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SL welcomes 100,000 Russian arrivals
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, in collaboration with Airport and Aviation Services organized a special ceremony to celebrate 100,000 tourist arrivals from the Russian Federation through direct flights.
This was held at the BIA today (July 17) by welcoming the passengers and crew that arrived by Aeroflot flight from Moscow.
A total of 100,298 Russian tourists were brought in to Sri Lanka jointly by Aeroflot, Azur Air and Redwings since 10th October 2022.
As of July, Russia has become the second highest source market for Sri Lanka. The visitors and invitees were given a warm welcome by Tourism Information Centre officials of SLTPB and were escorted to the Lotus lounge with a cultural performance by a traditional dance troupe, which was highly enjoyed by the Russian tourists.
The distinguished guests at this occasion included H.E Levan. Dzhagaryan, Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. G.A Chandrasiri, Chairman, Airport and Aviation Services Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya , Chairman , Sri Lanka Convention Bureau , Mr. Udayanga Weeratunga , Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, along with Mr. Thilak Weerasinghe , (LSR) , Mr. Rushan Fruard , (Exotic Holidays International), Mr. Kamal Deshapriya (Ceylon My dream) who contributed as Industry stakeholders for this direct flight operations. Captain Ermolaev Vladmir Vlaimirovich and crew of Aeroflot, together with Tourism and Aviation officials and Media attended this event.
Mr. G.A Chandrasiri , Chairman , Airport and Aviation Services made the welcoming speech and mentioned that with the increase of tourist arrivals from Russia to Sri Lanka, it shows that the hospitality , culture , and the traditional ways of Sri Lankan people are accepted by Russians. He thanked all the Tourism and aviation officials, Industry stakeholders who supported in this endeavor, to make this effort a success.
Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya , Chairman , SLCB also spoke on the occasion, by highlighting that Sri Lanka can now see a considerable change in the influx of tourist arrivals which is received on a daily basis.
Captain Ermolaev Vladmir Vlaimirovich also expressed his thanks and gratitude to the hospitality shown by the Sri Lankans and how impressive Sri Lanka is as a travel destination.
This initiative is seen as a positive outcome of the continuous efforts done by Sri Lanka Tourism to promote the Russian market, strengthening its Bilateral and Economical ties between the two nations, making Russia one of the most successful economic contributors in enhancing its Tourism. The positive message spread by the Russian passengers will further encourage more Russian tourists to visit Sri Lanka, for their next vacation.
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Foreign diplomats head to Kandy by train for “Siri Dalada Vandanawa” (Pics)
The special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, commenced today (April 18) after 16 years.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake, along with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other diplomats representing several countries, is expected to participate in the inaugural event.
Diplomats from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada and South Korea were among those taking part. The group traveled to Kandy this morning in a special observation saloon of a train that departed from Colombo Fort Railway Station at around 7:00 a.m.
This initiative aims to convey a message to Sri Lanka’s friendly nations that the country is recovering economically, overcoming previous challenges, and fostering national harmony. The event also seeks to strengthen international support for Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival in Kandy, the delegation first visited the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, where a special Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration was organized in accordance with local customs to welcome them.
Additional diplomats joined the group in Kandy, bringing the total number of participants to 44. Together, they proceeded to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the “Siri Dalada Vandanawa.” Afterward, they returned to Colombo by train.
Today, on the opening day, the public had the opportunity to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. From tomorrow (April 19) onwards, veneration will be open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Pics : President’s Media Division)
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‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ inaugurated (Video / Pics)
The inauguration of the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic commenced today (April 18).
President Anura Kumara Disanayake attended the ceremony.
Additionally, a number of foreign diplomats traveled to Kandy on a dedicated train service to attend this event.
(Video : SLRC)
(Previous news 2025 April 18 – 10.40.a.m.)
“Siri Dalada Vandanawa” commences today
The ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, will commence today (April 18) at 12:30 noon, after 16 years.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake is scheduled to participate in the inauguration ceremony.
Additionally, a number of foreign diplomats are expected to participate in this event. Special arrangements have been made for them to travel from Colombo to Kandy via a dedicated train service.
From April 19 to 27, the special exposition will be from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police’s Information Technology Division has introduced a new system to provide essential services for the convenience of devotees attending the ‘Siri Dalada Wandanawa’ and to facilitate collaboration with the police.
Through this platform, devotees can access information and receive instructions regarding the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic via the official website of the Sri Lanka Police, daladadekma.police.lk
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Oil anointing rituals at Dehiwala Zoo (Pics)
The oil anointing tradition for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held today (April 16).
The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka in Dehiwala also performed these rituals on several of its inhabitants.
The rituals began with the ‘Kadol’ elephant, continuing a customary tradition of blessing elephants during the New Year period.
The head of a brown bear recently received by the zoo from United Arab Emirates, was also anointed.
However, the most special zoo resident that was included in these rituals, was the 153-year-old giant tortoise, recognized as the oldest living animal in Sri Lanka.
The event was organized by the zoo’s management team under the guidance of Director General Chandana Rajapaksa and coordinated by Deputy Director Dinushika Manawadu.
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