African Asian News (AAN): January 2013

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Sri Lanka - A Globally Renowned Tourist Destination to Visit

by Srimal Fernando Asia Correspondent

Foreign Exchange South Africa

Sri Lanka also known as “ Serendib” needs little introduction to many visitors to the country . The tear drop-shaped island is geographically situated 22 miles off the southern coastal tip of the Indian Sub-Continent. This incredible Island country with its magnificent heritage, glorious culture with its rich cultural past is one of the most scenic and extremely popular tourist destinations in the whole of Asia. This picturesque landscape is diverse, with magnificent sandy beaches, beautiful countryside, lush forests and ancient cities with more than two thousand five hundred years of rich history. The country's natural and historical attractions appeal to many visitors from all parts of theworld.

Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, had a reputation for spices, pearls and gemstones, ivory and for tea. The country gained independence from the British on February 4th, 1948. Agriculture and fisheries related activities are the main source of livelihood.

Sri Lanka, a unique nation with 20.2 million population is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Sinhalese forms the predominant ethnic group; the other large ethnic groups are Tamil and Muslim. The Indian Ocean Island nation has undergone tremendous transformation following the changes in the economy. In recent years it has transformed from a traditional agricultural society to a progressive export driven economy.

During the past three years after the dawn of peace and normalcy, travel and tourism is experiencing a sustainable growth. Recently the world reputed British Airways has placed Sri Lanka among the world’s top destinations to visit in 2013.

There have been new trends in tourist arrivals that give much expectation for the industry. 950,000 foreign visitors arrived in Sri Lanka up to 18th of December 2012 according to the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority(SLTDA). Further, the Ministry of Economic Development has forecasted 2.5million foreign tourist arrivals by 2016 to the Indian Ocean Island of Sri Lanka.

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is located in Colombo and is one of the most important aviation hubs in Asia.The airport is strategically placed between the Middle Eastern and Far Eastern aviation lines .The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) serves as a base for the Sri Lankan airlines, the flag carrier of Sri Lanka. The country's second international Airport in Hambantota having landing capability for larger aircrafts will be in operation for passenger traffic by mid 2013.

The capital city Colombo is one destination for which praising words seems inadequate. Today the city is a bustling, rapidly developing place, full of traffic and crowds. This cosmopolitan city possesses an enormous cultural richness with uncountable attractions to see and to offer the traveler. The city is a thriving metropolis with high rise buildings, numerous speciality shops, boutiques and colorful markets. The iconic Independence Memorial Hall, located at the Independence Square, is one of the highest-esteemed attractions in the city of Colombo. Of those, the most exotic popular places-of-interest in the city other than Independence Square, are the Galle Face Green, a long stretch of lawn facing the Indian Ocean which attracts many visitors every day. Apart from that, tourists can see Sri Lanka’s National Museum that has some of the rarest and exquisite pieces of art and craft, the Vihara Maha Devi park earlier known as the Victoria Park, and the Beira Lake in the center of the capital city . The Town Hall,Taj Samudra Hotel, Cinnomon Grand, Colombo Hilton and the World Trade Center are some of the prominent landmarks in the heart of the city. It will take hours of roaming around Colombo to see everything.

As one of the most populous cities of Sri Lanka Jaffna situated 450 kilometers on the A9 highway North of Colombo is a significant place to travel. Origin of Jaffna is so unique and ancient that it has been veiled in the mist of time. There is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in Jaffna Peninsula. Strikingly beautiful ancient cities of Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and the “Sigiriya” Lion's rock fortress are amazing places to visit for its contrasts, high cultural interest and for spectacular natural beauty. A visit to the country would remain incomplete if Nuwara Eliya and Kandy did not appear in a traveler’s itinerary. The panoramic towns are noted for its salubrious climate. The scenery as it unfolds during the trip is breathtaking. Travelling 180 kilometers East of Colombo to Nuwara Eliya known as the “City of Light” via Kandy can be a fantastic experience for a tourist.

Hambantota is a unique destination in Sri Lanka with a blend of sea, sand and sky. Tangalle and Hambantota, situated 240 kilometers South East of Colombo are all year round beach destinations with brilliant sunshine, dry weather and perfect sea conditions. Geographic diversity gives the area a rich wild life resources .Yala and Bundala national parks located in the South East edge of Hambantota are the two conserved wild life parks. Majestic elephants can be found in almost all nature reserves through out the country. The country's Eastern province is synonymous with cities like Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara.

Sri Lanka’s world class tourism assets have developed into one of the world's most unique destinations to be visited. The things to do in this beautiful island paradise might not be found elsewhere in the world.