Vesak celebrations in Canberra

May 23, 2016

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Australia celebrated the Vesak festival on Saturday 21st May with the participation of the Venerable Maha Sangha from the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple and the Sri Lankan community. The event was also an occasion to encourage donations towards emergency flood relief assistance in Sri Lanka.

The celebrations commenced with a Buddhist sermon and chanting of pirith by the Venerable Maha Sangha who also offered blessings to the people affected by the floods and landslides in Sri Lanka.

The High Commission staff presented Vesak bhakthi gee to the accompaniment of music by the Nada Roo Music Group from Canberra, which was the highlight of the event.

High Commissioner Skandakumar in his welcome address thanked the Maha Sangha for their prayers on behalf of all those who had suffered extensively on account of the recent devastating events in Sri Lanka. He observed that the floods and landslides had affected people from all walks of life and not by caste, creed or ethnicity. He appealed to all to abide by the profound teachings of Lord Buddha, and to come together as the United Sri Lankan Diaspora of Australia to serve our motherland as one. He added that on such an auspicious day there could not be a finer tribute to Lord Buddha’s teachings than our sincere commitment to his pronouncement “Loka Samastah Sukhino Bavantu “-May All Beings Be Happy – reminding those present that we were without exception children of a common Mother Sri Lanka as reflected in our National Anthem.

The High Commissioner concluded by paying a tribute to the Nadaroo Music Group and the Mission Staff for an outstanding rendering of Vesak bhakthi gee and thanked the community for their presence and participation.

The High Commission was colourfully decorated and illuminated with Vesak lanterns and Buddhist flags. A leaflet explaining the significance of Vesak was distributed to those coming to see the decorations throughout the weekend. The Sri Lankan community highly appreciated the beautiful decorations which brought the spirit of Vesak to Canberra and the bhakthi gee presented by the Mission staff.

Learned Judges visit Canberra Mission

April 12, 2016

A distinguished delegation of Supreme Court and Appeal Court judges from Sri Lanka was entertained to dinner at the High Commission on 10th April.

In extending a warm welcome to the guests, the High Commissioner observed that never in the history of the Mission had such a high level of legal intellect come through its doors in such a short space of time.

He reflected on the achievements of the Sri Lankan community who made Australia their home as being a source of pride to all. He also observed that each of them had been able to realise his or her potential due to the even playing field that Australia has provided for all its citizens in an equitable manner. The benefit of that was seen in the robust nature of the Australian economy in a harmonious environment that embraced the diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities of almost 200 countries.

President’s Counsel Justice Priyasath Dep speaking on behalf of the eleven member delegation thanked the High Commissioner for his kind invitation and said that they were delighted to be at such a well-designed Mission. He said that they had been associated with a very interesting programme with the School of Law of the Deakin University and will be carrying a message of goodwill from Australia on their return.

The High Commissioner was associated with the Deputy High Commissioner Himalee Arunatilaka, Minister Cyril Gunapala and Minister Counsellor Chandana Weerasena

Professor Sadeep Gopalan, Dean of the Deakin University School of Law and Mr. Athula Pathinayake from the Deakin University School of Law accompanied the delegation

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Presents credentials in Solomon Islands

April 11, 2016

High Commissioner Somasundaram Skandakumar presented credentials to the Governor General of Solomon Islands Sir Frank Ofagioro Kabui in Honiara on 17th March 2016. The High Commissioner was welcomed with the traditional garlanding of shell money and a Guard of Honour at the Governor General’s House. Speaking at the occasion, High Commissioner Skandakumar said that as island nations Sri Lanka and Solomon Islands share common interests and concerns, which can be focussed in furthering bilateral relations. The High Commissioner briefed on the new political direction of the Government in Sri Lanka, which aims at fostering reconciliation, democratic values and economic development.

The Governor General appreciated the initiatives of the Sri Lankan Government and highlighted the need to build on the bilateral relations, which were established in 2013, for mutual benefit. Referring to the legal and commercial fields as potential areas for cooperation the Governor General recalled with fond memories six months spent in Sri Lanka in 1976 under a Commonwealth training programme.

