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Come witness Sachin break Lara’s all-time Test batting record in Sri Lanka |
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Cricket-crazy Indian fans will have the opportunity of a lifetime this summer, as Sri Lanka offers some bargain holiday packages to witness Sachin Tendulkar break Brian Lara’s world record for all-time runs scored in Test matches.
Sachin is a mere 171 runs behind Lara’s aggregate of 11,953 runs, and is expected to set the new mark during India’s 3-Test series in Sri Lanka in July/August 2008. With Sachin expected to have several more years in the game, this record is likely to stand for many years, if not for all time. India also play 5 one-day-internationals versus the host country.
The island nation, where cricket is a national passion, is planning to celebrate Sachin’s record with a carnival of gala events, and is inviting Indian cricket fans to join in. SriLankan Airlines has joined hands with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau and the country’s hotels to offer some amazing discounted air fares and holiday packages during this time.
Five of Sri Lanka’s own cricket legends – Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Aravinda De Silva – have joined in the effort as Country Ambassadors to promote this historic tour among Indian fans.
Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau Dilip Mudadeniya said: “It will be an honour to have Sachin set the new world record while in Sri Lanka, and we want our Indian friends to join in the joy of this historic event. We have planned many special programmes to mark this occasion, and we’d like our Indian friends to join us.” |
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SriLankan Airlines’ CEO Manoj Gunawardena said: “India and Sri Lanka have many things in common, but nothing is as strong as our common passion for cricket. Every Sri Lankan is waiting impatiently with anticipation to witness Sachin breaking Lara’s record as the two teams do battle.”
These special packages start from as little as INR 18,099 per person for 5 nights / 6 days in Colombo, to 5 nights / 6 days in Galle, and 15 nights / 16 days for die-hard fans for the entire tour. Packages can be adjusted according to each individual’s preferences, and can include additional tours of the country’s many other attractions such as its mist-swathed mountains, ancient cultural sites, adventure tours, and beach resort areas.
SriLankan Airlines serves 11 cities in India with direct flights to Colombo, only a short hop away. Most cities have daily or more frequent flights.
The 1st Test is from 23-27 July at the SSC in Colombo; the 2nd Test from 31st July-4th August at the Galle International Cricket Stadium; and the 3rd Test from 8-12 August at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
A massive Beach Carnival is planned in the popular beach resort town of Hikkaduwa to celebrate Sachin’s epic feat, organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau. It will include night-time musical concerts with jugglers, fire-eaters and massive fireworks displays; beach games and water sports during the day; a jazz festival; exhibitions and displays; and even kids games so you can bring your entire family. Then there’s karaoke contests, beach barbeques, talent contests, dancing competitions, and of course a waterfront filled with hotels, restaurants and bars. |
Sri Lanka is growing in popularity as a destination among Indian tourists, and is the largest country of origin of visitors to the island nation. While in Sri Lanka, Indian visitors can enjoy the island’s many and varied attractions. They include excellent facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport, which has earned a reputation as the finest airport in South Asia, with its new terminal with aerobridges, comfortable lounges, and of course a well-stocked duty free shopping complex that is second to none in the region.
Then there’s the excellent value-for-money shopping in name brand clothing, Ceylon Tea, and gemstones; diverse climates and landscapes; and ancient cultural sites. It is also a favourite among business travellers, especially with companies that prefer the short flight to Colombo for meetings, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE tourism).
Indian travellers also find themselves at home on board SriLankan’s flights, with on-board cuisine having a wide selection of North Indian, South Indian and vegetarian dishes; and the entertainment system having the latest releases from Bollywood and the Tamil film industry.
For more information, contact your local travel agent, or the nearest SriLankan Airlines office.
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