Both Sri Lankan the New Zealand Women’s Cricket teams were in for a pleasant surprise when they were treated to a sumptuous Sri Lankan themed dinner hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism, in Collaboration with the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka on the 5^th of July 2023. The Occasion was made more colorful with cultural dance performances which highly impressed the visitors and enjoyed to the maximum. The distinguished audience which was present at the occasion consisted of senior officials from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, including Chairman SLTPB , Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, H. E Michael Appleton, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and High Commission staff, Mr. Shammi Silva ,  President , Sri Lanka Cricket Board and other officials. The gala dinner was hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism in order to mark the visit of the New Zealand Women’s Cricket team to Sri Lanka after 10 years, and with the purpose of spreading fellowship and networking among the participants. Mr .Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman ,Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and H.E Michael Appleton , New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka addressed the gathering  ,whereas  a toast was also raised in honor of the visiting team . The two captains of the team were also interviewed on their experiences during their respective tours of both countries, and they shared some interesting experiences of their tours as well as their expressions on Cricket. The New Zealand Women’s team is currently touring Sri Lanka for 3 ODI’S and 3 T20 matches, as well as a practice T20 game with SLC Board President’s XI, which will be an interesting encounter. A short video clip capturing moments of their tour and the activities which they participate, such as conducting a training session for local girls’ school in Galle.   It was a fun filled and a colorful evening along with music and dance, as well as connecting and networking, and developing contacts. The two teams also posed for a group photo with H.E Michael Appleton, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, along with other officials representing SLTPB.

The Sri Lankan music provided added more to the Sri Lankan flavor, along with the authentic cuisine and traditional sweet meats to follow. Hosting this occasion gave an opportunity to know about the Sri Lankan culture, tradition and taste its delicious authentic cuisine.  This initiative taken by Sri Lanka Tourism will further enable them to take back cherished memories, and a positive message about Sri Lanka to their home country, encouraging more tourists from New Zealand, to experience the rich and colorful Sri Lankan culture and the warm friendship and hospitality of its inhabitants.

Source: http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/sri-lanka-tourism-hosts-a-gala-sri-lankan-themed-dinner-for-new-zealand-and-sri-lankan-womens-cricket-teams/

A book on Sri Lanka’s cricket history by UK-based author Nicholas Brookes will help promote the island’s status as a sport tourism destination, officials said.

“This book was no doubt a quest for the soul of Sri Lankan cricket,” Brookes told reporters at an event held in Colombo.

“But if it wasn’t the love of the game that brought me here, I left with a deep love for the island, which will remain a part of me for the rest of my life.”

Sri Lanka got test cricket status in 1981 and won the first overseas test match under captain Arjuna Ranatunga against New Zealand. Sri Lanka won the cricket world cup under Ranatunga.

“The 1996 world cup wasn’t just a watershed moment for Sri Lanka, but a turning point for the game in general; another giant leap in cricket’s journey from Victorian relic to modern money-spinner,” Brookes mentions in the book.

“I think the passion, pride and joy the people in Sri Lanka take from cricket is unmatched anywhere in the world”.

“This book will help promote tourism by encouraging more tourists to come into the island and also it will help to know about Sri Lankan Cricket and the sports,” Sureshni Ellepola Pilapitiya, Assistant Director at Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau told Economy Next.

“The tourist industry has faced challenges in the past years, yet I have utmost faith in Sri Lanka’s ability to entice tourists back”, Brookes said.

Sri Lanka welcomed 441,177 tourists up to April 2023, up from 62,980 last years and is expecting 1.5 million tourists to come.

Source: https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-expects-cricket-book-to-promote-sports-tourism-119739/

Spectators at the venue

Participants at the event

Guests at the venue

A section of the audience at the press conference

Former world champion Mark Occchilupo speaking at the press conference

SLTPB Chairman Kishu Gomes (centre) and LSR Chairman Thilak Weerasinghe (right) at the press conference

The much awaited world-class surfing event of the year, ‘So Sri Lanka Pro 2019’ started off on a grand scale on 24 September, along with a press briefing to acknowledge the local media about the event, and also to inform them about the event schedule.

