Best of Sri Lanka ‘ to Showcase destination

The US State Departments, Bureau for South and Central Asia’s front office now displays a photograph of the Buddha, at Gal Viharaya in Pollonoaruwa; a gift from Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda. The photograph is a black and white rendering, of a, 12th century masterpiece of a carving on a single piece of rock and is the work of renowned Sri Lankan photographer Nihal Fernando. To expand this programme further, and to showcase, other sites of interest, to the world; the minister has requested Sri Lanka Tourism to conduct a photographic competition titled ‘Best of Sri Lanka’ and for the winning entries to be displayed, at other venues of importance; a reminder of the richness of Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity and talent.

Asia ‘s Grandest Procession

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.

Amangalla Salon to draw Connoisseurs of Wine to Gall

The popular Amangalla Salon will be different once again; on Saturday June 14th it will be an evening of wine tasting and a presentation by Prakash Mirchandani of Favourite International.

The wine on presentation and for tasting is from the Sandalford range of wines which come from the oldest and largest family run vineyard in Western Australia.

Yala Open to Visitors

Yala National Park is once again open to visitors and around 100 tourists have been visiting daily since its opening on 1st January after the unusually long break last year.

“Around 20 jeeps visited during the first two days after the reopening. The visitors included locals as well as foreigners” said an official at the park.

The park is open from 6 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. all seven days and all safari jeeps are in operation while the management is looking forward to opening the seven park bungalows as well.

Yala National Park Block 1 open for Visitors

January saw the reopening of Block 1 of the Yala National Park for visitors. Wildlife authorities keen on opening all parks as early as possible await the green signal, especially to fully open the Yala Park, to tourists and local visitors.

“At present around 30 -40 foreigners are visiting the park daily” said Tourism Officer Department of Wildlife Nayana Kulatunga going on to add “ The jeeps are in operation for visitors seeking wildlife safaris.” She also said “As at now, the Uda Walawe and Wilpattu Parks remain to be opened” according to other government sources these parks too are to be reopened in the very near future.

The following parks are currently open - Yala National Park (Block I), Bundala National Park, Kalametiya, Sinharaja, Kithulgala, Kanneliya, Talangama, Bodhinagala, Anniwilundua, Wasgamuwa National Park and Minneriya National Park.

Writers on “Ayurvedha Trail” in Sri Lanka From 26thg March to 2th April

Sri Lanka Calling warmly welcome celebrity writers Gael Le Bellego for GLAMOUR, Elisabeth Schneiter for LES ECHOS SERIE LIMITEE, Michèle Hispard for VIVRE ZEN, Arnaud Guillon for SENSO, Béatrice Amagat for FEMMES (Prisma Press Group) and FUTUR E-MAISON .

We wish them a wonderful stay in Sri Lanka as they travel through the country to observe places offering Ayurvedha treatment experiencing first hand, the rich diversity of the culture, nature, adventure, and the much talked about sun, sea and sand offer, and the curative therapy of mind/body wellness, Ayurvedha.

Victoria Golf and Country Club makes Big Plans For February

Lanka, home to beautiful golf courses has produced some of the regions best players; continue to be an attractive destination, for both amateurs and professionals alike. The Victoria Golf and Country Club, a more recent addition to the centuries old and legendary Royal Colombo Golf Club and the Golf Club Nuwara Eliya, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with special tournaments.

The Donald Steel scheduled for the 9th and 10th of February and the second round of the Victoria 10th Anniversary Trophy on the 16th with the Medal Round on Saturday the 23rd are some of the highlights of the celebrations.