Visit of Chinese delegation to Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral trade ties

Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga experienced the sense of authentic Chinese hospitality during his visit to Quanzhou from 17-20 February. This business visit paved the way for the Boarding Mountain Travel Company Ltd. (BMTC) to arrive with its first delegation of elite travellers from China on 18 March. These meetings were successfully collaborated by Silk Route Ceylon Merchants Ltd. Chairman Vidura Gunaratne due to his long-standing association with Boarding Mountain Company China Chairman and CEO Wu Mi Fino and Wu Yin He. 

The event which was held on Monday (20 March) marked a significant milestone between the two main operators – the Boarding Mountain Travel Company Ltd. and its local representative, See Lanka Voyagers Ltd. as the signing of the MOU between the two companies will further enhance bilateral ties between the two countries. Among the guests are dignitaries and officials of the respective companies, Tea Board officials and others. The Chief Guest at the event is Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga.

The parent company of Boarding Mountain Travel Company Ltd., Boarding Mountain Ltd. which was established in 1974 owns 21 tea shops in various parts of China. These centrally located cafes and stores will act as a travel and cultural pedestal in China for those who wish to visit and learn more about Sri Lanka and her bounties. 

Subsequently, BMTC will consider operating charter flights between Fujian Province and Colombo in the near future. 

See Lanka Voyager Ltd. has been in operation primarily in the European tourism market for the past five years. The visit by the Minister and the subsequent interest sparked by BMTC provided a diverse opportunity for the company, which believes in being the perfect host. Their style of marketing enables visitors to feel at ease, while exploring the beautiful paradise isle we call home.  

“We feel compelled to promote tourism in its authentic sense by lavishing our guests with the best on offer. This new endeavour is bound to have a positive impact on our community and we will continue to contribute our optimum knowledge and expertise to the advancement of the tourism industry through this MOU,” commented See Lanka Voyager Ltd. CEO Shiranthi Haputantri.

This event further coincides with the launch of an exquisite product by Boarding Mountain; the ‘Ceylon No 8’. This special range of teas is carefully selected by Boarding Mountain tea experts and the exquisite product will further enhance the existing brand, bringing fame to Sri Lanka and China alike. 

It gives us great pleasure to be a part of this productive venture, which will further strengthen the relationship between our countries. The bond between China and Sri Lanka harks back to centuries and we at Boarding Mountain are proud to be included in this historic milestone,” stated Wu Mi Fino, licensed Tea Engineer and the CEO of the famous Boarding Mountain cafes and flagships stores. 

“It has been a dream of mine to establish strong ties between my Chinese partners and the Sri Lankan business community and I have sacrificed my heart and soul to ensure the success of these prestigious links,” commented Silk Route Ceylon Merchants Ltd. Chairman Vidura Gunaratne.  

Among the distinguished guests who were part of the Chinese contingent were Xushi Yine known as the ‘Lankan Princess’ in her province, a direct descendant of King Parakrama VI of the Kotte Kingdom. Another celebrated guest figure in the Chinese circle was, Ji Huaichang, the Head of the Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Department and the great grandson of Ji Xiaolan of the Qing dynasty and Prime Minister of China from 1724-1805.