Young artists peddle their talent on a quiet Colombo Street

In the heart of the city of Colombo on a relatively quiet and wide roadway, where its formal Art Gallery is located in a picturesque setting, one finds creations of immense talent on canvass. These paintings mostly acrylic on canvass and some oils on canvass display the artistry of the painters who are personally present explaining their creations to the keen visitors. To the widely travelled tourist or those coming from Europe it may be a reminder of Montmartre in the outskirts of Paris.

At this informal, makeshift gallery in the open air, one young artist Thushara has been exhibiting his paintings for over four years. Travelling nearly 30 kilo metres to Colombo bringing his canvasses rolled up and mounting them on chip board frames he speaks proudly of his creations. “Painting is my life. I paint abstract and real life stills too. My inspiration is my surrounding. I use my brush to express my feelings. I come every Monday the rest of the week, I am at the easel at home in the village.” He continued to add “These paintings may not be master pieces but they bring joy to those who buy them and are a positive reminder of life in Sri Lanka”. Others like Thushara are students at the nearby School of Art affiliated to the University. To them this is a dual opportunity of exhibiting their work and earning the much needed funds to continue as students of art.

World Travel Awards Announce finalists

Sri Lanka Calling congratulates ‘Kumbuk River’ in Buttala for being named as one of the 8 finalists in the category world’s leading eco –lodges. The facility is also short listed for an award at Virgin Responsible Tourism Awards and being named amongst the world’s best green places by a Times on line survey. We are also happy to announce that Ayurvedha Pavillion in Negombo continues to be one Asia’s leading resorts being also nominated under Asia’s leading Spa Resorts while Sri Lankan Airlines continues to be one of Asia’s leading airlines.

Viaggi Del ventagilo announces exclusivity with kani Lanka

The Italian charter tour giant – Viaggi del Ventaglio, in the wake of plans to expand operations in South Asia announced its acquisition of exclusivity of KANI LANKA Resort and Spa in Sri Lanka. Also known as Ventaclub Kani Lanka Resort and Spa is situated in Kalutara in the southern coast of Sri Lanka 25 kilometres from capital city Colombo.

“ From limiting the visit to the usual seven day round trip of culture, nature and adventure offer in Sri Lanka this partnership will be an incentive for the Italian tourists to stay on and enjoy the beach and the Sun and Sand offer too” opined Neranjan Rodrigo of Aitken Spence Travels, the ground handling agent for Viaggi de Ventaglio in Sri Lanka.

Veteran Dance Company Present a Children's Sinhala ballet

Pioneers of the Sinhala Ballet the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya keeping to their rich tradition is presenting a work of great choreography in the Kumbi Kathawa which was inspired by a Russian children’s story. Going on the boards at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on 7th , 8th and 9th September this ballet will be a treat for connoisseurs of dance as well as families with young children.

Un delegates Views on Sri lanka

Addressing the press conference at Taj Exotica Bentota, the chairperson of the UNWTO World Tourism Day sessions on “Tourism Opens Doors for Women”, H.E. Nilofer Bakhtiar opined “Sri Lanka is a clear role model for others to emulate. You have achieved so much in this field and empowered women that we see in Sri Lanka as a model for others to follow.”

Prof. Geoffrey Lipman, UNWTO’s Assistant Secretary General speaking of Sri Lanka “Your country has always had a special appeal to me. It is an absolute jewel – beautiful. The problems that stood in the way of speeding developments in the industry can now be turned to your advantage as you promote yourself as a green destination”.

Visiting journalist David Browne of E-turbo news said “Wonderful place! A delightful experience! This time I am here on work, next time I want to come on holiday, Bentota town is so fascinating and people so friendly and helpful”

Turning Past glory into a top end accommodation facility

Within the 400 year old walls of Galle Fort - classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site - Amangalla is housed in historic colonial buildings, dating from 1684. The Oriental Hotel was founded in 1863, and renamed the New Oriental Hotel at the turn of the century. Today it is one of Asia’s oldest registered hotels. Fully renovated and restored to the lustrous ambience of a distant era, it is now operative under the name Amangalla.