The High Commissioner called on Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Foreign Minister Milner Tozaka during the visit, and was hosted to lunch by the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Joseph Maahanua. He also interacted with the small but influential Sri Lankan community in Honiara.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra

11th April 2016

Australian grant assistance for the development of netball in Sri Lanka

April 7, 2016

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, was associated with the launch of the Asian Sports Partnerships (ASP) programme by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on 6th April, through which grant assistance will be provided for further development of netball in Sri Lanka. The launch of the ASP took place in Sydney, during the recent visit of Minister Samaraweera to Australia on a 3 day official visit.

Welcoming Minister Samaraweera’s presence at the launch, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said that Australia is home to a large Sri Lankan community which creates a strong cultural bond between the two countries. She further announced that under the Asian Sports Partnerships Programme, Netball Australia “will deliver community development and peace building programs in partnerships with Sri Lankan community organisations.”

Thanking Australia for the grant assistance, Minister Samaraweera observed that sports play an important role in our bilateral relations with Australia, and pointed out that Cricket Australia has been a longstanding partner in the development of cricket in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Australia Somasundaram Skandakumar and Consul General in Sydney Lal Wickrematunga, were also present.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra.

7th April 2016

Address of Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, MP at the Australian Institute for International Affairs Roundtable Victoria, 4th April 2016

April 6, 2016

On January 8th last year, in a historic election, the people of Sri Lanka cast their votes for democracy, reconciliation and development. They chose free and fair elections, good governance and the rule of law over authoritarianism and impunity; they chose stability, reconciliation and peace over the politics of fear and hate. And they eschewed isolationist crony capitalism for openness to the world and a competitive, transparent rules-based economy. Basically, the people of Sri Lanka were weary of politics and governance that just wasn’t cricket. They wanted the new Sri Lanka with an undoctored pitch, an untampered ball and genuine umpires.

The new government was left to clean the Augean stables – a debt-ridden economy, a divided country and gross corruption. While a great more needs to be done, in the last year there is no one who doubts that there has been a sea change in Sri Lanka. In fact, Samantha Power, the US Ambassador to the UN said, “I cannot think of a country in the world today where there has been this much change in such a short a period of time”. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to begin my talk today by briefing you on Sri Lanka’s progress and plans and then moving on to touch on the Sri Lanka-Australia Partnership.

As many of you here today know, during the previous authoritarian government Sri Lanka, the oldest democracy in Asia, stood at the precipice of dictatorship. But we succeeded in pulling back for that chasm in the last minute. In the last year we have reversed Sri Lanka’s trajectory and our democracy is rapidly consolidating. In fact, within months of securing office, the government swiftly passed a constitutional amendment separating powers, strengthening checks and balances and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. That amendment reduced the powers of the presidency and re-instated term limits, ensured the independence of the judiciary, law enforcement and state officials, and made the Right to Information a fundamental right.

But this government, is going beyond reversing the undemocratic laws of the previous government. We are now ensuring that Sri Lanka reaches the next stage in its democracy moving from a ballotocracy to a fully-fledged modern democracy. Sri Lanka has made historic strides to entrench our democratic culture, promote accountability and consolidate the deliberative and participatory aspects of democracy. We have restored the freedom of the press, ended censorship and invited exiled journalists to return to Sri Lanka. A Right to Information Act has been tabled in Parliament and we will be voting on it shortly. Hundreds of criminal investigations for abuses of power and corruption are currently underway under the due process of the law. We just put in place a 25 percent reservation for women in local government elections. Once these reforms are over Sri Lanka’s democracy will be truly accountable, participatory and inclusive.

But perhaps more than the importance of consolidating Sri Lanka’s democracy, the need of the hour is breaking through the greatest obstacle that has held Sri Lanka back since Independence – our failure to accept and celebrate the our small island’s tremendous diversity.

At the time we gained Independence, in February 1948, Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, was in a unique position among the countries in the developing world as she had experience of representative government and development indicators that were unparalleled in the developing word. In fact, an editorial published in London on the day of Sri Lanka’s independence predicted that in a short space of time Ceylon would become the Switzerland of the East.

