Tourists enjoy ‘Avurudu’ in Hill Capital, Kandy

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Tourism has named the month of April in the ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011’ events calendar as the month to celebrate ‘People and Culture’.

The theme ‘People and Culture’ relishes the chance to portray the local culture, traditional rituals and exotic pageantry unique to Sri Lanka and its people in a broad spectrum. Whatever their situation in society, the people of Sri Lanka are well-known for their hospitality and the friendliness in welcoming guests and treating them with high respect and sincere gratitude.

People in Sri Lanka will always greet any stranger with a nice stretch of smile that embodies the warmth and sincerity rising from the bottom of their hearts. Even according to previous research and surveys done by the Sri Lanka Tourism, it was revealed that many tourists who visited the country had named the “smile and warm hospitality of Sri Lankan people” as the most outstanding attraction of Sri Lanka, standing above both manmade and natural attractions with which the country is endowed.

To celebrate the theme of ‘People and Culture,’ Sri Lanka Tourism has lined up a series of events and activities that highlight its unique aspects. A special ‘Avurudu Celebration’ was held at Kandy City Centre on 10 April organised by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau and Kandy Hoteliers Association.

Many traditional Sri Lankan leisure activities were part of the activities that took place at the event. Exciting clay pot breaking, dotting the elephant’s eye, musical chair, tug of war and traditional drumming amidst singing folk songs were part of the events that took place at the celebrations held.

Impressive tourist participation was seen in this event and they enjoyed this rare occasion that combined Sri Lanka and its culture in a vivid backdrop. Expressing their thoughts on the event, most of the tourists stated that this was indeed a very special occasion for them to witness the unity of Sri Lankan people, their traditions and the nature of this event was truly a set up for experiencing and sharing friendliness, unity and the warmth of Sri Lanka and its people, which are the most outstanding qualities they possess above other countries in the world.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau gave away special memorabilia to all the tourists who took part in this event as a mark of goodwill.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau together with tourism stakeholders will organise similar programmes in Trincomalee, Bentota, Ibbankatuwa and Sigiriya during the month of April to symbolise the communal harmony of different parts and cultures of Sri Lanka and provide an opportunity to highlight their own unique cultures.