Pinnawala Express launched

The Pinnawala Express, a luxury bus service from Colombo to the world famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was launched by John Amaratunga, Minister of Christian Religious Affairs and Tourism Development, coinciding with World Tourism Day on 26 September.

The venture by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Ebert Silva Holidays is the first such service to be introduced as a shuttle service to an attraction in the country enabling both domestic and foreign tourists to experience Sri Lanka’s attractions on a regular basis.

The Minister at the launch expressed the need for this kind of services to many other attractions and destinations in the island and also the necessity to have reasonably priced fares for the domestic traveler and their families. Paddy Vithana, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Malriaj B. Kiriella, Director General SLTDA and Rajini de Silva Mendis, Chairperson Ebert Silva Holidays, were present at the launch.

“The popularity of Pinnawala as a tourist destination is escalating rapidly. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the open-air zoo have lured many tourists to Sri Lanka in the recent years. It is important to introduce direct and convenient tourist bus services from the centre to popular destinations in the country and this is such an initiation. Further, the positive feedback from tourists about Pinnawala prompted the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to introduce a new bus service linking Colombo to Pinnawala,” Kiriella stated.

Mendis said: “We are happy to join hands with Sri Lanka Tourism and make a positive contribution to the industry once again. Pinnawala Express will be a first of many such shuttles we hope to introduce filling the void for efficient connectivity between attractions and the premier city, a must in any tourist destination. Apart from foreign visitors special focus have been made on Sri Lankan families with the introduction of subsidised family tickets giving them opportunity to view, experience and appreciate their own country in safety and comfort.”

The Pinnawala Express offers a complete package leaving Colombo at 7 a.m. initially every Saturday with a short stop at the Ambepussa rest en route. With snacks served on board the coach will arrive in time at the Pinnawala Orphanage to view the bathing and feeding of elephants among viewing other activities. The return to Colombo is scheduled to be approximate around 5:30 p.m. With plans to combine this service with the open air Pinnawala zoo in the recent future it is available for both Sri Lankan and foreign nationals. Seats can be reserved on 0766 066 630.