But what held us back, what plunged us into cycles of conflict, and what prevented the many attempts of saving our nation from such adversity was the failure to manage such justifiable grievances of Sri Lanka’s minorities that led to conflict and violence. Sri Lanka’s post-independence leadership was unable to terms with her diversity as a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual country. As a result these grievances were transformed into inter-communal resentment, feelings of discrimination, unfair treatment and ultimately political violence.

But for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, the two main political parties of the country, who have been opposed to each other since Independence, have come together to win the peace once and for all. Next Tuesday, on the 5th of April, Parliament will meet as a Constitutional Assembly to design Sri Lanka’s Third Republican Constitution which will strengthen democracy, guarantee the rights of individuals and minorities and reflect the needs and aspirations of all our citizens. For the first time in Sri Lanka’s constitution-making history, these deliberations will be enriched by a comprehensive process of national consultations.

Similarly, the Government knows that we need to understand and deal with the past if we are to move forward as a country. Based on the Government’s four pillared approach of truth, accountability, reparations and non-recurrence, a resolution was moved at the UN Human Rights Council which we co-sponsored. The design of the mechanisms proposed by the Government and included in the resolution, namely the Missing Persons Office, the TRC, the Accountability Mechanism and the Office of Reparations, will be based on consultations with all stakeholders – particularly the victims. Online consultations have already begun and face-to-face consultations will begin within weeks.

But for Sri Lanka’s democratic and reconciliation journey to succeed, its economy must flourish and its people must prosper. The government is currently putting in place the medium-term elements for unleashing Sri Lanka’s tremendous economic potential.

Sri Lanka is enjoys a unique geo-economic position located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, on the main East-West Sea Route and at the maritime Gateway to India and the Sub-Continent. In a nutshell, we are at the center of the emerging world. Alongside Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong, we are putting in place the necessary conditions to make Sri Lanka a node for access to the emerging world.

Sri Lanka already has free trade agreements with India and Pakistan and negotiations are already underway to deepen these agreements. We have ongoing negotiations with China on signing an FTA. Once these agreements are in place, Sri Lanka will have deep concessionary access to the two largest emerging markets. In addition to securing access to new markets, Sri Lanka is regaining access to old ones. The previous government’s human rights record led to the loss of GSP+ concessions to the EU – we are working very hard to restore them as soon as possible and the EU’s response has been very favourable.

Sri Lanka has long been a paradise for Australian tourists, surfers in particular are no strangers to Hikkaduwa or Arugam Bay. But now Sri Lanka is becoming a paradise for investors – we have taken substantial steps to make the judiciary independent, there is a concerted effort to increase the ease of business and Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, already the best in the region, is improving fast too. We also enjoy macro-economic stability. Over the last five years average GDP growth exceeded 6 percent, inflation never exceeded 7.5 percent and the government is now putting in place a framework with the IMF for fiscal and external sector consolidation that will put the Sri Lankan economy on a firm foundation for growth.

Sri Lankan firms have invested over 200 million dollars in Australia, compared to the 60 million dollars Australian firms have invested in Sri Lanka. With the tremendous opportunities opening up in Sri Lanka and her neighbors, it’s time to reverse that ratio. Sri Lanka’s burgeoning tourism sector, underdeveloped diary industry and rich but unexploited ocean area also offers excellent value propositions for Australian leisure, diary, fishing and aquaculture and offshore sectors.

Sri Lanka and Australia have had close ties for generations. Many Australian brands – including Anchor milk – are household names in Sri Lanka and Colombo was a key stop on voyages between the UK and Australia. In more recent years Australia has become the home of over 120,000 persons of Sri Lankan origin – with an eclectic mix of Burghers, Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese. Australia is also a favoured destination for Sri Lanka students: over 5500 Sri Lankans are studying at Australian universities. Sri Lankan Airlines opened its first office in Australia, here in Melbourne, in 2013 and airlines are exploring the possibility of re-commencing the direct flights between our two islands.

