Sri Lanka Calling Volume 1, Number 41

For those looking for adventure and thrills to celebrate that special event with lasting memories, there is Hot Air Ballooning happening here in sunny Sri Lanka from the 26th to 30th March in Hambantota and on March 31st and 1st April in Sigiriya. This spectacular event will feature 22 Hot Air Balloons and over 80 balloonists are expected to particpate.  
An opportunity to get a birds eye view of the beautiful coast off Hambantota, or an aerial view of a world heritage site Sigirya, and the surrounding verdant jungle from a height of around 1000 meters, with the wind in your face and the romance of a very special person by your side, is a special only for the discerning. For details on bookings call Sashi on 0777223531 or email want2know@srilankballoons.com

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The Sri Lanka stall kept its promise and captivated visitors at the International Tourismus Brse (ITB) in Messe Berlin, Berlin, earning second place in the Stalls Competition. Korea bagged first place, Sri Lanka came second and Singapore third.
The stall had a green theme with an open concept, featuring Sri Lanka Unesco World Heritage Site, the Singharaja virgin rain forest and included special features such as a free Ayurvedic foot massaging service by Siddhalepa Spas, a tea service, a mask carver in action, music by the German folk musician Dirk Maverick singing Ayubowan Sri Lanka and unique Sri Lankan cultural performances. A contingent of 146 participated with 40 Sri Lankan tourism companies represented, led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism Feizer Musthapa, Chief Minister of Sri Lankas Central Province, Sarath Ekanayake, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureaus Chairman Renton de Alwis, SLTPB Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya and several key private sector leaders of industry.

The ITB is the largest travel event in the world, held in Berlin each year. This years event was held from 5th to 9th March with over 210 countries and regions participating with 11, 000 exhibition stalls. It drew large numbers of visitors from the world over, and the Sri Lanka stall was a favourite stop over for many. Sri Lanka Calling congratulates SLTPBs Director in Germany Channa Jayasinghe and the team for an excellent presentation this year of Sri Lankas exotic offers.

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While the dancers of the Channa Upuli Dance Foundation captivated visitors to the Hong Qia Marriot in Shanghai Sri Lankan cuisine competed with the dancers for attention of the visitors to the first ever Sri Lankan Festival of Food and Dance in China. Chinese of the eastern region got a fine opportunity of a Taste of Paradise at this festival with the Sri Lankan identity leaving lasting impressions.

In addition to food and dance, other attractive features which contributed to the success of the festival were Sri Lankan gems and jewellery on display, viewed by all with admiration. Sri Lankan tea served was also relished by the visitors.

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