|
|
 |
We are delighted to bring you stories on:
|
 |
|
| |
|
 |
|
‘Sri Lanka Calling’ congratulates Murali – the legendary spinner, as he becomes the highest wicket taker in test cricket, and we yell out “Great work and Good Luck!”, as he pursues his ambition to capture 1000 wickets in test cricket and make a record that perhaps will never be broken.
Sri Lanka Tourism has rolled out the red carpet, to receive our valued guests to the England Vs Sri Lanka test series, which commenced on 1st December, at Asgiriya, Kandy. The 2nd Test will be played in Colombo from 9th to 13th and the 3rd in Galle, from 18th to 22nd December; drawing cricket loving spectators to Sri Lanka.
Nearly 7000 English cricket fans are to arrive during the month and all arrangements are in place to delight them and make their stay entertaining, rewarding and fun. The choice of venues of the matches, give our visitors a chance to couple cricket with a tour of places of interest, known for exotic beauty and historic significance. All hotels and resorts in and around the venues and in all places of tourist interest are ready, to enchant visitors with warm Sri Lankan hospitality.
top |
|
 |
The Rotary Movement of Sri Lanka joined one of Sri Lanka Tourism’s programme initiatives to plant 10 million trees as a continuation of the initiative “Tourism Earth Lung: Towards a Carbon Clean Sri Lanka”. Michael Vaughn, Captain of the English team and Paul Collingwood, Vice Captain, planted the first trees in this campaign which was launched at Asgiriya Cricket Grounds in Kandy. The campaign is to be carried out as an island wide programme under the guidance of experts, mobilising all communities in a national movement of greening Sri Lanka.
The English captain speaking at the launch said, that he and the vice captain were privileged to plant the first saplings and launch this 10 million tree planting programme going on to add “ I am really enjoying this tour. What impresses me the most is that the Sri Lankan people are always with a smile and are extremely friendly by nature”
top |
|
|
 |
|
 |
Raymond Charmet of Art et Loisirs, Paris, first identified Senaka’s talent nearly forty years ago when he said “Senaka has produced paintings of extraordinary virtuosity”
Senaka Senanayake is celebrating fifty years since he made his debut as an artist at the tender age of seven, with the launch of ‘Life and Work of Senaka Senanayake’ by Harsha Bhatkal. Credited with over 110 one-man exhibitions at age 57, Senaka had the privilege of painting a mural, as a child artist, at the delegates’ lounge of the United Nations General Assembly, alongside the executive works of world’s major artists.
Senaka’s paintings capture the beauty of the environment showing different aspects on his themes – rainforest, foliage, and flowers, with a particular strength, in conveying his message through vibrant colours. Harsha Bhatkal is publisher of Popular Prakashan, a prestigious publishing house in India. Bhatkal is planning on showcasing South Asian art to the world and speaking of the book said “This book is lavish in colour, and it celebrates that joy of living that has driven Senaka’s work. Sri Lankan art is vibrant and alive today, and we want the art community around the world to notice this”
top |
|
 |
Come Saturday 15th December and the Galle Fort will light up to a breathtaking extravaganza when the partying begins. It will be party time from 5 p.m. onwards on the 15th at the Moon Bastion in the Fort and the fun continues in to the next day till noon.
The organizers spurred on by the success of the previous event held at Hikkaduwa, are ready with a fireworks display, local fire dancers, DJ’s providing music, and food stalls offering a variety of fare from local to continental to a barbecue in place.
top |
 |
|
 |
Enjoy an unusual trip on an old train, through mountainous terrain, from Colombo to Kandy, seated in the comfort of luxury carriages, which were first commissioned for the queen’s visit in 1956. View the picturesque landscape of the hill country on a day trip or combine it with an overnight stay in Kandy returning the next day. For Tania and Jeremy White from the U.K. “A very enjoyable ride through Sri Lankan countryside” for George and Lucy “An unforgettable experience seeing green, green, and more green through out the journey up and down.”
Tracks and Trails of Walkers Tours arrange exclusive day journeys on Saturdays and Sundays. To leave Colombo Fort at 6.15 hrs reach Kandy at 12.15 hrs leave Kandy at 13.15 hrs and reach Colombo Fort at 16.15 hrs. For more details contact amahl@walkerstours.com or call Amahl on 0777800870
|
top |
|
 |
|
The Colombo Jazz Festival will be on at The Terrace, at the Mount Lavinia Hotel from 7th to 11th December from 6 p.m. onwards. UK’s top Saxophonist Dave O’ Higgins , currently working with the Ronnie Scots Allstars and the BBC Big Band, brings his own quartet with Andrew McCormack, Arnie Somogyi and Josh Blackmore to Sri Lanka.
Alongside the British performers, the best names in the local jazz scene will also be there to entertain the visitors. The Terrace will take on a carnival atmosphere during the five days, when the music will be complimented by dinner stalls offering select British cuisine along with specially brewed beer. For details visit www.mountlaviniahotel.com email mount.lavinia.@mtlavinia.com or call 2715221
top |
|
 |
Heartiest congratulations go out to SriLankan Airlines as they celebrate their latest accolade for excellence. Sri Lankan Airlines has been added to the Registry of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).
The International Air Transport Association launched IOSA in 2003, and it remains a key element in IATA’ s drive to provide benchmarking of safety and quality standards and procedures among airlines throughout the global industry. The Registration is mandatory for an airline to remain a member of IATA, which has some 240 member airlines.
SriLankan received the registration following a series of stringent audits by an IATA accredited audit organisation, PROS. It is valid until 1st December 2008, and would be renewed thereafter every two years subject to future audits.
Visit www.srilankan.aero for details. |
top |
|
 |
|
An indisputable vocalist and musician, Visharada W.D Amaradeva, who single-handedly crafted the rich cultural fabric of uniquely indigenous Sinhala music for over five decades, turned 80 years today (December 5, 2007).
top |
|
|
|
 |
Please note that a major web upgrading initiative of Sri Lanka Tourism is also underway. We call on all tourism industry stakeholders to keep sending us snippets of news so we could include them in the weekly newsletters, we will bring to you on an improved format.
Sri Lanka Tourism wishes to thank all stakeholders for their wonderful support and assistance and wishes to invite them to get involved with 'Sri Lanka calling'. Please send your articles to stories@srilanka.travel
You are receiving this Newsletter because you have subscribed for our newsletter at our site.
If you do not wish to receive further news or mailings from srilanka.travel click here to unsubscribe.
|
|
 |
|
