News
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka enhance cooperation in tourism sector

High Commissioner Prof. Sudharshan Seneviratne said historical linkages and cultural similarities of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh could be used as instruments to promote the tourism industry for the benefit of both countries. Prof. Seneviratne said so at a special tourism promotion briefing organised by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka for travel agents and media personnel in Bangladesh on 29 May, in collaboration with the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).
The High Commissioner further emphasised that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh could work together to promote two-way tourism especially related to marine archeology through collaborative exchanges of relevant institutions of both countries. The religious linkages in Buddhism will also pave the way for people to people interaction and pilgrim travel to explore each other’s countries. Bangladesh is an important market for Sri Lanka to also promote high-end tourism relating to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and cruise tourism.
Secretary General of ATAB, Abdus Salam Aref said that the Association will continue to extend further cooperation to promote Sri Lanka among Bangladeshi tourists. Both countries could jointly work to enhance and promote tourism benefitting each other.
Making a comprehensive presentation on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, Director Public Relations of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Madubhani Perera briefed the gathering of the many attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer for travellers from Bangladesh. Although the numbers of visitors from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka had decreased over the past few years, Sri Lanka looks forward to increasing these numbers to around 25,000 visitors at the end of this year.
Sri Lankan travel agents, presently touring Bangladesh on a special FAM tour organised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board, engaged in B2B exchanges following the briefing with local travel agents.
News
“Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” continues in the vicinity of the President’s office

The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
News
French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ sets sail from Colombo

The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital

Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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