Tourism Carnival Hikkaduwa Smiles ‘ is on From 17th to 23rd December

Hikkaduwa is gearing up to smile and dazzle visitors once again and to usher in a new era in tourism with ‘Hikkaduwa Smiles’ a tourism carnival. Streets will be lit and flags will flutter in the December breeze, as each hotel and restaurant goes all out to delight visitors this season.

A vintage car rally featuring British cars will parade down to Hikkaduwa on the 18th and will be exhibited at the Coral Gardens Hotel, followed by an awards presentation and the gala dinner.
On the 19th it will be featured drummers to entertain, while 20th will feature a mini-Perehera (pageant) to keep visitors enthralled.

On the 21st focus will be on a Devil Mask dance and fire walking festival at the Refresh Restaurant. Fireworks will light up the sky on all six days from a rock, set in the sea, while the night clubs play reggae and rock music to keep dancers on the floor all night.

A fashion show will be on at Coral Sands Hotel on the 22nd and the two mile sea swim with the participation of over 250 local and foreign competitors will be grand finale to this splendid line up of events.

The Next “hot” event is the World Spic food festival

The World Spice Food Festival will be the next ‘Hot’ event to attract attention of all visitors to Sri Lanka. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) sponsored event is scheduled from 18th to 28th October at the Colombo Hilton. The World Spice Food Festival is gearing up to delight visitors as it has done in the past. It will be 10 days of culinary extravaganza, with world renowned chefs flying in to Colombo to showcase their individual specialities. Food values and the third dimension of health benefits in food will be featured. Another attraction of the event will be the spectacular ‘Hawker Street’ at Nomads Grounds in Colombo where visitors can relish and experiment with a variety of foods from 15 different types of cuisine.

Taj Airport Garden Hotel Offers 24 7 dining

In October this year, the Taj Airport Garden Hotel launched the new 24 x 7 menu, at ‘Society’ the 24 hour coffee shop and the 24 hour In-Room dining service. The hotel is situated in close proximity to the Colombo International Airport at Katunayake and is a popular venue for transit passengers as well.

From a Continental breakfast to traditional Indian food to a Chinese dinner, a diverse variety of cuisine to delight the taste buds of the most discerning is on offer.

Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka Celebrates Golden Jubilee

‘Sri Lanka Calling’ congratulates the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka, on its Golden Jubilee . We wish them continuing success as the most outstanding non-professional musical ensemble in Sri Lanka. An orchestra comprised of committed musicians, has over its 50 years of existence, thrilled audiences with many a captivating performances. They have during the Golden Jubilee year crossed oceans to Japan to make a landmark presentation.

The highlight of the Golden Jubilee year is the ‘Asia Orchestra Week’ concert, held in Tokyo, Japan. The India – Sri Lanka Goodwill Orchestra, combining musicians from Sri Lanka, India and Japan performed under the baton of Maestro Hikotaro Yazaki. Our own Harsha Makalande’s ‘Svarasanga Vannama’ for Orchestra, Piano and Local Drums, featuring composer as the pianist and Ravibandu and Jananath Warakagoda on Getaberaya and Thamamattema (Local Drums) respectively, stole the show with its unique sounds and exchanges of the soloists and was reported to be the most spectacular performance at the Asia Orchestra Week’s concerts.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations ends with the Christmas Concerts, conducted by Manilal Weerakoon, and the Orchestra will continue rehearsing for Bizet’s Opera ‘The Pearl Fishers’ presented with co-sponsorship of Sri Lanka Tourism, which goes on board on 9th and 11th January 2008 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo.

Sri Lankan Gems Sparkle in China

The ‘Sri Lanka Pavilion’ at the China Gold Jewellery and Gem Fair 2007 displayed an eye catching array of gems and jewellery from Sri Lanka. The participants at the fair were successful in making valuable contact with buyers enhancing Sri Lanka’s position and image as a leading producer and supplier of high quality Blue Sapphires to the world.