In addition to these ties, Sri Lanka and Australia, neighboring island in the Indian Ocean, share a deep commitment to democratic values and many common interests. We are committed to combatting violent extremism, a rules based international order and freedom of navigation. We also have a common interest in addressing issues of climate change and human trafficking.

As Prime Minister Turnbull noted a couple of weeks ago at the annual Lowy Lecture,

Strong borders, vigilant security agencies governed by the rule of law, and a steadfast commitment to the shared values of freedom and mutual respect – these are the ingredients of multicultural success – which is what we have achieved in Australia.

In an increasingly unstable world, where democracy, multiculturalism and human rights are threatened from all quarters, Sri Lanka, like Australia, has the potential to set such an example and become a pillar of stability in the region.

But for Sri Lanka to succeed the people of Sri Lanka need to feel the democratic dividend and the peace dividend fast. Australia has been generous in her assistance providing over 40 million US dollars over the last year, and in helping us guard our maritime area which is nearly five times our land areas. But at this time of transition, we need Australian assistance in rebuilding, in education – particularly vocational education, in technology and in improving public service delivery.

Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, at this critical point in Sri Lanka’s transition, when the people of Sri Lanka rejected those who just weren’t playing cricket and are ready to bat again, we look to our partner Australia’s support and the world’s support for the next innings.

Address by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera at Lunch Meeting with Business Leaders and Parliamentarians Melbourne, 4 April 2016

April 6, 2016

On the eight of January last year, in a historic election the Sri Lankan people voted for democracy, reconciliation and development, the three pillars on which the government is taking the country forward today. They chose robust democratic institutions over kleptocracy and authoritarianism, they chose healing and unity over hate and division and they chose a development strategy based on free competition and a level playing field over a system of crony capitalism.

As a result, Sri Lanka, the oldest democracy in Asia, which has faced two Marxist insurgencies, a civil war and nearly a decade of self-imposed international isolation, is now on the verge of a renaissance. The new government has a clear mandate and is putting in place the foundations for political and policy stability, growth and development, in addition to regaining Sri Lanka’s role at the centre stage of international affairs.

The government has already significantly strengthened the separation of powers and checks and balances. Within months of coming to office, the government passed a constitutional amendment that limited the powers of the presidency and strengthened the independence of the judiciary, bribery commission and other key public bodies. It also took immediate steps to end censorship and allow a completely free media. And I can assure that the Fourth Estate is more than active in holding the government to account. The government is also committed to ensuring that Sri Lanka’s democracy isn’t reduced to ballotocracy: we are strengthening the deliberative and participatory aspects of democracy. For example, parliament recently approved a 25 percent quota for women at local government level and a Right to Information Bill has been tabled in parliament.

In fact, tomorrow, Parliament will be convening for the first time Constitutional Assembly in order to start the process of designing Sri Lanka’s third republican constitution that will further strengthen parliament, the courts and independent bodies and reduce the centralization of power in the presidency.

The new constitution is also one of three main prongs of the Government’s reconciliation strategy. For it is our failure as a country to accept and celebrate our diversity and address the justifiable grievances of our different communities that caused the ethnic conflict and war. In fact, if not for this, Sri Lanka would have most likely fulfilled the destiny that we predicted in a London newspaper on the day of her independence, nearly seventy years ago, and become the “Switzerland of the East”. The new constitution will ensure that power is shared so that citizens are empowered to be involved and have a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives and help ensure that the country is truly united.

The second prong is coming to terms and dealing with our past. We know that if we are to move forward this is necessary, so Sri Lanka co-sponsored a resolution in Geneva that outlines a four pillar approach based on truth, accountability, reparations and non-recurrence. Consultations on the design of the Missing Persons Office, TRC, Accountability Mechanism and Office of Reparations are currently underway.

Third, we are addressing the plethora of issues that remain in the conflict affected areas of the island. One of the first steps the government took was the restoration civilian administration in the North and East, the government has released over 3400 acres of land and we are working hard to improve living standards.

