Sri Lanka welcomes one millionth tourist in 2012

Achieving another remarkable milestone in the country’s booming tourism industry, Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed the arrival of 1,000,000th tourist in year 2012 at Bandaranaike International Airport on 31st December 2012.

Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhana, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism- Bhashwara Gunarathna , Kamal Rathwaththa – Deputy Chairman Of Airport and Aviation(LTD), Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau – Rumy Jauffer with a group of representatives from travel and tourism industry warmly welcomed the guest Ms. Jiang Ying and her husband from China who arrived in Sri Lanka via flight UL 889 from Beijing at 10.00 p.m. Sri Lanka Tourism took steps to arrange a special ceremony to welcome the 1,000,000th guest.

Sri Lanka Tourism gavec special gifts for being the lucky couple from China to pass the milestone, so that their next stay in Sri Lanka will be absolutely free. Ms. Jiang Ying, being the happy visitor to arrive in Sri Lanka as the 1,000,000th tourist for the year 2012, said "I had heard a lot about Sri Lanka from my friends. I found out details about your country before deciding my holiday destination. I was simply bewitched by the photos on the internet. Sri Lanka is as beautiful and breathtaking as presented in the photos. Moreover, Sri Lankans are very hospitable and kind."

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British Airways names Sri Lanka as the top destination in year 2013.

Sri Lanka has topped the 13 destinations categorized as popular favorite places to visit next year.

This ranking has been accorded to Sri Lanka by a panel of experts assigned by British Airways to compile a list of the top 13 new destinations and popular favorite places to visit in 2013. 

Beautiful beaches, heritage sites, hospitality and no restrictions on travel are the reasons for this nomination. The British Airways points out different climates experienced in Sri Lanka is also another reason for this decision. Meanwhile, the one millionth tourist for this year arrived last night. There was a marked development in tourism this year. In the year 2010 the number of tourists visited Sri Lanka amounted 650 thousand.

The Panel of Experts have made their determination based on tourists heading to the island in increasing numbers after the end of terrorism, attractions like beaches, elephant treks and a large number of UNESCO world heritage sites to visit in the country.

The other destinations are Croatia; Vietnam; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Derry, Northern Ireland; Las Vegas, USA; Tbilisi, Georgia; San Diego, California, USA; Cape Town, South Africa; Alicante, Spain; and Dubai, UAE. (niz)
British Airways will resume direct flights to Colombo from Gatwick,UK in March 2013. This is an addition to Lonely Planet endorsement for Sri Lanka as best destination to travel for 2013 among global tourism destinations.

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Sri Lanka tourist arrivals reach record high in November

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals rose 20.1 percent to a record high in November this year compared to the same period last year, the data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed.
The month recorded 109,202 tourists arriving in the country compared to the 90,889 arrived in November 2011.
Arrivals during the first eleven months of the year increased 16.5 percent to 883,353 from the 758,458 arrived in the same period last year to surpass the total arrivals for 2011.
Arrivals from North America rose 34.5 percent to 5,798 in November with Canada rising 30.4 percent to 2,542 and USA rising 37.8 percent to 3,256. For the first eleven months of 2012, North American arrival rose by 22.3 percent to 52,761.
Tourist arrivals from Western Europe reached 329,364 during the first 11 months of 2012, a 17.0 percent increase from the same period of last year.
Arrivals from Eastern Europe increased 45.5 percent from January through November 2012 with the arrival of 62,497 tourists.
During the first eleven months, tourist arrivals from Middle East however declined 4.8 percent to 50,096 from 52,597 from the same period of 2011.
Arrivals from South Asia for this year increased moderately. In the first eleven months 226,114 South Asians visited Sri Lanka, a 3.9 percent increase from the same period in previous year. Of the 26,649 arrived in November 2012, a majority, 17,625 were from India.
Sri Lanka targets one million tourist arrivals this year and expects to earn over US$ 1 billion this year from tourism opposed to the US$ 830.3 million earned last year.
SLTDA statistics have recorded 855,975 tourist arrivals in 2011 compared to the 654,476 arrived in 2010.
Since the end of the war against the Tamil Tiger terrorists in May 2009, the country has seen tourist arrivals increasing steadily every year for the past three years.

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Lonely Planet names Sri Lanka as the top destination to travel in 2013

World’s most renowned and largest travel guide book and digital media publisher –“The Lonely Planet” has named Sri Lanka as number one destination in the world to visit in year 2013.

