Extraordinary And Plenipotentiary Diplomatist July 19 Edition . | Page 15

LEAD STORY
India has accounted for 18.2 percent, which is 4,24,887
arrivals in 2018, an impeccable 10.5 percent hike from last
year. In 2017 itself, 3,83,000 Indians visited the destination.
In 2018, this number increased to 4,26,000. Sri Lanka aims
to progressively promote the destination for weddings and
fi lm shoots this year, with leisure being the primary focus.
Sri Lanka tourism is in the process to launch a massive
global tourism promotion campaign to attract tourists back
to the island country. Over 2 million people in the island
country depend on the tourism industry through direct and
indirect jobs.
Sri Lanka and India: Cultural and Religious Ties
Speaking on the socio-cultural communication and
connections between Sri Lanka and India, John Amaratunga
said that both the countries have been part of history through
centuries.
“Ramayan has captivated many generations and had an
intense impact on art and culture in the Indian subcontinent
and Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka shares an exceptional link with
India geographically, spiritually, historically, and culturally
and the Ramayan is one such link.”
The minister said his country is ready to welcome visitors
from all parts of the world. “Sri Lanka has beaches, ancient
cities, jungles, and a rich history all coupled with friendly,
accommodating people and some of the best food you will
eat anywhere on the planet. One should defi nitely visit this
picturesque island nation.”
The minister continued that Sri Lanka is an intriguing
place to explore for its variety of religions and cultures.
Over two-thirds of the population is Buddhist, with a large
proportion of the remainder of Hindus, plus an even split
between Muslims and Christians.
He also thanked the countries including India that have
conveyed their support for Sri Lanka and provided support
to his country.
Incredible and Inviting
If pristine beaches, misty mountains, stealthy leopards,
rising waves, giant elephants, a royal past, divine tea and
warm smiles could sum up a country, that would be Sri Lanka.
Everyone feels the magic of Sri Lanka diff erently. Some
adore the everyday adventures, the fl avours, the infi nite
sunsets, the constant state of celebration. Others are dazzled
by the way every moment has the making of a memory. But
most, are forever drawn to the way Earth’s favourite island
calls to you always, to come and be inspired, every day.
The smiles and warmth of Sri Lanka are world renowned
and so are its spicy food, exotic fruits and an array of
sweetmeats found nowhere in the world. With so many
cultures living next to each other life in Sri Lanka continues
among a series of festivities throughout the year, a perfect
recipe for excitement and relaxation.
It has no shortage of gorgeous awe-inspiring spots, natural,
historic and cultural, each more picture perfect than the next.
And, therefore, Sri Lanka has been named as the best
country in the world to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet. 
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 7 • July 2019, Noida • 15