UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Dubai. The official opening of the Sri Lanka Pavilion was inaugurated at Expo 2020 Dubai on the 1st of October 2021. Designed by an award winning team from University of Moratuwa in Colombo, the ceremony featured a welcome procession with Magul Bera song and a Traditional Kandyan Dance performance which was enveloped by the Sri Lankan traditional dance costumes in its glory followed by Sri Lanka’s national anthem and lighting of the oil lamp. The keynote address was delivered by the Hon. Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai & Northern Emirates and the Deputy Commissioner General for Expo for Sri Lanka, Mr. Nalinda Wijerathna.
Located in the “Opportunity” district, the 300-sqm pavilion brings the planning principles of the ancient civilization to life, focusing on island’s three key pillars Authenticity, Compactness and Diversity. At the pavilion, visitors will immerse in an experience inspired by water – emphasizing the value of adaptability and agility, the will to transform challenges into opportunities. Display screens at the pavilion spotlight unique facets of the island nation. The senses of the visitors will be engaged to gain information on island’s rich culture and heritage, natural ecosystems and wildlife through these cinematic creations.
Visitors are also able to unravel the secret of the world famous Ceylon Tea, from leaf to cup, and enjoy a fresh cup of tea on their journey along the pavilion at the special tea corner courtesy of the Sri Lankan Tea Board. The retail space facilitated by the Export Development Board will boast an array of Sri Lankan produce ranging from spices to beautiful Batik clothing.
Hon. Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai & Northern Emirates and the Deputy Commissioner General for Expo for Sri Lanka Mr. Nalinda Wijerathna said: “We are excited to announce the opening of the amazing and imaginative Sri Lanka pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Sri Lanka has a rich and unique maritime history with shipping, trade and cultural links. Inspired by an aquatic theme, the pavilion creates a warm and welcoming space for all visitors and highlight its potential as one of the most delightful destinations in the world to visit. We invite the world to visit us at Expo 2020 Dubai”
Sri Lanka is a paradise to discover, with the, highest density of waterfalls in the world, with 350 waterfalls, more than 25,000 water bodies, 103 rivers, 33% of island is Forest area, Sri Lanka has 26 National Parks and 8 UNESCO declared heritage sites. A year-round destination with amazing weather.
Sri Lanka’s nature, adventure, culture, heritage, food all contributes towards an Authentic Asian Experience. Sri Lanka is what Asia has to offer!!
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Sri Lanka is a destination of unique and authentic experiences for visitors driven by a sustainability focus with programs such as green building concepts, banning single use plastic initiatives and converting destinations such Sigiriya as sustainable destinations. Sri Lanka’s initiatives to more from traditional to digital conversion will also contribute towards the sustainability drive.
Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson and Commissioner General for Expo for Sri Lanka, Kimarli Fernando said: “Post Covid travellers are looking for tranquility, peace, serenity and healing and Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned with an amazing offering. A walk in our mountains, a dip in our nature’s ponds, a glimpse through our history and culture will create a lasting memory. We invite the world to come indulge in our world class hospitality and nature’s luxury for an amazing getaway that is unique, authentic and So Sri Lanka”.
The Sri Lanka pavilion will host a range of exciting events including a fashion show featuring traditional batik designs, a wedding show branding Sri Lanka as a prime wedding and honeymoon destination, a cultural dance show, a drum festival illustrating Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy though dance and music plus a children’s storytelling session featuring work by renowned children’s books author Late Sybil Wettasinghe representing Sri Lanka’s rich literary heritage. On opportunity to win free air tickets on a weekly basis offered through Sri Lankan Airlines at the Sri Lanka Pavilion.
Furthermore, global viral sensation ‘Yohani’ with her ‘Manike Mage Hithe’ song is expected to perform at the National day of Sri Lanka scheduled for 3rd January 2022.
Declared as the growth decade from 2021 to 2030 for Sri Lanka seeks a world of opportunities in investments. With the creation of the ‘One-Stop-Unit’ and ‘Single application’ system for Tourism investments and the support extended with zero VAT, Tax holidays, exemptions and other facilitations a boom in the tourism investments are expected and world invited to be a part. Also the Sri Lankan delegation is represented by BOI (Board of Investment in Sri Lanka) and Port City which will showcase many of lucrative and high potential opportunities of investment on offer for the investors.
Speaking about Sri Lanka’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE, H.E. Mr. Malraj De Silva said, “Sri Lanka is proud to be part of Expo 2020 Dubai. We have three messages for the world. First being our investment opportunities in Tourism, Port City and other areas, second being our World Class Tea, Gems and Spices. We want the world to enjoy the best of Sri Lankan offers which to take to the world. Third is Tourism, inviting the world to visit us and to enjoy a world class offer. See you all at Sri Lanka Pavilion”.
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