ICCA condemns Easter Sunday attacks

Following is a statement from the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) CEO Senthil Gopinath on the recent events in Sri Lanka:

“On behalf of ICCA President James Rees, the ICCA Board of Directors, the ICCA team and ICCA members from all over the world and myself as newly appointed ICCA CEO and a proud son of Sri Lanka, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Sri Lanka on this tragic incident. The ICCA family is deeply disturbed by what had happened, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims at this very difficult time.“We have seen so many disasters and calamities affecting people from around the world and tragic incidents, like the recent shooting in Christchurch. But never before has such tragedy directly implicated ICCA members like in Sri Lanka. We were speechless when we heard that The Kingsbury has been attacked along with other member hotels, the Cinnamon Grand and Shangri-La Colombo (a former member). We only hope that the authorities will restore order and security and the perpetrators and their mastermind will be caught.

“The entire ICCA family stands beside the people of Sri Lanka and we strongly support the MICE industry of Sri Lanka, in particular our members and former members: the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; The Kingsbury; Cinnamon Grand management; and Shangri-La (former member) during these difficult times. Let’s stay strong and support each other to overcome such situations.

“As a gesture of camaraderie, at the upcoming ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter Meeting at IMEX Frankfurt on 20 May, we will pay our respects to the victims of these Sri Lanka attacks.”