The exhibition attracted over 150 exhibitors from USA, Italy, Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Turkey and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Authority with the support of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing, made a significant presence promoting the Sri Lankan jewellery fair ‘FACETS Sri Lanka 2008’ scheduled to be held in Colombo in September 2008.

Sri Lankan Airlines Golf Classic Draws over 150 Golfers

This premier sporting event on the SriLankan Airlines calendar drew over 150 golfers to the hill capital Kandy. The picturesque Victoria Golf and Country Resort saw repeat visitors mainly from Europe and some new faces from the Middle East and the Far East also participating in the tournament this year. Some golfers who have been keen participants were attracted to the event and enjoyed the beautiful Victoria Golf Course rated among the 100 most beautiful courses in the world. The location enthrals visitors; the fresh air and cool climes of Digana is half an hour drive from Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sri LANKAN Airlines Flies to and from 11 Indian Cities

With Sri Lankan Airlines adding Coimbatore to the existing Indian cities of Trivandrum, Calicut, Kochi, Chennai, Trichy, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Goa, Colombo becomes an important link in tourist traffic from Middle East to South East Asia and the Far East and is set to be the gateway to India.

With Colombo’s increasing popularity as a meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) destination in South Asia, the Sri Lankan Airlines decision to add key Indian cities to their list of destinations, is welcomed by all in the travel and tourism industry.

While transit passengers from India will enjoy the comfort of the Colombo airport facilities with attractive value for money duty free shopping, the more discerning travellers can venture out and take time to experience the culture and geographical diversity of a country with close religious and cultural ties to that of India.

Sri Lanka’s top hotels announcd at World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards (WTA) announced the winners of the Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Awards at Leela Palace Kempinski in Bangalore at a glamorous and exciting event. Five of Sri Lanka’s leading hotels were rewarded for excellence; voted in by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 countries across the globe.

Congratulations go out to the winners:
Sri Lanka's Leading Boutique Hotel: Galle Fort
Sri Lanka's Leading Hotel: Hilton Colombo
Sri Lanka's Leading Resort: Ayurveda Pavilions
Sri Lanka's Leading Spa Resort: Ayurveda Pavilions
Sri Lanka's leading Suite: Presidential Suite, Taj Samudra Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s first theme hotel named among World’s Best

The UK’s largest selling Sunday newspaper the Sunday Times featured ‘The Tea Factory’ in its Travel section this month bringing credit to Sri Lanka. The first tea factory to be converted to a boutique hotel earning it a UNESCO Pacific Heritage Merit Award in 2001 for “The impressive conversion of a dilapidated tea factory in to a luxury hotel complex” An architectural master piece the building earned the South Asian Architecture Award in 1995 and in 2000 was recognised by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for “restoration while maintaining its original façade.”

Sri Lanka Makes its Mark As a Destination for the Sporty

Sri Lanka, fast earning a reputation as a destination catering to the most discerning, now offers the sporty traveller, the excitement of competition and sports, alongside its nature, culture, adventure and the long established sea and sand offer. In January 2008 Sri Lanka is set to host the world’s biggest women’s multi-sport adventure race – Raid Amazon.

French organizer (ZBO) of the internationally acclaimed RAID AMAZONES will hold the 7th edition in January 2008 in Sri Lanka. RAID AMAZONES has previously been hosted in exotic travel destinations in Guyana, Reunion, Mauritius and Kenya.

The RAID is a multi-sport adventure race where around 200-250 women, make up teams of three, and over a period of 6 days participate in various events, ranging from biking, canoeing, jungle courses and going on to multiple other outdoor activities. The idea being one of enjoying, discovering and relishing a country’s landscape, its people, culture and traditions while engaging in sporting activities.