The travel experts and the voters have predicted that Sri Lanka will be on the top of the hottest new holiday destinations for the travelers in year 2013. Under the title  ‘Serenity returns to Serendib “  the travel guide raves destination Sri Lanka describing the multi-faceted experiences the traveler can look for in this small Island , fused with novelty and indulgence :

“Dubbed Serendib -the origin of the word serendipity “ by seafaring Arab traders centuries ago, Sri Lanka has been anything but serene in recent decades. …South Asia's most compact country have remained off limits to even the most intrepid traveller. .…investment is again fuelling the tourist industry and visitor numbers are steadily increasing. Prices are affordable. Indeed, Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet's best-value destinations.

The travel guide book highlights the emerging new popular places to visit in Sri Lanka including the newly opened up East coast and less travelled paths in the western coast as well : “North of the capital Colombo, on Sri Lanka's west coast, Kalpitiya and the Puttalam lagoon are eco-tourism hotspots with bird watching and kayaking. Near Dondra Head, on the south coast, mighty blue whales are regular visitors from January to April while land-based wildlife thrills include the leopards and elephants of Yala National Park, and the more rugged and remote Wilpattu National Park, open once more after being closed for more than two decades “

Being famous for pristine sandy beaches from the begining, the Lonely Planet remarks that the total experience in Sri Lanka is truly a life changing experience for any traveler:

“The gloriously arcing beaches of the nation's east coast are now challenging traditional southern favourites. Arugam Bay's sandy crescent is one of Asia's best surf spots and further north, Uppuveli and Nilaveli near Trincomalee stretch for several pristine kilometers….Explore the glorious labyrinth of Galle's 17th-century Dutch fort. In past centuries, the Unesco-listed colonial town was a prosperous hub of global trade and now boutique hotels and an emerging arts scene instil a cosmopolitan allure. Further north, you can discover Sri Lanka's imposing ancient cities, emerging from a verdant landscape. All around the country, tuck into great-value local cuisine including grilled seafood, spicy kottu (roti chopped and mixed with vegetables) and multi-course mini banquets of different curries at family run guesthouses. Indian and Thai cooking may be world-renowned, but Sri Lanka's time in the global gourmet spotlight can't be far away.”

The country is becoming easier to reach due to cheap fares from regional hub Bangkok said Lonely Planet.

The annual Lonely Planet lists are compiled based on unbiased views of the staff, writers and travel community. Spokesman Adam Bennett said that the choices are not based on where travellers are already going but rather are "our pick of where we believe travellers really should consider visiting in 2013." He said that destinations make the list for a variety of reasons, including special events, recent developments or buzz, or that the destination is up-and-coming and worth visiting before the crowds get too big.

This achievement is certainly a boost for the Tourism industry of Sri Lanka which keeps on breaking its own records through out the past years and strategically targeting  2.5 million tourist arrivals by year 2016.

Source - Click here

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Sri Lanka Design Festival - 2012

Sri Lanka Design Festival has become the island’s biggest and most successful annual celebration of uniquely Sri Lankan design and creativity. It brings together a range of exciting events that showcase Sri Lanka’s creative industries. SLDF will return for its fourth edition in November 2012.

Source - Click here

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Immigration and Emigration facilities to be set up at Mattala int'l airport

The government is making arrangements to set up immigration and emigration facilities at the second international airport at Mattala in Hambantota.
The Cabinet has granted approval to purchase the necessary equipment at a cost of 62 million and make other arrangements to provide an effective and efficient service in accordance with international standards to passengers passing through Mattala Airport once it is commissioned.
The proposal has been presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Defence and Urban Development.
The new airport will have 20 counters ten each for departure and arrival and 50 authorized officers will be working in day and night services on shift basis at the airport.

