Colombo Christmas Street 2016 starts tomorrow

Colombo Christmas Street (CCS) 2016, a trade and fun fair organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Religious Affairs together with the Colombo Municipal Council, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA), will commence tomorrow (22) at 2 p.m. 

The three-day event opens doors to its shoppers from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily, at Green Path, Colombo 7.

Over 20 pop up stalls will be set up on Green Path covering sectors such as retail, home decor, food and beverage, entertainment and charity, which will offer the items at a subsidised rates. Several other activities such as a food festival, games, street activities, children’s play area and social service awareness are planned. The entertainment sessions will be held from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. which include choirs, live bands, DJ music, animators/magicians, and a street fashion show. 

This event was instigated in the month of December as it attracts a larger number of crowds. Thus targeting the impending Christmas season and creating a celebratory atmosphere would bring in large number of shoppers who would gather to experience this novel concept. 

SLRA Chairman Hussain Sadique said CCS 2016 will be open from 22 to 24 December and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will be the Chief Guest while the Minister of Tourism and other Ministers will also attend the event. 

“Many celebrities and foreigners who came down from various countries will be present at this event to make it a glamorous activity. All citizens of Sri Lanka are invited to come visit this event and be a part of a whole new shopping experience that is being held for the first time in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs Advisor Dinesh Weerakkody said this festival was organised in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to make Sri Lanka known like some of the East Asian countries as a destination for festivities

This event is a joint initiative between SLRA and the Ministry of Tourism to encourage retailers to further expand their growth in the retail industry, and will be patronised by SLRA members who have reserved trade stalls to showcase their products. This event is the first of its kind supported by the SLRA.