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.

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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.

Sri Lanka Tourism congratulates the team at Hotel Sigiriya and Serendib Leisure on this pioneering initiative.
 
For more details visit www.serendibleisure.com

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At the recently concluded annual Cox and Kings Event in Mumbai, the SLCB joined Sri Lankan Airlines, in making a significant impact on Indian corporates, making them consider Sri Lanka as an ideal venue for meetings, inaugurations, conventions and exhibitions. 

The Channa Upuli Dance Foundation added glamour to the presentation made by SLCB showcasing Sri Lanka’s cultural offer alongside the more formal business and professional services competencies, while  Sri Lankan airlines talked about the efficient  flight connectivity. The SLCB visit also coincided with the signing of the MOU between the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Export Import Bank of India.

Sri Lanka Tourism is also working on developing the Ramayana Trail for presentation to Indian audiences to complement the efforts of the MICE promotions.

Sri Lanka Calling sees more tourists and businesses travellers from India this year in view of all the goodwill that has been built between the two countries in the past years.

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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.

Destination Galle, continued to be a winner this season and ‘The Dutch House’ being listed under Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List for 2008 was an added fillip to destination Sri Lanka a land like no other. The Hotel was also the choice of the Readers’ Award for ‘Preferred Hotels of the World’ 2007 a reward for excellence in style and service earned for the second year running.

For more details visit www.srilankainstyle.com

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The ‘Galle Literary Festival’ will draw many to this southern coastal town from the 16th to the 20th when literary giants from the world over congregate to attend this happening of the year.

Amangalla Salon, the popular venue for intellectual debate and dialogue will host a special salon on Friday 18th January when Simon Winchester, Vikrom Mathur, Hilali Nordeen, Rukshan Jaywardene and Kim Kindersley will debate on the theme
“The End Of The World Is Nigh” focussing on climate change and its impact on society.  

For programme details on the literary festival visit www.galleliteraryfestival.com and on the salon details contact amangalla@amanresorts.com  

‘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.