase our rates but not haphazardly. Ceylon Continental have increased the lowest rate of a single room to USD50-55 from the previous USD40 with the response of the occupancy. But the increase has to come gradually.”<br />Mr. Siriwardena acknowledged that it is always good to increase the rates and earn an extra income, but the time should be right to impose such standards. “First we have to get people to come here and enjoy their stay and market it as a terrorism-free country and only then should we focus on jacking up the prices,” says Mr. Siriwardena. “In my opinion 2011 will be the best year to do so, especially since I believe, that proper recovery will only happen mid next year.”<br />Jerome Auvita, General Manger Hilton Colombo, the only international hotel chain activating in Sri Lanka however states that since profit is the main intention of every businessman, Hilton will support the local economy by improving the rates with the market growth. When asked whether there are any plans to increase the rates at the moment, he said, “Our Basic Category rates is USD 155, we haven’t increased the rates this year and do not intend to so within the next couple of months; but next year, there might be a possibility of a rate increase.”<br />The newly opened Cinnamon Lakeside, (previously Trans Asia) with just 1 ½ weeks into the business is said to have an occupancy rate of 40%. GM, Neroy Marso told Daily Ft that even though they missed out the action during the summer vacation, the closing down and refurbishment was timely. “Many did not expect us to open so soon so there has been reluctance in booking with us; however we have recorded a 40% occupancy within the opening period (Sep 1 to date) and we are confident that this would increase to 50-60% within a few weeks,” he alleged.<br />“The increment of rates would be ideal if it could be worked out. Such discussions have been made even before but have not been put into practice. We are quite happy if it actually comes into play. But currently we are sticking with the prices we had since January as those have been agreed on by the hoteliers,” said Mr. Marso.<br />Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism, Bernard Goonatileke speaking to Daily FT stated that the minimum price might not even come into play if the market corrects itself with time. “Even if the ministry does, it would only be for the period from now till winter.”<br />“In June we recorded a 28% increase in the occupancy rates and 8% in June, the August statistics have not arrived as yet. The July-August period increase should be attributed to the summer vacation and September occupancy might be less in comparison. However the winter season starts in October for tourism and that would be another high occupational rate recording season,” said Mr. Goonatileke.<br />“We are still discussing about the bargain basement prices, and we found out that certain hotels have had 90-100% occupancy rate. This is where the market situation comes into play,” he said. The hoteliers do know their value and they will work towards placing themselves correctly, assuring their value in the industry.<br />Mr. Goonatileke stated that with or without regulations coming into play, the market situation would improve with time. “What really happened earlier is that with the recession and its effects the number of international visits fell and the rooms were empty. Hoteliers had no option but to lower their rates; that’s why we brought the minimum standard forward. The market will adjust its pace with time and the situation will improve with or without bringing in the regulation.”<br />According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) statistics, total tourist arrivals to the country have almost doubled since the April-May war period. In June this year the tourist arrivals to the country touched 30,234, a 8-1% increase since 2008 27,960; and in July 42,223 tourists came to Sri Lanka, a 28% increase since the 32,982 who visited the year before. The Middle Eastern travelers increased to 4,149 in July a 103.7% increase since the 1,037 recorded in 2008. The statistics showed a 39% increase from the South Asian region in the month of July with India recording a 45.2% increase and recording the highest number of visitors in the region.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-67980826325397868362009-08-28T11:21:00.000-07:002009-08-28T11:23:11.236-07:00South Indian tourists make beeline for Lanka after end of warCHENNAI: K Palaniappan, an industrialist, had to shelve a business collaboration when the insurgency broke out in Sri Lanka in the latter part of<br /><br />the 70s. He had not had a chance to visit e island nation since then. This August, he grabbed the first opportunity he had to visit the country and travel to tourist spots popular long before the war.<br /><br />Tourist traffic to post-war Lanka has increased exponentially, led by Indians waiting eagerly to visit the neighbouring Paradise Isle'. The number of travellers from south India, including from Chennai, Tiruchi, Bangalore and Hyderabad, increased by 25% to 30% in June and July 2009 compared to previous years, following a promotional drive in India and abroad by the Sri Lankan tourism board to attract leisure and business travellers.