SLTPB Chairman Kishu Gomes addressing the gathering

SLTPB Chairman Kishu Gomes in a media interview

The participants at the head table included Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Kishu Gomes, Lanka Sportreizen (LSR) Chairman Thilak Weerasinghe, Arugam Bay District Secretary, Kasun Welarathne from SriLankan Airlines, and industry stakeholders. SLTPB was the main sponsor of the event, while being in collaboration with the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

The SLTPB chairman addressed the gathering and expressed his gratitude towards the Surfing Federation for collaborating with this event and making it a success. The press conference also featured two international champions, former world champion in surfing Mark ‘Occy’ Occchilupo. This was his first trip to Sri Lanka, which he said was a privilege and an honour and to participate at this event. Captain of the Sri Lankan Surfing team also expressed his views on the event at the gathering, and Rio Waida, the other champion from Indonesia expressed his eagerness to take part.

Afterwards there was a Q & A session for media to clarify and know more of the event. LSR Chairman Thilak Weerasinghe also spoke at the occasion and recalled his days as a sports enthusiast who was interested in water sports. A large number of local and international media was present at the occasion.

Competitors from South Africa, India, Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Sweden, and Portugal and of course Sri Lanka battled in the opening heats of competition with representatives from all countries faring well.

During the second day of the event, the official flagging off ceremony started off and the guests were led to the starting point by a cultural dance procession. SLTPB Chairman Kishu Gomes, Thilak Weerasinghe and several Arugam Bay district government association officials were also present.

WSL Asia Contest Director Steve Robertson expressed his views as thus: “WSL is really excited to be back in Sri Lanka at the beautiful Arugam Bay. This is an amazing location for an event of this size and that has reflected in the overwhelming number of entrants we’ve had from so many countries around the world – it’s truly a testament to what this place offers for travelling surfers.”

After the national anthem, the event started amongst a cool and a sunny morning on the Arugam Bay beach with 57 participants. The first three surfers who started the round were respectively from India, Portugal and Sri Lanka. During the next few days there might be more tourists visiting the country and opportunity for all stakeholders, and bringing economy and revenue to Sri Lanka as one of Sri Lanka’s profit bringing fields.

Kishu Gomes also had an interview with some international media, to give a brief introduction about the event, and expressed his gratitude towards everyone who contributed and participated at this event. The other sponsors included Sri Lankan Airlines, Jeep, World Surfing League, and LSR. This internationally acclaimed event concluded on 29 September, giving the local audience the opportunity of experiencing some of the international champions in action.

Portugal’s Pedro Coelho (PRT) Indonesia’s Tipi Jabrik (IDN), Sweden’s Kian Martin (SWE), India’s Sanjay Selvmani (IND), Malaysia’s Muhannad Didaqt Musaddiq (MYS), and Sri Lankan duo Waduge Asanka Sanjeewa, Suranga Pradeep were some of the other names to progress into Round 2.

By hosting this event, Sri Lanka Tourism hopes that it will bring the expected tourism revival and also highlight Sri Lanka’s capacity for promoting sports tourism while attracting tourists with its natural and cultural resources, and as a MICE tourism destination. Sri Lanka recently hosted the International Bohra summit which was a tremendous success and drew nearly 25,000 visitors to the destination.

“I was very excited. It’s an awesome opportunity for me and my friend to come to this part of the world and experience the culture. And also the waves. The waves speak for themselves,” said one participant, expressing his views on being able to participate at the event.

Cultural dance troupe leading the guests to the venue

SLTPB team

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/So-Sri-Lanka-Pro-2019-kick-starts-on-triumphant-note/27-686885

Mark gives local surf clubs a Masterclass

Mark and WSL Asia Region Manager Steve Robertson enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal

