Peace hopes grip Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Tourism is poised to roll out its post conflict strategy. The following is a recent media release from Sri Lanka Tourism.
“Sri Lanka’s president declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) saying the country has been “liberated from terrorism”. President Mahinda Rajapakse delivered a “victory speech” in parliament on Tuesday ( 19th May 2009) after the army claimed on Monday ( 18th May 2009) that it had killed Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader and founder of the LTTE, ending more than 25 years of armed conflict. Thousands gathered in the streets of the capital, Colombo, to dance, sing and let off fireworks.
In the aftermath of the victory which will ensure peace in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Tourism is gearing up for a post conflict tourism strategy with a new brand and a comprehensive communication campaign. The strategy will focus on the development of the tourist potential in the island including the north-east of the country. A high level delegation headed by the deputy minister of tourism visited the east of Sri Lanka recently as a continuous policy of tourism promotion in the area. The development of the east is of specific focus for the government as the beaches in the east are one of the best in the island, while Arugam Bay is famous as one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Sri Lanka Tourism is also making arrangements for development of other locations such as Passikudah and Trincomalee, which have excellent beaches for recreation.
Meanwhile the new brand of Sri Lanka will be launched next month along with a well planned communication campaign. A post card campaign will also be launched, where 250,000 post cards will be distributed among visitors while a discount booklet will also be distributed with over 50 discount offers from a range of hotels, shopping malls etc. Sri Lanka Tourism has created a separate Events Strategy for Sri Lanka Tourism, where a large number of events have been created in order to attract more tourists to the country. Consequently there will be several exciting events coming up this year including the Hikkaduwa Beach Fest in July this year, Negombo Beach Fest, the Jazz Festival, Tea Festival, and the Kandy Festival.
As the conflict is drawing to an end in the north, there is a sense of relief among all citizens that peace, prosperity and development is close at hand.”