But in addition to domestic political stability, the government is also helping ensure stability in the region. We have re-balanced our foreign policy so that we now have excellent ties with our neighbour India, in addition to our traditional friends such as China, the US, EU and Japan. After several years we’ve had Joint Commissions with India and the EU. Sri Lanka and the US formalized their partnership for the first time in the form of the Partnership Dialogue that Secretary Kerry and I initiated in February this year. Our relations with China remain strong and I am in fact going from Sydney to Beijing to join Prime Minister Wickremesinghe who is paying an official visit to China.

We are in the process of collaborating with our partners, including Australia, in countering violent extremism, securing Sri Lanka’s vast maritime area which is nearly five times that size of its landmass and protecting Indian Ocean shipping routes from piracy.

Sri Lanka looks forward to working closely with Australia to ensure the maritime security of the Indian Ocean as both parties are committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order. We also need to work together on issues of climate change that is already seriously affecting our environments and economies. Our relations with Aussie remain cordial and as strong as ever, and I hope that my bilateral discussions with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop tomorrow will form the basis for increasing the depth and breadth of our relationship in the coming years.

For the first time since Independence there is tremendous hope that this vision for a democratic, truly united, peaceful and prosperous country can be achieved. This is because the two main political parties that have opposed each other from independence have joined together, for the first time in history, in a grand coalition so that they can collectively address these long-standing issues once and for all.

In fact, the recent unanimous decision to make Parliament a Constitutional Assembly, which which starts work tomorrow, and the approval of the budget last December with the largest majority any government has ever achieved, shows that this government is more stable than any other government since independence – despite the infantile and opportunistic machinations of a small faction of the opposition comprised of bankrupt politicians.

As a result, the coming years will not only see political stability but macro-policy stability as well, despite the usual day-to-day complexities of coalition government. The government is committed to achieving its promises for growth and employment. The only way we can do this is by ensuring macro-economic stability, increased market access and an improved investor climate.

The government is currently negotiating with the IMF for a stand-by facility and our economy has proved its macro-economic resilience. Over the last five years average GDP growth exceeded 6 percent, inflation never exceeded 7.5 percent and the government is now putting in place a framework with the IMF for fiscal and external sector consolidation that will put the Sri Lankan economy on a firm foundation for growth.

We are leveraging Sri Lanka’s unique geo-economic position at the centre of the emerging world – located in the Middle of the Indian Ocean, next to the main East-West Sea Route and at the mouth of the Indian Sub-Continent – by improving market access for Sri Lankan goods and services in the Indian and Pakistani markets. We are building on existing free trade agreements with India and Pakistan and we in negotiations to sign a free trade agreement with China. As a result in addition to excellent connectivity to the emerging world, Sri Lanka will have deep concessionary access to the largest emerging markets. We are also regaining access to lost markets, such as the EU, by improving our human record which will help us regain GSP+ concessions.

However, if Sri Lanka is to kick-start her economy FDI is essential and we are making Sri Lanka an investor’s paradise as well. We are working hard to cut-red tape, ensure investor security and improve Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, which is already the best in the region. We are reforming our tax system which is holding back our rank on the Doing Business Index, where we are already ranked the easiest place to do business in South Asia. But while we are located in South Asia, we are benchmarking ourselves against South East Asia. We are also streamlining the investment process with a one-stop investment shop in the form of the Agency for Development, which will also have significant private sector involvement. We have excellent ports, airports and roadways, in fact Colombo Port is the busiest in South Asia.

Sri Lanka is open to the world and open to foreign investment. We particularly need considerable investment in tertiary education – including vocational education, ocean industries and our diary sector. Our Ambassador in Australia, who has already done so much for Sri Lanka Australia relations through his yeoman service at Sri Lanka’s cricket board, and our two consul-generals, in Melbourne and in Sydney, will provide you any assistance you may require in exploring Sri Lanka. As for existing investors, I want to thank you for your confidence in Sri Lanka and I assure you that my ministry and the government are committed to partnering with you to make business easier and safer.