Sri Lanka gears up for world Tourism Day

“Men don’t get it” – Pow Wow events of professional women, an interesting concept of Sri Lanka Tourism for professional women in keeping with the UN WTO theme this year of ‘Tourism opens doors women’ will kick off on 15th of September. For details email professionalpowwow@srilanka.travel

The World Tourism Leaders Summit will be on at the Taj Exotica at Bentota from 27th September. The UNWTO online Photographic Competition , the international press conference, the issue of a special postage stamp, Sri Lanka a “Green Lung

Destination” and the launch of the UNWTO WPP world kids programme, are other events on at the main venue -Taj Exotica.

The UNWTO celebrations have brought a sense of expectation and excitement to a people looking forward to celebrate a new era in tourism. All of Sri Lanka is energized and gearing up in their own special way to celebrate this global tourism special event.

South Asian Media Professional Impressed by Sri lankan Hospitality.

Visiting media personnel from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Afghanistan and Bhutan were hosted to an evening of cultural entertainment by Sri Lanka Tourism. A guest, New Delhi based Indian journalist George Kallivayalil’s comment on the programme was “You are a wonderfully cultured people and you have a rich heritage, the beauty of your country is amazing. Today you up sold every culture and place in your country even the touch of the western in how you entertain is so beautiful and so Sri Lankan.”

Returning tourist on 6th Visit talks of sri Lanka as a Magical destination

Belgian traveller Luke Devos was in Colombo on January 1st on his 6th visit to Sri Lanka having first visited in 2005.

“Asia is a cultural mystery for us from the west. On coming to Sri Lanka, I found its beauty captivating and magical. I got to know of how beautiful the country is only after coming here and I keep coming every time I get a chance. I particularly love your culture of family unity and the extended family system. It is a wonderful experience, even the security check points cannot take away the charm of your country. You are lucky to be born in this beautiful country” said Luke Devos.

oldest recorded tree in history

Sri Lanka Tourism greeted the year 2008 in a bold statement calling out to all, to care about the environment and its depleting resources. The simple and positive message carried through the “Carbon Clean Sri Lanka: Tourism Earth Lung Programme” greeting, tugged at the heart strings and the conscience of all this season, to pause and give thought to saving trees and conserving all other resources to support mitigate global warming.

We at Sri Lanka Calling is also proud that this call for conservation comes from the home of the oldest recorded tree on earth, the ‘Sri Mahabodhi’ – a tree venerated by Buddhists the world over, for over 2500 years. The holiest shrine in Anuradhapura in the north central province, the ‘Jaya Shri Mahabodhi’, is a mature tree which grew from the Bo sapling, which was brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 3rd century B.C. Protected by the people of Sri Lanka for centuries, today it stands tall and majestic amidst other younger trees, in the place it was originally planted, encircled by a gold plated railing fed with milk and water by devotees.

National Day of Romania and Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic ties

A Romanian fork lore ensemble “Baraganul” will perform at the Galadari Hotel from 30th November to 4th December. This event, organized jointly by the Romanian embassy in Colombo and the Galadari Hotel, is in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic ties between Romania and Sri Lanka.

The visiting performers will offer an opportunity for Colombo audiences to get an insight of the rich culture of Romania and the artistes, will no doubt, carry back happy memories of a delightful stay in Sri Lanka.

Mt Lavinia beach ariot of colour as kites compete for attention

Clear skies on a windy evening saw the most creative kites at the Kite Festival on the Mt Lavinia beach on Sunday the 18th of November. Hundreds of kites of myriad colours and descriptions were seen fluttering in the sky, as the competitors from various suburbs of Colombo mingled in easy camaraderie and vied for the prizes with those who had travelled to the event from far off towns of Trincomalee and Kantalai.

The passion and commitment of the competitors, has spurred the organizers the Lions Movement and Sri Lanka Tourism, to develop this colourful and engaging event, in to an annual feature to be held in September/October each year, opening the competition to international participants.

