Embassy in US promotes Sri Lanka to mark World Tourism Day

• ‘Discover the Tropical Island Paradise of Sri Lanka’ event held in Washington DC to woo US tourists for upcoming winter season

Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe

The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, in collaboration with the International Club of DC, hosted a vibrant evening reception on 30 September, at its premises in Washington DC, promoting Sri

Lanka as a key tourist destination among US nationals during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Over 80 guests that included members of the International Club of DC along with senior officials representing key US government institutions, attended the event.

Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, addressing the gathering, highlighted the diverse tourist attractions the country has to offer to travellers ranging from some of the best beaches in the world, to ancient ruins and Buddhist cultural sites dating back 2,500 years, sport and adventure, inviting attendees to visit Sri Lanka and discover her splendour.

Former Ambassador of the USA to Sri Lanka Teresita Shcaffer, in her remarks briefed the audience on the unique tourism prospects available in the country, recalling her own experience and hailing the positive socio-cultural advancement of the island. The Embassy took the opportunity to boost tourism in Sri Lanka by running specially selected tourist-oriented videos showcasing pristine beaches, green mountain landscapes and promoting diverse attractions ranging from adventure and wellness to wildlife.

A cultural recital showcased the talents of ‘Asanga Domask and the Serendib Dance Troupe’, performed by students, which captivated the attendees. They performed dances in different styles that depicted Sri Lanka’s rich traditional and folk dance heritage. The talents of the troupe “Ceylon Bera” enthralled the crowd with the rhythms of Sri Lanka accompanied by instrumental music. A Bharatanatyam dance depicting the culture of the northern part of the country, was performed by Nethmi Weerasinghe, adding variety and demonstrating the multi-cultural character of the country. The live rendition of Sinhala songs, representing Sri Lanka’s contemporary music, was also entertained throughout.

Attendees were able to enjoy a sumptuous dinner buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with flavours of Ceylon spices especially prepared by a Sri Lankan chef with a live station serving fresh hoppers in addition to kottu roti and other uniquely Sri Lankan specialties, which interested guests the most. The tea corner offered flavoured hot tea in addition to pure Ceylon black tea.

The event concluded with a raffle draw offering winners prizes that were sponsored by the SriLankan Airlines GSA in New York and complimentary hotel packages for stays in reputed hotels in Sri Lanka from Theme Resorts & Spas, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Jetwing Hotels.

In his vote of thanks, International Club of DC President Sanjaya Hettihewa thanked the Ambassador and staff for joining hands with their organisation. The International Club of DC offers international cultural experiences including art, music, dance, and theatre as well as the opportunity to sample culinary delicacies from around the world with their diverse membership of over 47,000 professionals representing over 90 countries and partner with over 80 embassies in Washington DC to present concerts, festivals, galas, and receptions.