<br /><br /> According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (STDA) statistics, total tourist arrivals to the country has almost doubled since April and May 2009 when the war was at its peak. Tourist arrivals to the island nation touched 42,200 in July 2009 compared to the 24,800 who visited in May and the 30,200 tourists who came in June. <br /><br /> Even during the war, flights from Chennai were full, but a majority of the 600-plus seats available daily were occupied by traders and kuruvis (couriers) ' who returned with duty-free liquor. That is not the case anymore.<br /><br /> "As the war is over tourists can now visit different destinations other than Colombo. We visited Kandy, to see the famous Murugan temple," said Palaniappan, proprietor of Precision Scientific Company, Chennai, who travelled with a group of his Lion's Club friends to celebrate Independence Day there.<br /><br /> The profile of the traveller has broadened to include leisure travellers, corporate travellers, and people <a id="KonaLink1" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4930506.cms#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.5333px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.5333px; position: static;">travelling</span></span></a> on incentives provided by their companies or dealers. "Even private entertainment events organised by Indian companies are being held in Sri Lanka," said Sri Lankan Airlines manager for TN and Karnataka, Sharuka Wickrama. There is also widespread interest from entertainment and corporate circles to hold events in Sri Lanka.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-68002197568267815612009-05-09T23:29:00.000-07:002009-05-09T23:44:12.660-07:00Sigiriya (Lion's rock) in Sri Lanka-The Palace of the SKY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ3p8pCAlI/AAAAAAAAANU/luZAMoyVdaA/s1600-h/si7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 167px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ3p8pCAlI/AAAAAAAAANU/luZAMoyVdaA/s200/si7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334082371203498578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ3SeiMR6I/AAAAAAAAANM/LVWDGWKFDRk/s1600-h/si4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 153px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ3SeiMR6I/AAAAAAAAANM/LVWDGWKFDRk/s200/si4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334081967984756642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ3JfXUsGI/AAAAAAAAANE/3hu06niKtpU/s1600-h/si2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 209px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ3JfXUsGI/AAAAAAAAANE/3hu06niKtpU/s200/si2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334081813588783202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ2orjVIYI/AAAAAAAAAM8/DH51yRnoLKs/s1600-h/si5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ2orjVIYI/AAAAAAAAAM8/DH51yRnoLKs/s200/si5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334081249924686210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ2b4zLvDI/AAAAAAAAAM0/3uj8j3CtNZM/s1600-h/si1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 182px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SgZ2b4zLvDI/AAAAAAAAAM0/3uj8j3CtNZM/s200/si1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334081030142540850" border="0" /></a><p><b>Sigiriya</b> (Lion's rock) is an ancient rock fortress and castle/palace ruin situated in the central <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matale_District" title="Matale District">Matale District</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka" title="Sri Lanka">Sri Lanka</a>, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. It is a popular tourist destination, also known for its ancient paintings (<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frescos" title="Frescos" class="mw-redirect">frescos</a></i>), very similar to those in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajanta_Caves" title="Ajanta Caves">Ajanta Caves</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">India</a>. The Sigiraya was built during the reign of King <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kassapa_I" title="Kassapa I" class="mw-redirect">Kassapa I</a> (AD 477 – 495), and it is one of the seven <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Sites_of_Sri_Lanka" title="World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka">World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka</a>.</p><br /><p>Sri Lankan architectural tradition is well displayed at Sigiriya, the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with its combination of buildings and gardens with their trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning.</p> <p>The Complex consists of the central rock, rising 200 meters above the surrounding plain, and the two rectangular precincts on the east (90 hectares) and the west (40 hectares), surrounded by two moats and three ramparts.