Mango friends Puppet Group from ambalangoda Performed at the Ramparts

The Mango Friends’ puppet group from Ambalangoda showed off their puppetry skills and their beautifully hand carved puppets on the Galle Ramparts on 27th December to the delight of visitors and locals alike.

The workshop, on how puppets work and move, kindled the interest of children in this ancient art, practised by the villagers of the coastal town of Ambalangoda, famous for puppetry and creatively hand crafted masks. An art handed down from generations and now kept alive by a couple of villagers, continue to delight visitors to the south of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Tourism congratulates the organisers on the initiative to bring a new focus to the work of these artists.

Maldives and Sri Lanka Explore Twin Destination marketing

A high level ministerial delegation from Maldives met with Sri Lanka Tourism officials for bilateral talks of mutual interest. Maldives essentially a beach destination is expanding rapidly and seeks training assistance from Sri Lanka. And in turn Sri Lanka Tourism would like to see our nature, culture and adventure offer marketed with the Maldives beaches as a twin destination.

Living canvas’ Nepali artists to showcase talent in sri lanka

Living Canvas – The Gallery without Walls 2007’ exhibition will be an exciting opportunity for visitors in Colombo to view paintings of the Kasthamandap Art Studio a Nepal based art school. The exhibition is held on 23rd September at the Grand Ballroom of the Galle Face Hotel in concurrence with the Nepal National day festivities in Sri Lanka and the 50th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Kumbuk River

Kumbuk River is a resort, just one year old and is already recognised as being amongst the best in the world. World Travel Awards listed ‘Kumbuk River’ among the world’s 8 best eco-lodges and Times On–Line named it to be among the world’s 50 best green places to stay.

The creative ingenuity of making an Elephant Villa in a pristine location in the remote district of Moneragala deserves accolades and more and we at ‘Sri Lanka Calling’ congratulate the Kumbuk River team for the initiative. ‘Kumbuk River’ is described as a “Spell binding hideout on a magical island”.

Hotel Sigiriya Committed to best environmental Practises

Hotel Sigiriya situated in close proximity to the world heritage site ‘Sigiriya’ with a full frontal view of the historic rock from its swimming pool has been a popular location for both local and foreign guests since its inception 34 years ago.

Placed in an eight acre garden of trees the Hotel has adopted green practises for over ten years and was recently revamped. During the period of nearly two years taken for refurbishing, the Hotel staff from accountants to chefs attended intensive training programmes on environment and best eco friendly conservation practises. A professional conservation biologist and environmental management consultant were engaged in programmes to familiarize the hotel staff on the flora and fauna of the area, and examined how they could make their methods of operation most environmentally friendly which has resulted in Hotel Sigiriya leading the way in mitigating the effect of its carbon foot print and being the first hotel in Sri Lanka to calculate its carbon foot print.

Hot air balloons to adorn the skies over sri lanka in March April

The fortnight from Friday 21st March to Friday 4th April 2008 the skies over some parts of Sri Lanka will see an unusual sight, when over 80 to 100 balloonists, take to the skies in 25 hot air balloons.

The Sri Lanka Balloon Festival’s ballooning excursions will cover the Uda Walawe area, the Cultural Triangle and the air space surrounding Sigiriya, with a trip to Nuwara Eliya also being a part of the tour. A journey to the highlands on the Viceroy Express – the steam engine powered vintage luxury train and for the more adventurous parachute jumping from the balloon are other attractions on offer.

The tour is scheduled to start off in Colombo with “Night Glow Musical Show” with the balloons tethered, lit up and glowing like large light bulbs against the evening darkness, providing a spectacular sight to the viewers. Music, food and beverages are available for spectators in a carnival-like atmosphere allowing many families to enjoy a quality evening of entertainment.

Hot Air Ballooning- Excitement, Beauty And awe

Adventure Asia’s first Hot Air Balloon flight in the south, took off, with nine ballooning enthusiasts in the basket. At 1,000 meters above ground level, capturing the picturesque sights of the south of Sri Lanka, the balloon floated over, beautiful tea country to the north with a hazy view of Adam’s Peak, and to the south, the spectacular coast with the World Heritage Site Galle Fort and Buddhist Stupa of Rhumassala was seen shining from a distance.