Sri Lanka hands over USD 25,000 and tea for Cyclone victims in Fiji

March 29, 2016

The Sri Lankan government has donated US$ 25,000, and 100kg of tea to the people of Fiji, as a symbolic contribution towards relief assistance in the aftermath of Cyclone Winston that ravaged the Fiji Islands last February.

The cheque was handed over by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Australia Somasundaram Skandakumar, to the Fijian High Commissioner in Australia Yogesh Punja on 23rd March. The consignment of tea will be dispatched by the Sri Lanka Tea Board directly to the National Disaster Management Office in Fiji.

In handing over the cheque, High Commissioner Skandakumar said that Sri Lanka was well aware of the devastation that can result from a natural disaster, having immensely suffered from the 2004 tsunami. The symbolic donation is a reflection of the Sri Lankan people’s empathy towards the people of Fiji who are still in distress and struggling to overcome the destruction and damage caused by the Cyclone. He also referred to the very cordial relations that exist between the two countries, and expressed the hope that the resilience of the Fijian people will help them in facing the challenges ahead of them.

The Fijian High Commissioner thanked Sri Lanka for the symbolic gesture and explained the relief assistance underway to help the people in the affected areas.

Sri Lanka High Commissioner
Canberra

29th March 2016

EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Visits Sri Lanka

March 16, 2016

The EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica arrived in Sri Lanka today, 15th March 2016, to re-affirm EU support for the Government of Sri Lanka, review ongoing development programmes and to discuss ways and means of further enhancing Sri Lanka – EU bilateral cooperation. This is the first visit of the EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development to Sri Lanka and is the first visit by a high-level EU representative since the current Government assumed office.

The EU Commissioner will meet Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and other senior ministers during his visit.

Following the election of the new Government in 2015, Sri Lanka and EU are engaged in a number of initiatives aimed to complement the ongoing peace and reconciliation process while also strengthening economic partnership.

Today, Commissioner Mimca met with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and discussed a wide range of issues, including possible lifting of IUU fishing ban and restoration of GSP+, furthering the continued positive engagement between the two parties.

Foreign Minister Samaraweera also participated at the formal opening of the new premises of the Office of the EU Delegation today.

Commissioner Mimica will conclude his official visit on 17th March, 2016 following high level discussions and signing of two financing agreements.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo

15 March 2016

High Commission participates National Multi Cultural Festival

March 7, 2016

Sri Lanka High Commission, as in previous years participated National Multi Cultural Festival held in Canberra from 12-14 February 2016.

Having organised an exclusive stall, the High Commission promoted Sri Lankan Cultural attraction and pure Ceylon tea.

With the assistance of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the High Commission staff served black tea to the attendees of the event and distributed free tea bags. The High Commission stall was one of the attracted stalls in the Festival and many festival attendees visited the stall and shared their experience in Sri Lanka and inquired about Sri Lankan culture, tourism and Tea.

Sri Lanka wins Award for the “Most Popular Destination”at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF)

March 7, 2016

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau(SLTPB)organized Sri Lanka’s participation at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) from 25th – 27th February 2016 at the Canton Exhibition grounds in Guangzhou.

The GITF which is an annual event in Guangzhou and held since 1992 is considered one of the prestigious international travel fairs in the Asia Pacific region.

Sri Lanka which was the partner country at this year’s GITF under the theme “One Island Thousand Treasures” received the award for “Most Popular Destination” which gave a leveraging boost in enhancing Sri Lanka’s image as a diverse, exciting and premier travel destination. The dance troupe from the Sri Lanka Army which performed on the opening night was very well received by the audience.
Thirty Sri Lankan travel agencies participated in the GITF. They were able to connect directly with outbound tour operators, travel agents and other travel buyers through two Roadshows hosted by the Consulate General and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in the Westin hotel in Guangzhou on 25th February and Xiamen city in Fujian province on 29th February which was very well attended by the Chinese travel industry and media.

Mr. Paddy Withana, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board, Mrs. Shanika Dissanayake, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou and Mr. Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi/ Head of the China Desk at the SLTPB addressed the gathering.
The Travel Fair attracted 956 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions.

Sri Lanka Consulate General
Guangzhou

3 March 2016