Mark and US pro surfer Tory Gilkerson tour Kumana National Park

Tuk tuk tours are a popular way of getting about

in A-Bay

• Aussie pro surfer’s visit highlights tourism diversity of the east

For the people of Arugam Bay, last week was a tourist bonanza. Over 120 international surfers flew down to the East Coast to compete in the So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 Qualifying Series (QS) 3000, which placed Sri Lanka squarely on the World Surf League’s (WSL) prestigious QS event circuit. In addition to local and international spectators and media, the event was also a much-needed burst of revenue for tourist establishments in the east, many of which have been struggling since the Easter Sunday attacks.  A high point for event participants was a surprise visit by Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo, Aussie pro-surfer and 1999 World Champion. Although Occy hadn’t competed at this level in close to six years, the response from spectators was huge – the pro surfer is a legend in the field and remains well-loved by the global surfing population. Occhilupo’s visit was sponsored by the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka as part of broader support for tourism development and promotion in Sri Lanka through its Market Development Facility and Skills for Inclusive Growth initiatives. Although Occy competed in a few heats, he was mostly in Sri Lanka to sample the many diverse tourism activities available in the east.

Kumana safari

Kumana was one of the first stops on the agenda. For bird enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, Kumana National Park is a haven. Best known for its large flocks of migratory birds, the park is also home to a population of elephant and, rarer, Sri Lankan leopard and sloth bear. As with most first-time visitors, Occy was stunned by the natural beauty of the park, and Sri Lanka in general: “It’s been an incredible experience all round! I’m stoked I came to Sri Lanka – the waves are so fun and the people are so warm and welcoming, it’s a beautiful country.”

Community-led tourism

The eastern tourism scene is characterised by a high level of community involvement – most likely due to significant skill-building programs implemented by multiple private, state and non-governmental players in the region. Visitors to the east can learn how to cook basic Sri Lankan cuisine, enjoy an authentic village lunch or spend their days immersed in Sri Lankan hospitality at one of the many homestays available.

For the more adventurous, there are scenic cycling routes and tranquil boat rides on the Pottuvil and Urani lagoon. Tuk-tuk tours through the city are a particularly popular way of getting around, with more drivers getting certified as qualified local guides. During his visit, Occy enjoyed a tuk-tuk ride and sampled some delicious rice and curry cooked by a group of women in Thirukovil – made with slightly less spice than usual!

Surf’s up

It goes without saying that any visitor to Arugam Bay must include surfing on their agenda – regardless of skill level! Many local surf clubs have International Surfing Association (ISA)-certified instructors equipped to train from beginner level upward. Occy took some time off to give these local surf clubs a Masterclass, much to the delight of the young surfers for whom it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dominate the waves with a surfer of his calibre. Arugam Bay resident Sharmalie Sanjaya, president of Sri Lanka’s only all-female surf club, was in awe: “All the girls in the club are so happy we got to surf with him. I never thought I would get the chance to surf with a world champion!” While the Easter Sunday attacks dealt a severe blow to the entire tourism industry, emerging destinations like the Eastern Province have found it particularly difficult to resurface from the slump. Events like the So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 and visits from international celebrities like Mark Occhilupo help to remind the world of everything Sri Lanka has to offer, and why the island was Lonely Planet’s No. destination for 2019.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Surf-s-up-in-the-east-and-much-more/27-686974

Rio Waida experiencing a wave 

Front row from left: SLTPB Managing Director Charmarie Maelge, SLTPB Director Events Prasad Daluwatte and SLTPB Director PR Madubhani Perera

• Sri Lanka to host World Surfing qualifying series
• So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 from 25-29 September
• To be held at iconic break point of Arugam Bay
• Surfers from 24 countries confirmed
• 122 surfers, many operational staff to arrive soon
• Arugam Bay to become a hive of activity for 10 days

World Surfing League Qualifying Series 3000, also referred to as So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 is all set to be staged at the world-class point break of Arugam Bay from 25 to 29 September, with the participation of over 122 surfers from 24 nations.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau announced that the surfing event has been extremely well-received by professional surfers from around the world while many have expressed their keen interest to participate and witness the qualifying rounds in Sri Lanka.

The Bureau noted that while entries are still being received, nearly 122 surfers from 24 nations have entered the final list. This impressive line-up includes participating countries such as Australia, Indonesia, France, Venezuela, Israel, USA, Portugal, New Zealand, Mexico, Spain, Great Britain, Brazil, South Africa, Costa Rica, Argentina, Japan, Ireland, Chile, Belgium, Peru, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

World Surf League (WSL) Regional Manager Asia and Global VNR Producer Steve Robertson remarked, “We are here to deliver positive stories about Sri Lanka to the world. This is all about a magnificent surfing event and a global promotion about Sri Lanka. All Sri Lankan media is encouraged to engage with World Surf League. We want to work with the domestic media as well. It’s been a great journey, and we are looking forward to the event. We want to bring out a superb event, where everyone is a winner, and we want to keep coming back here, and just to reiterate of how great Sri Lanka is as a destination.”

