‘Discover Mannar’: Calling for entries to photographers to capture soul and splendour of Mannar

 The Photographic Society of Sri Lanka is holding ‘Discover Mannar’ – a photographic competition – to highlight and promote Mannar as a tourism destination in Sri Lanka. The photographic competition, organised in partnership with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Palmyrah House, is open to all amateur and professional photographers. 

Tourism plays a significant role in Sri Lanka’s economy. It generates revenues, supports the growth of local businesses and creates direct and indirect employment. As a potential tourism hotspot, Mannar with its splendid natural surroundings and cultural history, can not only contribute more to the overall growth of the country’s tourism sector, but will positively impact local communities too. The photographic competition is a part of IFC’s work in promoting tourism in Mannar.

The ‘Discover Mannar’ photographic competition, with support from the European Union under the European Union Support to District Development Program (EU-SDDP), is divided in to two categories – an open category and another for students below the age of 20 years. The competition will be judged by an expert panel of judges, and selected winners will receive attractive prizes. The final photographs will also be showcased in an exhibition to be held in June.

Entries for the ‘Open Category’ can be submitted from 1 to 31 May as low resolution images to [email protected]. For the ‘Student Category’, entries should be uploaded to the Visit Mannar Facebook page (@visitmannar). Information about the guidelines for the competition can be checked at www.pssl.lk. The entries for the competition will be used on social media – with due credits given to the photographer, to promote Mannar as a tourism destination.

The Photographic Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) has a rich history dating back to 1906 which was established to promote photography as a hobby, art and a craft. PSSL today is the foremost photographic society in Sri Lanka providing opportunity to like-minded photography enthusiast to gather, discuss, and develop their photographic skills. 

As a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our six decades of experience to create opportunity where it’s needed most. In FY16, our long-term investments in developing countries rose to nearly $19 billion, leveraging our capital, expertise and influence to help the private sector end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. 

The Support to District Development Program – SDDP – is a EUR 60 million intervention funded by the European Union and implemented by 5 UN Agencies and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. The EU-SDDP is assisting the country in making a transition from post-conflict assistance to reconstruction and development. This is done by supporting selected districts in North and East and some villages in neighbouring districts.

The Palmyrah House is a luxury boutique villa in Mannar with a focus on environmental conservation, dedicated to promoting and preserving the natural beauty, flora and fauna of the area. Whether you are looking for adventure-driven holiday or a quiet retreat, Palmyrah House promises to give you unforgettable experience in the beautiful North West of Sri Lanka.