Endless paddy fields and jungle hills was viewed as a mass of green and as the balloon was approaching ground level the sighting of exotic birds and raucous monkeys on the trees added to the excitement of a wonderful experience. The feeling is best described by Olivia Richli “I had one of the most magical moments I have ever had in Sri Lanka.”

Hot Air Balloonig Expands to the South of Sri Lanka

Come November and Hot Air ballooning will be an additional attraction in the southern coastal town of Galle where the Ruhuna Open Skies Policy is permitting all aviation activities.

Historic ‘Bentoa Perehera’ Of The Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya

The most colourful pageant in the south the Bentota Perahera will parade the streets on 29th December from 8.30 – 11.30 p.m. Though not as well known or as publicized as the Kandy Perahera this magnificent parade is equally majestic and colourful with 25 elephants 35 dancing troupes with 800 dancers performing dance forms of the Kandyan , Up country, Low country ( Kavadi) and the Sabaragamuwa traditions.

The Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya Trustees are the custodians of the tooth relics of Sri Anubuddha Maha Kasyapa a disciple of the Buddha. These relics are said to have been brought to Sri Lanka in the reign of King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd Century B.C. and the temple is revered by Buddhists and is of great cultural significance.

Hindus in Sri Lanka Prepare for Navarathri Celebrations

As Hindus the world over prepare to celebrate Navarathri, in Sri Lanka the national festivities will be lead by the Ministry of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs on the 19th of October. Sri Lanka Tourism joins in the celebrations in Colombo at the New Kathiresan Hall, and those at the Hotel school in Anuradhapura in a celebration of cultural amity. For more information contact DG’s Office, Sri Lanka Tourist Board.

Hindu festival Navarathri Begins all Communities join in Celebration

The department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs of the ministry of Religious Affairs and Moral Upliftment will lead Navaraathri celebrations in Sri Lanka at the New Kathiresan Hall in Colombo on 18th and 19th October and further festivities will be held throughout the island and also at the Sri Lanka Hotel School premises in Colombo and Anuradhapura.

Heritance Kandalama amongst the world’s top Green Hotels

US based, popular ‘Travel and Leisure’ magazine, in a survey conducted in collaboration with Conservation International of USA, named Heritance Kandalama to be amongst the top 15 Green Hotels of the World, lifting Sri Lanka’s profile as an eco-tourism destination.

Designed by internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, Heritance Kandalama’s high environmental standards have been commended many times over both locally and globally.

Situated in close proximity to two world heritage sites of the Sigiriya rock fortress and the Dambulla cave temple in the cultural triangle with nature at its best surrounding it, The Heritance Kandalama is a testimony to Geoffrey Bawa’s foresight in creating eco friendly resorts.

Gerany and uk also review Travel advisories

First the French Tour Operators Association (CETO) and then The Netherlands, and now Germany and UK authorities have revised travel advisories to Sri Lanka. The earlier ‘advice against travelling to Sri Lanka if not essential’ has been deleted from the text of the German travel advisory.

The British travel advisory too has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment where it now states ‘we no longer advice against travel to the city of Anuradhupura’ paving way for tour operators to canvass and accept bookings for the upcoming winter season.

Galle literary Festival Puts Sri Lanka on the World Literary Stage

One of the world’s newest leading literary festivals - the Galle Literary Festival will be on from the 16th to 20th January 2008 in the historic coastal town of Galle in the south of Sri Lanka. The town’s magnificent UN World heritage Fort will transform in to a hive of literary activity, as it did last year, when lovers of literature gather to listen to famous authors the likes of Vikram seth, novelist essayist and play write, Gore Vidal, just two in a list of distinguished writers gracing the festival.