“It will be so amazing to have the WSL come back to Sri Lanka,” said Sri Lankan Surfing Federation President Hiran Ukwatte. “We can’t wait to witness a world-class event and watch the positive effect it will have on surf sports in our country and on surf tourism to the area. Arugam Bay is a world-class wave with some fantastic local surfers like D.A. Lakshitha, Praneeth Sandaruwan, and Lesitha Prabath to name a few. These surfers are looking forward to the opportunity to compete with and surf with surfers from all around the world,” he expressed.

Many of these surfers are very well-known within the world professional surfing ranks and many are serious contenders to represent their nations in next year’s 2020 Japan Olympic Games, where surfing makes its Olympic debut. One such surfer is the fast emerging Rio Waida from Indonesia. The powerful youngster placed 3rd in the WSL World Junior Championships in 2018 and he is already identified as future star of the sport.

“I am very excited to be coming to Sri Lanka for this great event,” said Waida. “I’ve heard great things about the waves in Sri Lanka and it is always fantastic for us to have the opportunity to compete in quality surf – I can’t wait!”

The So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 will also play as a huge opportunity for some of the local surfers to take on the international professionals as wildcards in the event. This opportunity is something that has been made possible through the WSL and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Kishu Gomes remarked that the event will amplify Sri Lanka’s position as a major surfing and tourist destination. “Over 700 visitors are also expected to be present, in addition to the 122 surfers who would be in the country. The surfers and visitors are scheduled to spend at least 10 days in the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay,” he said.

The So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 Men’s QS3,000 will run from 25-29 September, and the ground arrangements will be handled by Lanka Sportreizen. Head to http://www.worldsurfleague.com or the WSL App for more information. Click here for more information on Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/So-Sri-Lanka-Pro-2019/27-685600

Cricket in Sri Lanka is no longer just a sport. As the former Sri Lankan Cricket captain legend said: “It is a shared passion that is a source of fun and a force for unity. It is a treasured sport that occupies a celebrated place in our society. We are today, and always, proudly Sri Lankan.”

This resplendent island still beams with pride, thinking back to 1996, when Sri Lanka rose like the proverbial Phoenix from the ashes, emerging winners of the 1996 ICC World Cup.

The spirit of 1996 still powers the mighty Sri Lankans and the much-awaited Cricket World Cup is back. It’s time to get together with your family, friends and colleagues and cheer on the Sri Lankan team. What better place to do this than at the Mövenpick Hotel Colombo?

Head up to Vistas, the stunning rooftop bar that has been stealing the limelight in the city. Twenty-four storeys high, catch the games live on giant screens with amazing meal deals and happy hours, together with a special menu designed just for the World Cup featuring common favourites like the Slinga’ Malinga prawn wadeys, Faf’s falafels and Kohli enchiladas.

Boasting spectacular 360 views of Colombo, enjoy panoramic sunsets and breathtaking ocean sights from its impressive location, a venue offering the kind of scenes that would be the envy of restaurants across the island.

Not a fan of rooftop bars and loud cheering? That’s not a problem. Head down to the Whiskey & Cigar Saloon with a minimum of 10 people and the entire room is yours for just Rs. 15,000 per game.

If you feel like throwing your own private party with a minimum of 30 colleagues, your own personal ‘Game Room’ awaits you with Eiger. From comfy bean bags to table tennis and foosball, book the entire space for just 30,000 with some popcorn on the house.

For further inquiries and reservations please call 7 450 450 or email hotel.colombo@movenpick.com.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/It-s-all-about-cricket-at-the-M%C3%B6venpick-Hotel-Colombo/27-679176

Emirates flights with Live TV will screen the UEFA Europa League Final on 29 May and the UEFA Champions League Final on 1 June live on the dedicated in flight sports channel, Sport 24. With two all-English finals, the airline has made special arrangements to ensure all the 23 Emirates flights operating to and from England during match times are equipped with Live TV. This includes flights to and from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham.

