Tourist arrivals showed an 8.6% increase over March 2007, sending out positive signals to a most resilient industry, that holds its good cheer, through out the year.

Russia, Middle East, China, U.K, Germany and France contributed to the positive change and Sri Lanka Tourism looks forward to more arrivals in the coming months.  The industry players have invested heavily in unique products and are poised to delight and serve visitors with unique experiences, along with the warm smiles and service excellence. 

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The Sri Lanka consulate along with a group of Sri Lankans’ resident in Shanghai celebrated the Sri Lankan New Year last week with traditional sweets and other food unique to Sri Lanka.

The festivities began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and went on to feasting on Sri Lankan delicacies, indulging in traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year games, providing a glimpse of Sri Lanka for the guests, who after the event commented that “We  long to  visit your beautiful country”  

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Japan Bank for International Corporation donated Rs.2.8 billion to Sri Lanka to develop tourism related infrastructure. The Tourism Related Infrastructure Project (TRIP) covers the areas of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, Negombo, Kandy and Colombo.

The government of Sri Lanka has also contributed Rs.600 million towards this project which includes the rehabilitation of the Hamilton Canal, development of the Fisherman’s Warf in Negombo, Lake Gregory, Victoria Park, Maha Meuna Uyana - Ring Road, Anuradhapura Malwathu Oya and the Immamulwa – Sigiriya village road. The beautification of the towns of Negombo and Nuwara Eliya are also in the pipeline.

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Plant a ‘Tree for Life’ the environment conservation effort, of Sri Lanka Tourism, Responsible Tourism Partnership, Galle Conservation Society and The Travel Foundation , U.K made a lasting impact on the visitors to Colombo last week with their appeal to plant trees and provide sustenance to communities.

For more details on efforts visit www.ResponsibleTourismSriLanka.org 
www.thetravelfoundation.co.uk

Ruk Rakaganno (Carers of Plants) an over three decades old organization, of committed tree lovers campaigned for tree planting throughout the Sri Lankan new year holiday season. The scientific community joined in promoting this campaign with Dr Bambaradeniya, coordinator, of the Asian regional species and bio diversity programmes at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) opining “If we are promoting biodiversity and conservation, it is now important to think beyond protected areas and natural eco systems. We can look at home gardens, managed plantations and temple forests to promote biodiversity” 
This New Year, in Sri Lanka tree planting too was an auspicious event. To plant a tree and save the environment call Ruk Raks on 0112554438 or email rukraks@sltnet.lk or visit http://rukrakaganno.sacredcat.org

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At the PATA CEO Challenge 2008 in Bangkok on 28th and 30th April, Renton de Alwis, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, will address the delegates on Sri Lanka’s ‘Earth Lung’ initiative calling attention to Sri Lanka Tourism’s pioneering work on the ten year programme of carbon offsetting, drawing attention to the need for sustainable development.
Srilal Miththapala, CEO Serendib Leisure is participating in the breakout interactive discussions on board challenges in the category ‘Regional Hotels and Resorts Challenges’. A committed conservationist, Miththapala will present the initiatives of Hotel Sigiriya in the area of energy conservation and carbon emission mitigation.

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Sri Lankan Catering is now triple certified earning two more prestigious accreditations for food safety, placing it among the elite group of in- flight catering companies to earn three global certifications. Sri Lankan catering just added the ISO 22000:2005 and HACCP-Codex Alimentarius accreditations to the existing ISO 9001: 2000 standard.
“ Sri Lankan catering met full compliance at the professional audits which are of very strict standards and it is a tribute to the professionalism of our staff that an Asian company such as ours has achieved this feat.” opined Dilip Nijhawan, CEO of SriLankan Catering, on this latest achievement.    

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The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources will hold an exhibition to commemorate World Environment Day at the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo on 4th and 5th June. Named ‘Soba’, this will be an ideal opportunity for institutions and individuals to showcase their efforts in conservation through their products and services.

Inquiries to participate and registration contact Director, Climate Change and Global Affairs Division, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Email eeconga@yahoo.com, Telephone 0094 1 2816970     

Singapore Airlines recently announced a new facility for passengers flying out of Colombo. Passengers now have the option of printing their own 2- D Boarding pass (2 DBP) from the comfort of their own home or office. This is an extension of the Internet check –in facility that is already available and is intended to facilitate the comfort of frequent and business class travellers who seek to minimize waiting and check-in times.

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Sri Lanka’s premier apparel manufacturer MAS Holdings, Fabric Division’s Strechline earned the most Innovative supplier award at Femmy Awards 2008 at the Femmy Gala presentation ceremony held in New York at the Cipriani Ball Room on 42nd Street.  This is an addition to list of global and national awards the MAS Holdings group has won over a decade of excellence.

Commenting on the honour Timothy Speldewinde, CEO Strechline said “This is the first time ever in its 50 year history that a company outside of the USA has won this award and this is a major achievement not only for MAS but for Sri Lanka as well”

Sri Lanka Calling congratulates Team Strechline for their excellence and for showcasing Sri Lanka’s innovative talent.

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The Melia Hotel in Hanoi Vietnam, was the venue for the Asian Banker Achievement Awards 2008, where National Development Bank Vice President, Indrajit Wickremasinghe, was awarded the “Promising Young Banker Award” by Sir George Mathewson, Chairman Tosca Fund Holdings and one time chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland.  

Sri Lanka Calling congratulates Indrajith and the National Development Bank of Sri Lanka on this special occasion.

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