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Enthusiastic response to tourism promotion event held at SL embassy in China

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The Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing, China recently hosted a very successful tourism promotion event at the Embassy premises, attended by approximately 100 tour operators, agencies, service providers, media and government representatives.

Sri Lanka Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona, Minister Counselor Nalika Kodikara, Chairman of the Tourism Promotion Bureau Chalaka Gajabahu, President of SLAITO Nishad Wijethunga, President of the Hotels Association M. Shanthikumar and the Managing Director of Spring Travel Yang Yang addressed the gathering. They highlighted the unique tourist attractions of Sri Lanka and encouraged the tour operators and the media to assist in promoting visits to Sri Lanka.  This was followed by a question and answer session.

Dr. Palitha Kohona stated that “Today we are seeking to promote Chinese tourism to Sri Lanka. Your enthusiastic presence here itself is an indication of the widespread interest in Sri Lanka. We are particularly grateful to the Chinese government for having included Sri Lanka in the pilot group of countries identified for group travel. We are gushing with enthusiasm to welcome our Chinese friends.”

He further stated, Sri Lanka has been identified as a “must visit” tourist destination for a long time. Ibn Batuta, the 13th century traveller from Tangier wrote that it was the most beautiful island on earth and that it was only forty leagues from paradise. More recently, the Lonely Planet travel guide identified Sri Lanka as a top “must visit” destination.”  He gave an descriptive account of the miles of clean golden beaches, warm seas that are home to many species of  whales and dolphins,  dense jungles where wild elephants roam, . the mist-covered mountains which produce Sri Lanka’s fabled black teas with their splendid flavors, and the coveted Ceylon blue sapphire –  the gem of choice of royalty. “It is also the country visited for thousands of years by faithful Chinese monks and traders to pay homage to the sites sacred to Buddhists,” the Ambassador said.

Minister Counselor Nalika Kodikara explained in detail the technical requirements for visitors to enter Sri Lanka which have been streamlined.  President of Spring Travels Yang Yang, explained the experiences of his pre-Covid-19 tour groups in Sri Lanka and expressed confidence that travelers will start to flow into the country again.

Representatives of CITS Beijing, CAISSA Travel,  Spring Travel, China Cruise & Yacht Industry Development Association,  Sri Lankan Airlines in Beijing,  China Art Association, World Tourism Cities Federation, Tour Travel, Zhonghe Travel and CZK Group were among the many tour operators at the event.

Media representatives from the China General Association Commercial Newspaper, Xinhua News Agency, Tianmu News, Souhu News, South China Morning Post, Ifeng.com, Haiwai News, Luxury Times, Beijing Trading Newspaper, Diplomat Magazine, Home and Abroad News, CGTN Radio, China Business Daily, China Trade News, China Network, Global Network, Voice of Diplomacy, Global Times, and CCTV-4 also attended.

Sponsors of the event included Lion Beer, Spring Travel, Century-old Qianmen store in Beijing, Moving Province Technology Group and Hong Kong Thai Wah Airlines with China Association for the Promotion of UN Procurement.
Detailed inquiries about sending visitors to Sri Lanka were made by the General Manager, China Cruise and Yacht Industry, the Gem & Jewellery Trade, the Nanjing Art Association and the Golfing Group. 

The participants were treated to Ceylon Tea and Lion Beer along with other refreshments.

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IMF Executive Board approves Sri Lanka’s fourth review

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw about US$350 million, said Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.

This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$1.74 billion.

“The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The program supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) enhancing growth-oriented structural reforms.”

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Cabinet approval for online traffic fine payment system – Bimal

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Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake has said that Cabinet approval has been granted to implement an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.

He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.

“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones… Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” the minister has said.

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Indian entrepreneur delegation meets President AKD (Pics)

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Indian entrepreneurs state that they are currently directing their attention towards new investment prospects in Sri Lanka, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, the digital economy, tourism and agriculture, as well as on enhancing entrepreneurial capacity.  

A delegation of around 20 Indian entrepreneurs, comprising heads of several prominent Indian companies, is currently engaged in an active programme in Sri Lanka, coordinated by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with the aim of further developing existing investment opportunities and exploring new prospects. These comments were expressed during the delegation’s meeting with President Anura Kumara Disanayake this afternoon (01) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The delegation is visiting Sri Lanka following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake during his recent official visit to India. The Indian delegation held discussions with several Sri Lankan Ministers and with officials from key government institutions, including the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.

President Disanayake emphasized that the country has now established a more favourable environment for investors, owing to the current economic stability.

The President briefed the Indian business representatives on the constructive measures implemented by the government to create a supportive economic climate and conditions conducive to investment. He further noted that the government has strengthened the legal framework and institutional system necessary to attract and sustain large-scale investments. He assured that under the present administration efforts have been made to eliminate the losses and corruption previously associated with investments. 

The President also emphasised that special attention has been given to attracting regional investors and providing them with the necessary facilities. He pointed out that numerous new business opportunities have opened up between India and Sri Lanka across various sectors.

The Indian entrepreneurs stated that Sri Lanka’s strategic location is of great appeal to investors. They appreciated the President’s explanation regarding the current situation of the country, noting that it had inspired confidence and renewed hope in them.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, along with officials from the Indian High Commission, were present at the occasion. Also in attendance were former Chairman of CII and Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited, Sanjiv Puri, and heads of several other major Indian companies.

(President’s Media Division)

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