DUBAI, December 2019: The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates hosted a ‘Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Evening and Cultural Night” at the luxurious Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, as part of celebrations surrounding the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE. The event, which was held on 8 December, was organised in association with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Hon. Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Belhaif AlNuaimi, Cabinet Minister of Infrastructure Development of UAE graced the event as Chief Guest while Majintha Jayesinghe, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to UAE also attended the event, along with over 350 guests including other UAE government officials, diplomats representing over 35 countries consisting of more than 30 Consuls General of the Consulates General based in Dubai, representatives of leading travel and tour operating companies, Emirati dignitaries, leading businessmen and media personnel.
The programme started with singing of the National Anthem of both UAE and Sri Lanka and featured the presenting of an appreciation plaque to the Chief Guest, Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Belhaif AlNuaimi as an award to His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE as well as the Ruler of Dubai in recognition of his efforts to ensure the success of bilateral ties between the two countries.
A cake was also cut to celebrate the milestone 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and UAE, followed by a special presentation by a British national, Mark Kerby, Area General Manager of Address Hotels in Dubai, during which he shared his amazing tourism experiences and interactions as a frequent traveller to Sri Lanka. The large audience was captivated by a line-up of cultural dance performances staged by a troupe of artistes from the “Channa-Upuli” Performing Arts Foundation, who were specially flown from Sri Lanka for the celebrations at Armani Hotel.
During his welcome address and an elaborate presentation on bilateral ties and Sri Lanka’s tourism industry , the Consul General of Sri Lanka, Charitha Yattogoda traced the evolvement of the relations between the two countries ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979.
Consul General Charitha Yattogoda said: “The cordial relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE are based on trust, mutual understanding and friendship. The UAE is the largest export market for the Sri Lankan products and the largest source of imports to Sri Lanka in the GCC Region. The total turnover in bilateral trade between the countries has now reached over US$ 2 billion”.
He added that outbound tourism from UAE to Sri Lanka has also seen a remarkable growth in the last few years, as Sri Lanka has become a very attractive destination for holiday makers and leisure seekers.
“The specialty of the Sri Lankan tourism industry is rooted in its uniqueness in diversity. It is a place where you can find adventure, beaches, heritage, wildlife, mountains, lakes, philosophy, meditation and ayurvedic spas in a single compact package, and it is also a place where you will find a vibrant and diverse culture,” Consul General Yattogoda said.
Videos that played as a backdrop to his speech and presentation displayed the tourism attractions of Sri Lanka, as well as highlighting the well-known Ceylon tea. In concluding his speech, Consul General Yattogoda pointed out that Sri Lanka had won many accolades including being picked by leading global travel guide, Lonely Planet as the best destination to travel to in 2019. There was loud applause when he ended by congratulating Sri Lankan Caroline Jurie on being crowned Mrs. World 2020 at the Mrs. World Beauty Pageant held in Las Vegas, US recently, making “all Sri Lankans proud”.
A true Sri Lankan ambience was created by placing replicas of two life-size elephants and lions at the hotel, as well as providing an opportunity for guests to enjoy a sumptuous dinner buffet that included specially prepared authentic Sri Lankan cuisine such as hoppers, kotthu roti, fish buns, which were highly appreciated by the foreign guests at the event.
The Sri Lankan Business Council for Dubai and Northern Emirates also joined the event as a supporting sponsor while the Sri Lanka Tea Board sponsored special giveaway tea packs for attendees. Additionally, a series of raffle draws that were held in the latter part of the function, saw lucky guests being given the chance to win holiday packages to explore Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Airlines and leading hotels and travel companies offered four air tickets and hotel stays in Shangri-La Hotel Colombo and Hambantota, Anantara Peace Heaven Kalutara and Tangalle, Sen Wellness Sanctuary Tangalle, Cinnamon Beach Hotel Bentota by John Keels, and Heritance Ahungalla or “Thurya” Kalutara by Aitken Spence.