</p> The plan of the city is based on a precise square module. The layout extends outwards from co-ordinates at the centre of the palace complex at the summit, with the eastern and western axis directly aligned to it. The water garden, moats and ramparts are based on an �echo plan� duplicating the layout and design on either side. This city still displays its skeletal layout and its significant features. 3 km from east to west and 1 km from north to south it displays the grandeur and complexity of urban-planning in 5<sup>th</sup> century Sri Lanka<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><sup id="cite_ref-SIGIRIYA-1_0-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigiriya#cite_note-SIGIRIYA-1-0" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigiriya#cite_note-1" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-3010180448637742152009-04-12T23:00:00.000-07:002009-04-12T23:36:39.991-07:00War Ended, .. Paradise is Opened for Tourists<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLc0R4fZpI/AAAAAAAAAIE/XDKbzIZt_0A/s1600-h/18.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 137px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLc0R4fZpI/AAAAAAAAAIE/XDKbzIZt_0A/s200/18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324060500216997522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLVonbmP3I/AAAAAAAAAG0/blNHNOkA8oU/s1600-h/8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 163px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLVonbmP3I/AAAAAAAAAG0/blNHNOkA8oU/s200/8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324052603261566834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLWVjjnv0I/AAAAAAAAAG8/k0LGDW_Z8tI/s1600-h/20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 87px; height: 89px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLWVjjnv0I/AAAAAAAAAG8/k0LGDW_Z8tI/s200/20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324053375315590978" border="0" /></a>Sri Lanka is the most beautiful,Tourists paradise..<br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" >Come and Visit Sri Lanka..</span><br /><br /><br />Sri Lanka is a tiny tear drop shaped island in the Indian Ocean. It is the essence of South Asia, you can find the attractions of neighboring India and Maldives in this land which is a hundred times smaller than India.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLXaQJ2CDI/AAAAAAAAAHM/ILS7eU68Bjo/s1600-h/10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 85px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLXaQJ2CDI/AAAAAAAAAHM/ILS7eU68Bjo/s200/10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324054555518175282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLX7gPnt3I/AAAAAAAAAHc/sQCJA5hQhpk/s1600-h/11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 98px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLX7gPnt3I/AAAAAAAAAHc/sQCJA5hQhpk/s200/11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324055126773053298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLYRO_Zs3I/AAAAAAAAAHk/JOJ1Lx3sNNI/s1600-h/23.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 90px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLYRO_Zs3I/AAAAAAAAAHk/JOJ1Lx3sNNI/s200/23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324055500098745202" border="0" /></a>Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is a small island in the Indian ocean of 65,000 square kilometers. It has a population of 18.5 million, a tropical climate, lush green forests and rich history.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLZOe3u8sI/AAAAAAAAAHs/t18cdWxStQM/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 89px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLZOe3u8sI/AAAAAAAAAHs/t18cdWxStQM/s200/6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324056552333570754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Around 400,000 tourists visit the country each year to take in the sun the sea and the sand. Sri Lanka is a great tourist destination and has a wide range of geographic features and is rich in natural beauty. Large parts of the country is covered in tropical forests, with hundreds of rivers flowing through them, often cascading in awesome waterfalls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLZznD9F6I/AAAAAAAAAH0/bx4CnAr-MaI/s1600-h/25.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 94px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLZznD9F6I/AAAAAAAAAH0/bx4CnAr-MaI/s200/25.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324057190187472802" border="0" /></a><br />Sri Lanka is called "The Perl of Indian Ocean" for the Centuries, Because of It's natural beauty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLaF0oIy_I/AAAAAAAAAH8/XS-2Yw6BnYI/s1600-h/26.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 126px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLaF0oIy_I/AAAAAAAAAH8/XS-2Yw6BnYI/s200/26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324057503066541042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Buddhism is the lime light of Sri Lankan Civilization from ancient times. Everything about Sri Lankan life is related to Buddhism. Buddhism practiced in Sri Lanka is called Theravada of which the main focus is to give priority to the philosophy of living a simple life.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >To Get more details,.. Click on the Google ads On this blog.