Extraordinary And Plenipotentiary Diplomatist July 19 Edition . | Page 14

LEAD STORY
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, President of Sri Lanka
Maithripala Sirisena stated that the political process of Sri Lanka will
not be intruded by the terror attacks and subsequent social tension. He
was one of the BIMSTEC leaders invited to participate in the swearing-
in ceremony of Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers. He further
said, “It is with great pleasure that I participated in the swearing-in
ceremony. We convey our best wishes to the people of India and Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.” He added, “Prime Minister Modi’s visit is very
important to us, we are neighbour and friends, and this relationship
between India and Sri Lanka dates back over 2600 years. Sri Lankan
leader also expressed happiness over PM Modi’s victory.
“Sri Lanka is totally safe. I can give you that assurance. I
am speaking based on the reports from our military and there
is absolute peace in the country.”
The minister also discussed tourism incentives for Indians
by releasing a package including tickets and hotels at a heavy
discount rate of almost 50-60 percent.
Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Sri Lankan
Airlines, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and
inbound tour operators has introduced attractive packages,
specifi cally targeting India, the number one source market,
to revive the industry that had a temporary setback due to
the recent incident. The package includes discounted airfare,
accommodation, transport and more, ranging from 30 percent
to 60 percent. This package is unique to India and can be
availed across Sri Lankan Airlines’ network covering 12 cities
in India with 123 weekly fl ights.
The five tour packages to Sri Lanka range from a
combination of stays in Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya,
Dambulla, Sigiriya and South Coast with multiple options to
suit any budget. These off ers will be valid for stays from June
10, 2019 to September 30, 2019 and can be availed through
the travel agents network in India.
Kishu Gomes, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion
Bureau described the brand and marketing communication
strategy aimed at reviving the industry as well as the growth
trajectory that Sri Lanka tourism recorded. Furthermore,
Gomes requested Indian tourists to avail of the attractive
package while supporting the process of recovery as Sri
Lanka’s most respected neighbour.
“We want the tourists to come back. It is important to
build confi dence. Revenue growth will follow and we are
not worried about it,’ said Kishu Gomes.
As part of its expansion plans for the Indian sub-continent,
Sri Lankan Airlines has initiated steps to promote the island
nation as a complete tourist destination for leisure and
business as well as MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences
and exhibitions) tourism.
“India has been the number one source market to Sri Lanka
over the past decade and in 2018 recorded over 4,00,000
visitors to the island. The national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines
operates 123 weekly fl ights from key Indian cities and we
believe such off ers are quick to popularize across Indian
cities,” said Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales
and Distribution (HWSD) of Sri Lankan Airlines.
14 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 7 • July 2019, Noida