SRI LANKA  

The coasts less travelled 

Until recently, the north and east parts of Sri Lanka were off-limits to tourists, and under the occupation of the Tamil Tigers. Going anywhere vaguely remote, other than the most popular spots, was ill-advised and meant tedious journeys bogged down by military checks. 

But now the country is Tiger-free, and for the first time in a long time travellers are being encouraged to return. 

As a consequence, the north and east coasts are undeveloped, their natural beauty unspoiled. You can find yourself the only tourist in the traditional villages, and the only person on some of the country's most beautiful beaches. Indeed, those beaches on the east coast have fine sand and calm, clear waters, unlike the surf destinations on the west.

PAST	PRESENT

Exactly 53 years after the first journey of the "Yal Devi", the popular train to Jaffna, the government of Sri Lanka launched, on 23 March 2009, the “Uthuru Mithuru” Yal Devi Friendship Rail Track Reconstruction Project to rebuild the North-South railway line. 

The line, which was permanently closed in 13 June 1990 following disruption and intermittent severance of linkages by terrorists, is now undergoing reconstruction to restore the rail connectivity between the Northern Province and the existing railway grid.  The project currently involves the laying down of rail track between Vavuniya and Kankesanthurai, as well the rebuilding of 27 railway stations.

Sri Lanka

For a quarter century, Sri Lanka seems to have been plagued by misfortune, including a brutal civil war between the Sinhalese-dominated government and a separatist Tamil group. But the conflict finally ended last May, ushering in a more peaceful era for this teardrop-shaped island off India’s coast, rich in natural beauty and cultural splendors.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing together with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and Gem and Jewellery Association organized a colorful Sri Lanka Pavilion at the International Gem and Jewellry Fair 2009 from November 5^th to 9^th  at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing.

Sri Lanka has made its way into recognition at the World Tourism Award honorees 2009 which will be held at World Travel Market in London today (Nov. 11).

Five of Sri Lanka’s leading hotels and resorts will be award winners at the 16th World Travel Awards. Lighthouse Hotel & Spa, Hilton Colombo, Taj Samudra Colombo, Taj Exotica Bentota and Ayurveda Pavilions were voted for awards by travel agents worldwide.

Students from faraway schools in Sri Lanka mesmerized the French audience at the prestigious UNESCO auditorium when they performed traditional dances at a colourful concert aptly named ‘Varna’ held on October 29 to mark the 60th anniversary of UNESCO-Sri Lanka relations.  

35 Tamil and Sinhala students from the schools in Gampaha, Kirindiwela, Vavuniya, Ingiriya and Horana kept the spectators spell-bound for nearly two and a half hours when they performed dances such as Varnam, Ves, Bharath Natyam, Kolattam, devotional songs, harvesting dances and culminated with a fantastic drum symphony.

NEW DELHI: The third day of the Delhi International Arts Festival (DIAF) 2009 belonged to the expression of Sinhala dance and Sri Lanka's modern dance form pioneered by Chitrasena. Besides showcasing the hardship of fisherfolk, it brought out issues of caste, religion, gender, love and identity along with a beautiful contrast of hope and despair.

(Colombo-Lankapuvath-October 06) Tourism Ministry stated that a smart tour package for tourists would be introduced for local and foreign tourists. This package would include transport to visit striking locations of the country. 

All tourist attractions would be promoted and developed with all facilities for the benefit of tourists to spend their leisure time.

(Colombo-Lankapuvath-October 02) – The Island of Gems an exhibition on gems and gem industry of Sri Lanka is to be held for the 14th, successive year. This year’s exhibition will be held from the 24th and 25th October 2009 (Saturday and Sunday) at Mostyn Hotel Marble Arch, Bryanston Road London.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am to 7pm on both days.