</span><br /><br />Also Try:<br /><ul><li>http://www.tourism-srilanka.com/</li><li>http://www.srilankatourism.org/<br /></li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716354466881804368.post-28917082110783314792009-04-12T22:22:00.000-07:002009-09-17T10:49:09.586-07:00War Ended ..Paradise Open 4 Tourists.......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLOrj-EsqI/AAAAAAAAAFc/n74_MBXLD4E/s1600-h/8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324044957290640034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLOrj-EsqI/AAAAAAAAAFc/n74_MBXLD4E/s200/8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLNld0dKXI/AAAAAAAAAFU/HKru8kprLK4/s1600-h/20.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324043753048844658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 125px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLNld0dKXI/AAAAAAAAAFU/HKru8kprLK4/s400/20.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLNM9tlNzI/AAAAAAAAAFM/iiJ-dhM2PXY/s1600-h/18.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324043332113217330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLNM9tlNzI/AAAAAAAAAFM/iiJ-dhM2PXY/s400/18.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,102,0);font-size:180%;" >Paradise is now Opend, Come and Visit Sri Lanka</span><span style="font-size:180%;">..</span><br /><br />Sri Lanka is a tiny tear drop shaped island in the Indian Ocean. It is the essence of South Asia, you can find the attractions of neighboring India and Maldives in this land which is a hundred times smaller than India.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLTM-6Hl6I/AAAAAAAAAGc/nWAX_Ye8QhE/s1600-h/16.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324049929504004002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 112px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLTM-6Hl6I/AAAAAAAAAGc/nWAX_Ye8QhE/s200/16.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLTCtm-7UI/AAAAAAAAAGU/lRQ_x5V3-Fs/s1600-h/10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324049753061649730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 86px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLTCtm-7UI/AAAAAAAAAGU/lRQ_x5V3-Fs/s200/10.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLTTsX7jCI/AAAAAAAAAGk/mxcUBCdKD7k/s1600-h/15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324050044787854370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 103px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLTTsX7jCI/AAAAAAAAAGk/mxcUBCdKD7k/s200/15.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is a small island in the Indian ocean of 65,000 square kilometers. It has a population of 18.5 million, a tropical climate, lush green forests and rich history.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLSxv9VXfI/AAAAAAAAAGM/j3Y-E5zeDgU/s1600-h/25.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324049461634489842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 101px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLSxv9VXfI/AAAAAAAAAGM/j3Y-E5zeDgU/s200/25.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLSXA2OIRI/AAAAAAAAAGE/w70nWYPn2gA/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324049002311590162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 89px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLSXA2OIRI/AAAAAAAAAGE/w70nWYPn2gA/s200/6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Around 400,000 tourists visit the country each year to take in the sun the sea and the sand. Sri Lanka is a great tourist destination and has a wide range of geographic features and is rich in natural beauty.<br /><br />Large parts of the country is covered in tropical forests, with hundreds of rivers flowing through them, often cascading in awesome waterfalls.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLR_TzeSsI/AAAAAAAAAF8/xczKwbQFzuk/s1600-h/34.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324048595083479746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 206px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLR_TzeSsI/AAAAAAAAAF8/xczKwbQFzuk/s200/34.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLRiCCzBWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/3-BbeWNtXvo/s1600-h/35.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324048092099708258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 135px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLRiCCzBWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/3-BbeWNtXvo/s200/35.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLRxweFTqI/AAAAAAAAAF0/QYSD_raRqyw/s1600-h/29.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324048362260221602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 201px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 139px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c3LaJ1puj6w/SeLRxweFTqI/AAAAAAAAAF0/QYSD_raRqyw/s200/29.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sri LANKA CALLED "THE PERL OF INDIAN OCEAN" DUE IT'S BEAUTY.<br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0);font-size:180%;" >To get more result's click on the google ads on this blog.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0