Stadium in the Sky

Emirates currently has 175 aircraft equipped with Live TV including all Boeing 777 and select Airbus 380s. An estimated 70,000 Emirates travellers could be watching the finals mid-flight, making Emirates’ ‘Stadium in the Sky’ comparable in capacity to the Olympic Stadium in Baku where the Europa League Final will be played and the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid where the Champions League Final will be played. Economy Class customers watching on board can immerse themselves in the game with the industry’s largest in-seat screens at 13.3 inches. Emirates’ Business Class screens, at 23 inches and the 32- inch First Class screens remain the industry’s largest for its class.

Emirates will also be screening the matches live on the 55-inch screen at the iconic onboard lounge on select A380s. Customers travelling in First and Business can join other football enthusiasts at the most popular social spot at 40,000 feet and cheer on their favourite teams.

On Emirates A380s that do not feature Live TV, customers can keep up to date with all the action by logging on to the complimentary Wi-Fi for score updates. Wi-Fi connectivity is available on all Emirates aircraft. Customers in all cabin classes receive 20MB of free Wi-Fi data or unlimited use of messaging apps for 2 hours allowing them to log on and stay in touch with friends, family or colleagues. Emirates Skywards members enjoy special benefits depending on their membership tier and class of travel, including free Wi-Fi when travelling in First Class or Business Class.

Sports fans travelling over the next month can look forward to watching more events live on Sport 24 – such as the NBA Finals, the French Open, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final – while traveling with Emirates. In addition to live TV, ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, has over 4,000 channels of on demand entertainment for travellers to choose from including the latest blockbuster movies and TV shows and for sports fans, a wide selection of on demand sports content and sports documentaries.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Emirates-ensures-all-flights-to-and-from-England-screen-football-finals-live/27-679050

Marking an exciting milestone in a longstanding tradition, Aitken Spence Travels, Sri Lanka’s largest tour operator has been appointed as the official Travel Agent in Sri Lanka for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20. Aitken Spence Travels will promote and market match tickets for the month-long tournament scheduled to be held in India from the 08th of March to the 03rd of April.

Following the announcement, Aitken Spence Travels reserves exclusive rights for the sale of match tickets and packages in Sri Lanka in accordance with the ICC authorization. Sri Lankan fans can now start making plans to cheer the lions by either calling Aitken Spence Travels or sending an email to hotels@aitkenspence.lk. Packages currently on offer are  inclusive of match ticket and 1 night accomodation, 2 nights accomodation and the full package including air fare, hotel, airport and ground transfers.

Aitken Spence Travels has had a history with Sri Lanka Cricket since chartering a flight with 300 passengers for the final encounter against Australia back in 1996 when the World Cup was wonSubsequently, Aitken Spence Travels was the official Ground Handler for the ICC World Cup in 2011 and followed with the assignment of the same responsibility again at the World Twenty20 in 2012. In 2015, Aitken Spence Travels was appointed the official Travel Agent in Sri Lanka for the ICC Cricket World Cup held in Australia & New Zealand by ICC Travel.

“For us, it’s really a tradition now. We’ve been involved with the sport and the World Cup from way back in 1996, and we’ve continued to maintain the involvement. We are honored to be involved yet again with the biggest Cricketing event on the calendar and our team is committed to making this an experience to remember for every Sri Lankan. There are many attractive packages available for Cricket enthusiasts and we will deliver the high levels of trust and reliability that we are recognized by. We’ve even gone the extra mile for our fans and tied up with Seylan Bank to offer attractive payment schemes and we are certain this will be an experience that should not be missed.” said Mr. Nalin Jayasundara, Managing Director, Aitken Spence Travels.

Commenting further Tissa Nanayakkara, Senior Deputy General Manager – Retail Banking from Seylan Bank stated, “we have been working with Aitken Spence Travels for many of our card promotions. However, when we got this opportunity we felt our clients have won the best deal. Whats more, now Seylan credit card holders will be able to convert the package to a 0% 12 month instalment plan and enjoy supporting our lions in India. ”