Pinnawala Express to be launched to mark World Tourism Day

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, together with Ebert Silva Holidays, will launch a tourist bus service from Colombo to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. 

This service will be launched by Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga on 26 September at the SLTDA premises, marking World Tourism Day, which falls on 27 September.

The Pinnawala Express is the first such service to fill the significant need for luxury shuttle services from Colombo to selected attractions and destinations of the island. The Pinnawala Orphanage is a popular tourist destination among both local and foreign tourists, being home to 88 Asian elephants of different ages - which have been found either lost or wounded in the wilderness - and where shelter and care are provided.

The free movement of the herd within the enclosed land of the orphanage affords the elephants opportunities to mate and with the help of local and foreign elephant experts, the Pinnawala Orphanage has now commenced a scientific captive breeding program for elephants. The highlights of the visit are the bathing of the herd at the Ma Oya, the feeding of milk to calves and fruits to adult elephants with the possibility of observing them moving freely within large areas.

“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 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,” said Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Malraj B. Kiriella.

Chairperson Ebert Silva Holidays Rajini de Silva 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 and providing much needed links between Colombo and popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Apart from foreign visitors, special focus has been made on Sri Lankan families with the introduction of subsidised family tickets giving them opportunities to experience and appreciate their own country in safety and comfort at a reasonable and affordable price.”

The Pinnawala Express will initially operate on Saturdays and Sundays, leaving Colombo at 7:00 a.m. Pickups will be from the city hotels in Colombo and be open to both Sri Lankans and foreign travellers. The shuttle service will make a brief stop at Ambepussa Rest House and arrive at the venue to view all the main activities. Packed snacks and water will be served on board and the package will include entrance fees to the orphanage and professional guide services.  

Informative clips on LCD TVs on board will make travellers aware of the attractions they are about to visit while also showcasing other tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.