The first ever ‘Tourism Fest with the spirit of Christmas’ organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) in association with other tourism institutions under the Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs was a huge success. Thousands of foreign and local visitors thronged the Arcade, Independence Square during the five-day event from 19 to 23 December.

The idea behind ‘Tourism Fest 2015’ was to portray Sri Lankan food, culture, gems, handicrafts, tea, shopping and entertainment at one venue, offering both foreign and local visitors the opportunity of experiencing the many facets of the country in one place. Tourism Fest 2015 was declared open by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on the 19th and by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake on the 21st. President Maithripala Sirisena was the Chief Guest on the 23rd, which was the last day of the fest. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha De Silva was also present. Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga and Advisor to the Ministry of Policy Planning Dinesh Weerakkody welcomed the President.

Source ://www.ft.lk/article/512977/Tourism-Fest-2015-a-huge-success#sthash.ZM7oyMLP.dpuf