Sanath Jayasuriya appointed Sri Lanka Tourism Ambassador

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) appointed cricketing legend and the Member of Parliament Sanath Jayasuriya as the Tourism Ambassador of Sri Lanka on Thursday during the ‘Get Sri Lankaned’ joint promotional campaign held at Bangalore, India.

Accordingly, Jayasuriya was given a plaque by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Muthu Sivalingam, during the event titled ‘Sri Lankan Night,’ which was the first promotional program under ‘Get Sri Lankaned’ held at Vivanta By Taj Hotel Bangalore.

Sanath...

This three-day promotional campaign, which is a very good opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka as a tourist and trade destination, has been initiated under the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The organisation of this campaign and the future campaigns of this nature will be conducted by Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa.

As per this appointment made by Sri Lanka Tourism under the advice of Basil Rajapaksa, the former Sri Lankan cricket star will function as a Tourist Ambassador in future, with the view to promote Sri Lanka as a renowned destination internationally. It is highly expected that Jayasuriya’s experience and the personality will be a key factor to shape his future role as the Tourism Ambassador.

High profile politicians representing Bangalore were among the guests at this event, which included celebrities such as actor Ambareesh and Sudeep. The event was also attended by other Sri Lankan cricketing stars including Arjuna Ranatunga. Moreover, over 300 leading businessmen and the travel agencies in India also took part in the event.

Representing Sri Lanka were Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam, Deputy High Commissioner – Chennai Dr. Ameer Ajward, Ministry of Botanical Gardens and Public Recreation Secretary Dr. Willie Gamage, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Bashwara Gunarathna, Sri Lanka Handicraft Board Chairman Anil Koswattha, Managing Director of SLTPB Rumy Jauffer, and Sri Lanka Cricket Board Secretary Nishantha Ranathunga participated in this event.

The ‘Get Sri Lankaned’ night was colourful with fashion and cultural shows, which reflected the unique Sri Lankan identity and the participants in the event were truly entertained.

‘Get Sri Lankaned,’ the first joint promotional campaign of its nature with joint efforts of public and private sectors, will take place till 28 February. Under this campaign, a number of programs to promote Sri Lanka among the potential Indian customers have already been designed.

Among the said programs, a shopping mall activation will take place from 22 to 24 February at Garuda Mall, Bangalore, with the participation of Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez and Sri Lankan Cricket Star Kumar Sangakkara.

Moreover, during the business meetings scheduled to take place on the morning of 22 February, more than 40 Sri Lankan travel agents and hoteliers will meet their counterparts in Bangalore, with the ambition of having productive discussions on the thriving industry of tourism.