World Tourism Organisation Chief visits Sigiriya

UNWTO Secretary General,  Dr. Taleb Rifai visited the historic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site yesterday. Dr. Rifai is in Sri Lanka to attend the 23rd UNWTO Annual Conference of South Asia, East Asia & the Pacific and UNWTO Conference “Mainstreaming Tourism in the Media.”  

This is being held in Colombo and begins today and continues for three days (24-26 March). The event is organised as part of Sri Lanka Tourism’s major promotional campaign: Visit Sri Lanka 2011. The campaign theme features   “12 Refreshing themes in 12 months” and this month it is showcasing business tourism in Sri Lanka –“Conferences”.

The UNWTO is the specialised agency of the United Nations leading tourism. It has 154 country members and 400 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. The UNWTO serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.

Visiting Sigiriya Dr.Refai said: “This is a powerful spiritual experience, being challenged both by the powerful imagery of the rock and the physical challenge of climbing to the top of the world where the soul of Sri Lanka can be felt”.

“Monuments, history, gardens, galleries, serenity, nature can all be seen at Sigiriya. It is definitely a jewel and the heart of Sri Lanka. Time stops there and you have the chance to reflect.”

Dr. Rifai said: “The history at Sigiriya is very unique.  Building the city and the rock is fascinating and of the same stature and significance as the Pyramids in Giza or other great historic monuments of the world. It is really a masterpiece and a “must see” for anyone in their life-time”.