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Sri Gauthama Sambuddha Raja Maligawa - Polgahawela

පසුගිය 02 දා ජනපති අතින් විවෘත කෙරැණ පොල්ගහවෙල මහමෙවුනා භාවනා අසපුවේ ගොඩනංවන ලද සිරි ගෙෘතම සම්බුද්ධ රාජ මාලිගාව ඉතාම අලංකාර ස්ථානයකි' ශ්රාවක ජනයා විසින් පිදූ අසදෘශ විහාර මණ්දිරයක් ලෙස නම් කර තිබෙන එස බුද්න් දවස විහාර ගෙයක අසිරිය වර්ථමානයට කැදවන්නකි' 

The inaugural ceremony of the Sri Gauthama Sambuddha Raja Maligawa will be held under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s patronage in Polgahawela, Waduwawa Mahamewna Monastery 2nd July 2012.
The Sri Gauthama Sambuddha Raja Maligawa was constructed to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi, Ven Siyambalangamuwe Mahinda Thera said.
The Sri Gauthama Sambuddha Raja Maligawa was constructed with donations from devotees, the thera said. He said devotees can worship at this sacred Sambuddha Raja Maligawa from July 3.

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FACETS Sri Lanka 2012 - 22nd International Gem & Jewellery Show

FACETS Sri Lanka 2012, the 22nd International Gem & Jewellery Show will be held from 5th-8th September at the he BMICH Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo.
FACETS Sri Lanka, held since 1991, will showcase a wide variety of sapphires and gemstones from producers and wholesalers from all the main producing areas of Sri Lanka.
Organizers say this year exhibitors increased by more than 50 percent and the show will have smart new booths displaying a greater variety of fine gemstones and exquisite Jewellery.
A series of stunning Jewellery fashion shows, pairing fashion with fine Jewellery, will be held daily during the entire duration of the Fair, the organizers announced.
The exhibition will have 154 booths and profile for exhibit includes precious & semiprecious gems, jewellery, lapidary & machinery items, fashion accessories and lifestyle products, gold and silver-plated base metal jewellery, crystal, cubic zirconia, rhinestone jewellery, fashion watches, belts and buckles.
A large number of influential trade visitors from around the world, especially from Russia and China are expected to visit the exhibition.

FACETS 2012 promises better overseas participation and wider cosmopolitan exposure, to both product and company. Steady consistent growth and gradually diversify from the inception, has been the impetus to both seasoned trader and novice to put forth quality, from the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. 

 

Official Page - Click here

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Cruise Ships travel to Sri Lanka

Regular basis cruise ships travel to Sri Lanka will be launched from Dubai starting from December 5th 2012. The project is implemented by Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka with partnership of FTI, one of the leading tour operators in Germany. The ships will operate between Colombo and Dubai with stops in Mumbai, Kochi, Goa and Muscat. Cruise ships will be mainly catering for holiday makers from Switzerland, Austria and Germany. It will be carrying 4000 up market clients from Europe in the first stage of the operation from December 2012 to March 2013.

This will be the first ever cruise line, which will be operating to Colombo on regular basis. It will be scheduled to call at Colombo harbor for ten times from December 2012 to March 2013. The passengers will be able to choose Dubai or Colombo as their holiday destination. Travelers can extend their holiday in Sri Lanka to spend for Round tours or relax on the beaches in Sri Lanka.

According to the experts from the tourism industry Sri Lanka this will be unique opportunity for the island to attract up market clientele. Sri Lanka beautiful island had been lack of tourists for 30 years during the devastating civil war. Official will be expecting record number of tourists in 2013. Cruise ship operator FTI will be expecting to berth the ship in Trincomalee and Hambantota harbors providing more opportunities for its customers.

Source - Click here

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ICC T20 World Cup 2012 - Sri Lanka

The 2012 ICC World Twenty20 will be the fourth ICC World Twenty20 competition, an international Twenty20 cricket tournament that will be held in Sri Lanka between September 18 and October 7, 2012. The schedule has been posted by ICC. This will be the first World Twenty20 tournament held in an Asian country, the last three being held in South Africa, England and the West Indies respectively. The format will see four groups of three in a preliminary round. India and England are in the same group and will be joined by the runner up of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier; Afghanistan. The Champions of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier; Ireland are in a group with West Indies and Australia. Sri Lanka, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh are the other two groups.
Match fixtures were announced on 21 September 2011 by ICC. On the same date, the ICC also unveiled the logo of the tournament, named "Modern Spin"

Groups

The groups were announced on 21 September 2011.

Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
England (A1)	Australia (B1)	Sri Lanka (C1)	Pakistan (D1)
India (A2)	West Indies (B2)	South Africa (C2)	New Zealand (D2)
Afghanistan	Ireland	Zimbabwe	Bangladesh

ICC World Twenty20 2012 Fixtures

Date	Match
Tues 18 Sep	Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe (1930-2230), Hambantota
Wed 19 Sep	Australia v Q1 (1530-1830), Colombo
Wed 19 Sep	India v Q2 (1930-2230), Colombo
Thurs 20 Sep	South Africa v Zimbabwe (1930-2230), Hambantota
Fri 21 Sep	New Zealand v Bangladesh (1530-1830), Pallekele
Fri 21 Sep	England v Q2 (1930-2230), Colombo
Sat 22 Sep	Sri Lanka v South Africa (1530-1830), Hambantota
Sat 22 Sep	Australia v West Indies (1930-2230), Colombo
Sun 23 Sep	Pakistan v New Zealand (1530-1830), Pallekele
Sun 23 Sep	England v India (1930-2230), Colombo
Mon 24 Sep	West Indies v Qualifier 1 (1930-2230), Colombo
Tues 25 Sep	Pakistan v Bangladesh (1930-2230), Pallekele
Thurs 27 Sep	C1 v D2 (1530-1830), Pallekele
Thurs 27 Sep	A1 v B2 (1930-2230), Pallekele
Fri 28 Sep	D1 v C2 (1530-1830), Colombo
Fri 28 Sep	B1 v A2 (1930-2230), Colombo
Sat 29 Sep	A1 v D2 (1530-1830), Pallekele
Sat 29 Sep	C1 v B2 (1930-2230), Pallekele
Sun 30 Sep	B1 v C2 (1530-1830), Colombo
Sun 30 Sep	D1 v A2 (1930-2230), Colombo
Mon 1 Oct	B2 v D2 (1530-1830), Pallekele
Mon 1 Oct	A1 v C1 (1930-2230), Pallekele
Tues 2 Oct	B1 v D1 (1530-1830), Colombo
Tues 2 Oct	A2 v C2 (1930-2230), Colombo
Thurs 4 Oct	Women’s semi-final A1 v B2 (1430-1730), Colombo
Thurs 4 Oct	Men’s semi-final S8 Group-1 first v S8 Group-2 second (1900-2200), Colombo
Fri 5 Oct	Women’s semi-final A2 v B1 (1430-1730), Colombo
Fri 5 Oct	Men’s semi-final S8 Group-2 first v S8 Group-1 second (1900-2200), Colombo
Sun 7 Oct	Women’s final (1430-1730), Colombo
Sun 7 Oct	Men’s final (1900-2200), Colombo

Source - Click Here

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Sri Lanka, The best country in South Asia to visit - Travel Asia Online

Travel Asia Online in an exclusive report has categorized Sri Lanka as the best country in South Asia to visit, while Maldives took second place and Bhutan third. The Travel Asia Online ranks the eight south Asian countries, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in terms of their Population density, GDP Per capita, Literacy rate , Life expectancy and the Cleanliness. For every level Travel Asia Online selected top 5 countries and gave marks for them 1-5.

The Population density (people per sq. km) in Sri Lanka was reported at 308.4/km2, according to the report.

Sri Lanka (1296 US dollars) is the second highest in the list of GDP Per capita of these 8 south Asian countries and received the mark 4 out of 5. Bhutan ranked first with Maldives ranking 3rd, while India at the 4th place.

The report states that Sri Lanka’s literacy rate is 90.8 which is the second highest in the region while Maldives took first place.

Sri Lanka has topped the Life expectancy (72.4) list by recording the highest Life expectancy in the region receiving the mark 5. Sri Lanka also ranked as the best cleanest country in the region. Following the four main important facts about 8 South Asian countries, Travel Asia Online calculated the marks and gave marks out of 20. According to Travel Asia Online marks system and international statistics, Sri Lanka got 18 marks out of 20, while Maldives got 17 out of 20 and Bhutan got 11 marks out of 20.
India ranked fourth in the list.

Source - Sunday Times

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Visit Miracle Colombo 2012

Colombo is the largest city and former administrative capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the present administrative capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins.

The name "Colombo", first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani". It has also been suggested that the name Colombo may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means "Harbour with leafy mango trees".

Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. However it was only made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

This is some of pictures of up growing Colombo city in 2012.

Click on the picture to larger view

 

 Sky Scrapers

 Old Parliment

Clean Streets of the City

Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre

 

 

 New look of Berei Lake

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