COLOMBO, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Tourist arrivals from China to Sri Lanka grew by 7.3 percent in the first half of 2008 over the same period a year ago, Sri Lanka's national carrier SriLankan Airlines said Thursday in a statement.Figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed that the island attracted 5,383 Chinese tourists for the first half of 2008, comparing with the 5,016 Chinese tourists recorded in the same period of 2007.

The Travel Junkie by Julia Dimon

by: Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

The devolution debate has been sharpened by the highly interesting and significant results of the public opinion poll recently conducted in Tamil Nadu, with regard to Sri Lanka’s ethnic issue and its internal arrangements. The poll has had the effect of strengthening both pro and anti-devolution camps in their chosen opinions.

Cabinet has approved the preparation of a Master Plan to develop the Kalpitiya peninsula in the Puttalam district as a special tourist project on the instructions of Milinda Moragoda, Minister of Tourism. The Kalpitiya peninsula is a unique destination by itself with a cluster of 14 islands of varied sizes. Five of these islands are inhabited while the rest are frequented only by the seasonal fishing community.

by: Dayan Jayatilleka

This is a year beaded as a necklace with anniversaries. Some are past us, some ahead. Some are international, the others national. Some are of heroism, others of tragedy and darkness. All are significant. All teach us something, provide occasions for reflection.Internationally it was the 40th commemoration of the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, the student uprisings of May 1968 most significantly in Paris, the 80th birth anniversary of Ernesto Che Guevara, and the 55th anniversary of the Moncada uprising which initiated the Cuban revolutionary process.

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau led an initiative to revive tourism and, through it, the economy of Hikkaduwa paid off with over 10,000 people converging in the one-time popular costal resort town.

The overwhelming response to the five-day Hikkaduwa Beach Fest that featured a jam-packed itinerary of day and night events, provided Hikkaduwa with the much-needed financial infusion that has been scarce in recent years.

By:K. Venkateshwarlu

GALLE: When cricket stars, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttaiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara addressed a media conference in Mumbai recently, they spoke nothing on cricket but everything about tourism. Team Sri Lanka was batting for the nation’s tourism destinations courtesy Sri Lankan Airlines and Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau.

"The walls between races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and Muslim and Jew, cannot stand. These now are the walls we must tear down". – Barack Obama, Berlin, July 24 2008

As many as 6,500 registered Ayurveda practitioners, many of whom have undergone a seven-year course followed by two years in a conventional hospital, are now catering to the needs of an increasing numbers of tourists to Sri Lanka. In addition to the Ayurveda clinics, many luxurious hotels and beach resorts have a spa or massage centre. The principles and techniques of this ancient medical approach are still being used to promote a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation, as part of a pleasurable holiday.

“Life”, the exhibition of the well-known Sri Lankan painter Mr. S.H. Sarath was declared open by Mr. Pierre Le Loarer, the Chief Librarian and President of the Cultural Activities Committee of the United Nations in Geneva and Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva on Tuesday, 22^nd July 2008, at 6.30 P.M. at the United Nations premises in Geneva.

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka will hold an exhibition of paintings by the renowned Sri Lankan artist, Mr. S.H. Sarath, from 22^nd July to 05^th August 2008 at the United Nations premises in Geneva.

Lazy summer days at the beach getting a tan are passé as Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board (SLTPB) is marketing the country as an adventure destination with adventure seekers being identified as a potential growth market.

 “Adventurous holidays are a rapidly growing trend in global tourism and an increasing number of travellers are seeking out new adventures like Sri Lanka having done the usual African Safaris,” said SLTPB Managing Director, Dileep Mudadeniya.

by: Dayan Jayatilleka

Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Patali Champika Ranawaka said that initial studies indicate that there has been an increase in the elephant population in Sri Lanka over the last decade and announced that a new census of elephants will be carried out in August this year.

The Esala Festival of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya which began with the kap planting ceremony on May 20 will conclude on July 19 with the water cutting ceremony at the Menik Ganga, said an official from the Kataragama Devale.

by Dayan Jayatilleka

 Sri Lanka’s most successful Army Commander, serving under Sri Lanka’s militarily most successful Commander-in Chief and President, and most dedicated Defence Secretary, has held an important discussion with Colombo’s foreign correspondents on our most essential topic, the war. That General Fonseka is our most successful army commander may be hotly debated in the subjective and partisan Sri Lankan media, but not by top professionals overseas.

Hikkaduwa Beach Fest ‘08

A fun-filled fiesta for kids, adults, and grandparents!

The world famous southern coastal town of Hikkaduwa, is all agog with preparations, to hold ‘Hikkaduwa Beach Fest’ 08’ an initiative of Sri Lanka Tourism. The sun-kissed beaches of Hikkaduwa will vibrate to the pulsating rhythms of DJs, dancers, and musicians from July 30 - August 3. The event will cater to both local and foreign visitors as well as to persons of all age groups – a family outing – a break from the monotony.