US, 20 million smiles await: Lankan Envoy

Sri Lanka has many attractions for its visitors, the best being the 20 million smiles Sri Lanka’s envoy to the United States, opined Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya. He highlighted that Sri Lanka affords a grand array of interesting and exciting opportunities for a traveller to experience from a single visit.

“Adding to Sri Lanka’s incomparable hospitality, you will find pristine beaches, misty mountains, the best safaris, exciting adventures and entertainment, and most importantly the world heritage sites declared by UNESCO, all captured in an island, similar in size to West Virginia,” he added.

Ambassador Wickrama-suriya made these remarks when he welcomed a group of young professionals in Washington DC, during a dinner reception at the Sri Lanka Residence recently. The event was organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in partnership with Things to Do DC, a premier young professionals organisation in the greater Washington area.

Ambassador Wickramas-uriya briefed the audience on post conflict developments in Sri Lanka. “We are not just a nation with friendly people but also a nation governed by democracy, human rights and the rule of law”, he added.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has become a peaceful and reconciled society. The latest UNDP report upgraded Sri Lanka’s Human Development Index rank from medium to high, the highest in the region.  

During the last five years, Sri Lanka has climbed five positions in the HDI ranking.

According to the latest UNDP statistics, our adult literacy rate is 91.2%, population in severe poverty is less than 0.6% and trust in the national government is 86%. In fact, in almost all social indicators related to human development Sri Lanka ranks very high in the region,” he averred.

Things to Do DC Chief Executive Gregory Bland, speaking on the occasion said that this event is a great opportunity for Washington professionals to learn more about Sri Lanka.

“Tonight you will meet some of the friendliest diplomats that you will meet at any of the Embassies in Washington. So now we have an excellent opportunity to learn about Sri Lanka before travelling there,” he said.

He profusely thanked Ambassador Wickram-asuriya and the Embassy officials for organising this memorable event at the Sri Lanka Residence in Washington DC.

The event also featured a tea tasting ceremony introducing world renowned Ceylon Tea to the guests.

A touch of Sri Lankan culture was also added to the event when Sri Lankan choreographer Chathuri Wickramarachchi together with Sarindee Wickramasuriya presented traditional dance performances.

Another well received attraction was the Sri Lanka fashion display which provided an opportunity for the assembled guests to experience wearing traditional Sri Lankan attire including sarees, batik shirts and sarongs.  

The young professionals also had the opportunity to view a documentary on Sri Lanka and were provided with gift packs of Ceylon Tea and tourism promotion material.

 The guests enjoyed delectable traditional Sri Lankan cuisine prepared by the Embassy chefs.