East Warm up to host Visitor

With the commissioning of the Arugam Bay Bridge the roadway from Pottuvil to Panama is now a clear run to the East coast. Large expanses of sandy beach invitingly stretch miles on end beckoning visitors to come surf, fish, bike or discover wildlife in the surrounding areas.

A well loved tourist attraction and particularly sought by surfers, Arugam Bay boasts of the best waves for informal beginners. Also for the intermediate and to the fully initiated the swells of Arugam Bay will always be the surfers’ paradise.

Duruthu Perehera-cultural Pagrant on the lines of Kandy Perahera

The Duruthu Maha Pererhera of the Sri Jayasudharshanaramaya Temple, in Bolawalana , Negombo is a pageant with all the features of the renowned Kandy perahera including traditional dancers, drummers and the majestic tusk elephants. It attracts large crowds of viewers and among them are visitors and tourists to this coastal town, who welcome the diversity offered by a cultural event, after a day spent relaxing and enjoying the sun and sand offer for which this town is most popular.

December 2007 Tourist arrivals up 55.8%; January 2008 also Promises Good Results

Tourist arrivals grew as December out did November’s growth of 20% by a 55.8% increase. January looks increasingly promising with the recent high arrivals in the religious tourism sector and with events which have made Sri Lanka increasingly attractive for the traveller with a wide repertoire of interests.

Community Based Eco Guides Association to Cober East Cost

The CEGA is made up of 13 Eco – Guide Members and was formed during a community based eco tourism project implemented by the Institute for International Economic Corporation in partnership with the Sewalanka Foundation. 13 Tour Guides from the eastern coastal town of Arugam Bay were trained in a special “Train the Trainer” programme. The Sri Lanka Tourist Board licensed them as Area Guides- specializing in eco tourism and community based tourism.

Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport

Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in its recent expansion which includes a modern terminal, aerobridges, comfortable lounges and a well stocked duty free shopping complex is fast earning the reputation of being one of South Asia’s best airports.

The change was best explained by an expatriate Sri Lankan “It was such a nice experience coming in to Colombo this time round, totally unexpected. It feels good to be back and the feel good factor started at the airport” said Seetha Narendra from Brisbane.

Colombo gets ready for jazz festival

The Colombo Jazz Festival will take off next month at the CR and FC grounds Colombo from December 7th to 11th. The participation of UK’s top Saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, currently working with the Ronnie Scots All Stars and the BBC Big Band, is bringing his own quartet to Sri Lanka. Dave has previously toured Sri Lanka with Martin Taylor and his own group. Joining him will be Andrew McCormack(piano)- winner of Rising Star, British Jazz Awards 2006.

Alongside the British performers, the best names in the local jazz scene will also be there to entertain visitors. The CR and FC grounds will take on a carnival atmosphere during the five days of the event where music will be complimented by dinner stalls offering select British cuisine along with specially brewed beer.

Colombo audiences look forward to ‘the pearl Fishers’ Opera

The Neemrana Music Foundation will perform “The Pearl Fishers” in Colombo in January 2008. This coincides with another major cultural event - the Galle Literary Festival. With a cast of around 150 from Sri Lanka, France, India and Korea ‘The Pearl Fishers’ ; An opera, composed in 1863 by the French composer Georges Bizet, is a love story set on an island off the coast of Sri Lanka, among simple fishing folk.

Colombo will resonate with the universal language of music, encouraging cross cultural connections, bringing Sri Lanka on the global map of western classical music and drawing attention to the variety on offer for the discerning visitors and the culture buffs who follow the trails of good theatre.

Club Hotel Dolphin is fist Choice’s Gold Chooice

Congratulations go out Club Hotel Dolphin for winning the third consecutive Gold Award, from UK’s leading outbound tour operator First Choice. The award, based on customer feedback, is a prestigious reward, earned for commitment to customer satisfaction. The hotel also enjoys a high portfolio of repeat guests.

