It is for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka that a tourism week was initiated. The whole idea of doing so was to facilitate travel in the country for both local and foreign tourists alike and to develop specific locations for tourism.
Thus all sectors of the public would economically benefit from the tourist industry, said the Minister of Tourism, Nandana Gunatillke addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the World Tourism Week celebration held at Marine Drive, Colombo.
“We are fortunate to receive the support of Provincial Councils, government institutions, school children, and many other rural organizations in organizing the tourism week, successfully”, the Minister added.
Industry stakeholders including hoteliers, officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Sri Lanka Tourism, as well as tourists were present at this occasion.
Of the activities scheduled for the day a tree planting campaign and handing over of a garbage collection truck took place. School children participated in a wall painting competition depicting locations for tourist interests. A kite competition also brought colour to this event.
A significant item on the day’s celebrations was the launch of 50 tourists’ friendly, metered 3 wheelers with specified standards for the benefit of foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka. These “Tourist Friendly Tuk Tuk” wheelers were decorated with traditional stylized paintings depicting the country’s various tourist attractions along with traditional motif of liyaval bordering the paintings. While 50 of these 3-wheelers were introduced for the purpose of travel by tourists in Colombo area, the authority plans to extend this service in other areas of the country as well.
An essay, art, and poster competitions were also held for school children; awareness campaigns to inculcate environment friendly dispositions in future generations towards tourists were organized.
A cultural show full of low country dance performances was held at Panadura Beach Park; a beach cleaning campaign too was held at the same venue.
Another floating cultural show was organized in the Kandy Lake with a repeat show in the evening at the same venue. An exhibition of souvenirs also took place throughout the day in Kandy.
While the celebrations would take place throughout the country until 3rd October 3009, more events are scheduled to take place in Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Pasikuda, Beruwala, Mahiyanganaya, Sigiriya, Kurunegala, Polonnaruwa, and Weligama.
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