Maldivian President arrives in Sri Lanka today

Newly elected Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) is expected to arrive in the country today (02) for a two day official visit, following an official invitation extended to him by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministry of Foreign Affair sources said.

Govt will strive to sustain 6% growth rate next year - Sarath Amunugama

To achieve this target, the minister said a relief package was given to the plantation sector which had been hit hard by the global situation today.

He pointed out that capital loans would be provided to the tea industrialists at a concessionary interest rate, and the recovery of already granted loans would be suspended for the next year and added that the cess levied on tea imports would be increased to protect local production.

“We will purchase tea through State Trading Institutions to be supplied to Iran and Russia on credit. Mixed fertiliser will be issued to tea smallholders at Rs. 1000 per bag of 50 kilos. These facilities will make the tea industry a viable one”.

Debt relief has been earmarked for the tourism sector, the minister revealed.  In addition, the government will guarantee a stable price of Rs. 150 for a kilo of rubber next year, and an additional five percent cess will be imposed on rubber imports to sustain the local production. There will be concessions for the cinnamon plantation sector as well, he added.

Meanwhile, The Minister Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane said that plans would be put in place to give a stable price of Rs. 45 for a kilo of tea leaves, and Rs. 300 for a kilo of manufactured tea.

Courtesy: Government Information Department

International Buddhist Center improved to encourage religious tourism

Steps have been taken to improve the conditions of International Buddhist Centre located at Piliyandala.

The BOI-International Buddhist Center is a large-scale project to showcase Buddhism and its contribution to society in a single and dedicated location.

It will seek to attract investments in Buddhism related projects and thus become a magnet for Buddhists all around the world as well as those who have an interest in the philosophy of Buddhism.

Under the Mahinda Chinthana program, the Government has identified as one of its objectives “to make Sri Lanka a Global centre for the propagation of the teachings of the Lord Buddha”. This is done in order to “enlighten the citizens of the world on the achievements of peaceful co-existence through the Dhamma”.

The site for the project is at Kesbewa, Piliyandala, which is just 25 kilometers away from Colombo and 50 kilometers from the Bandaranaike International Airport. The land is close to the Bolgoda Lake, which is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the Western Province.

There are a number of elements to the project. The first is the construction of the Bodhigaraya, which is nearly complete and will soon be ready for the ceremonial placing of a sapling of the Bo Tree.

This novel project will encourage religious tourism as many Buddhist countries are undergoing rapid economic growth. Buddhism has also grown in importance in the west, notably in the USA, where many prominent Americans have espoused the Buddhist faith. Te international Buddhist centers will promote academic research and strengthen core values, which will also benefit the Sri Lankan society.

Courtesy: Government Information Department

Mihin Air back from 1st January

Mihin Lanka will recommence operations from 1st January 2009. The first flight will be to Dubai from Colombo at 6 p.m.

The new Boeing 787 aircraft with the capacity of 187 passengers arrived in Colombo on Saturday (27th) night from France. The Mihin logo and the branding were also done in France.

The new aircraft was used in France for less than six months. The agreement is to fly 350 hours a week and there would be a mixed crew on board.

The roll out plan for the relaunch include six, weekly frequencies except on Saturdays to Dubai leaving Colombo at 9.15 p.m. and reaching Colombo at 4.30 a.m. the following day.
The Mihin ticket office has already sold 35% of the ticket for the first flight. The airline would be selling a ticket less that US$ 4,100.

The airline would also operate flights to Trichi and Trivendrum from the second week of January. This daily frequency would operate during day time. Mihin would also play the role of a feeder airline to ‘Sri Lankan’ as it would carry many passengers from Trichi and Trivendrum flying to other international destinations using Colombo as a hub.

With Bodhgaya season commencing the airline will operate daily flights from February 15. The airline will be also looking at new Indian destinations after March when the Bodhgaya season ends.
The airline also launched their own home grown call centre.

Courtesy: Lankapuvath

Mt. Lavinia Hotel and BOI to introduce Tourism and Hospitality diplomas

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka granted investment approval to establish a Vocational and Technical Training Institute in Mount Lavinia.

Combine 200 years of experience with a desire to grow and evolve, the Mount Lavinia Hotel, a proud heritage and a landmark to our country has ventured into Training & Development.

International College of Education, also known as ICE managed by the Mount Lavinia Hotel will introduce Tourism and Hospitality diplomas linked with TAFE colleges in New South Wales through the Hunter Institute in Sydney, Australia.

Technical Education in Australia dates back to 1883 and today TAFE (Technical and Further Education) is known as the largest Vocational Training body in Australia. TAFE offers many specialized diplomas and advanced diplomas, out of which Hospitality and Management is one of their renowned programs recognized all over the world.

The college is scheduled to open in February 2009, and can accommodate 140 students. ICE will provide the ideal opportunity for young people to learn and be professional in the industry. The students will acquire confidence and the know how to hold responsible positions in the hospitality industry anywhere in the world.

Courtesy: Lankapuvath