Cinnamon Grand Walrk For a Cause

One of Colombo’s 5 star hotels went beyond their theme of “Indulgence” to one of “Spread A Little Sunshine” when a 400 strong, Team Cinnamon Grand and Associates walked a 16 kilo metre stretch, to promote cancer awareness and to raise funds for much needed equipment for the state cancer hospital in Maharagama.

General Manager Rohann Karr and the team in a bid to raise Rs.1.8 million, towards the equipment walked the distance of 16 kilo metres from the Hotel to the Hospital carrying the message to onlookers that caring is rewarding.

Asian Elephants And Sri Lanka Culture at Smithsonian National Zoo in Usa

The Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC joined the Sri Lankan Embassy on 17th November, to celebrate the Conservation of the Asian Elephant and Sri Lankan culture in a day filled with exciting activities. Dr John Berry, Director of the Zoo, speaking on the occasion said that the association between Smithsonian Scientists and Sri Lanka, dates back to the 1960’s and cited Sri Lanka as a country leading the way in elephant conservation.

HE Bernard Goonetilleke, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador, in turn spoke of the goodwill between the Smithsonian National Zoo and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, which paved the way for the joint celebration of culture and nature - an opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s myriad attractions, as a delightful destination for travellers, with diverse interests.

Asia Grandest Processing

The Esala Perahera, Asia’s grandest processions takes to the streets in July, with the culminating grand procession -the Dalada Perahera being scheduled for August.

Going as far back as the 3rd century B.C. the processions were originally rituals enacted to request rainfall during seasons of drought, expanding to the current magnificent pageant to include the veneration of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, believed to have been brought to Sri Lanka from India, in the 4th century A.D.

Arugambay Showcases Sri Lanka As aResponsible Tourism Destination……….

Classed among the top ten surfing destinations in the world, Arugambay, a delightful village, unspoilt by the advent of tourism and the many visitors that seek out the destination was highly commended at the World Travel Market Awards function held early this month in London. This cosy village, placed on the north eastern coast of Sri Lanka, has with sheer determination and grit, over come many an obstacle including the Asian Tsunami of 2004 and rebuilt their lives and once again become a much sought after tourist destination.

An example of peaceful coexistence, the village is home to Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities. The main livelihood of the villagers is tourism. Rugged village surroundings bordered by jungle land where elephants roam, birds abound and the sea is unimaginably captivating. Arugambay remains untouched by developers and has only hotels with basic comforts, adding to its endearing charm and earning them the reward of the ‘Highly commended Best Destination Award’.

Arugam bay short listed for top award at world Trade Market

Arugam Bay, situated away from the formal tourism sector is unique in its very setting and its people have shown great resilience in the face of many hardships. The recognition of being one of three finalists for the Best Destination award at the World Trade Market Tourism Fair 2007 comes as no surprise in the wake of the work done by the Responsible Tourism Partnership (Sri Lanka) , Sewalanka Foundation and other organizations working for the development of this coastal village.

The Responsible Tourism Awards at WTM will recognize and reward those who are committed to making a significant contribution to the culture and economies of local communities, taking leadership in bio diversity and conservation programmes.

The Best Destination Award is the most prestigious and is awarded to the resort, village, or an entire country that manages tourism efficiently for the long term benefit of tourists, the environment and the local people.

Amangalla Salon’ Talks –a Forum for intellectual debate and discourse

Built within the walls of the 400 year old UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort, the Amangalla Hotel, now hosts free monthly talks at the Zaal – the hotel’s beautiful hall.

On Saturday 1st December 2007 at 7 p.m. photojournalist and Asia expert Juliet Coombe, will speak on ‘The Forbidden Country – Burma’. The talk will be followed by a debate on whether tourists should continue the country’s tourism boycott. Photojournalist Juliet Coombe worked as a foreign correspondent for the Sunday Times in Burma in 1995, produced a Channel Four Documentary on the country in 1997 and recently shot a series of news pieces for ITN looking at the country ten years on from the start of the 1996 tourism boycott.