News
Indian Cultural Association (ICA) announces 1st Intl Half-Marathon in Colombo
The Indian Cultural Association (ICA) last week announced the launch of its first International Half-Marathon, set to officially kick off on September 1st, 2024, from Galle Face Green, Colombo. This highly anticipated event aims to position Sri Lanka as a prime destination for both leisure and sporting events, attracting attention from around the world, with the aim of registering over 1400 athletes from multiple countries. The marathon will allow the ICA to fund their CSR initiatives including self-pledging of organ donation, helping orphanages and planting Na Trees, in local schools, symbolising a green footprint from each of the race participants.
Captain, Anirban Banerjee, President of the ICA, expressed the association’s commitment to making this event a success: “Our goal with the ICA’s 1st International Half-Marathon is to establish the country as a viable destination for sports tourism and outdoor recreation, while encouraging Sri Lankans to get more involved in physically challenging activities. We were delighted with the response we received from locals as well as foreign participants, most of whom are travelling to our sunny shores for the first time. The team is working tirelessly to ensure that all participants have a great marathon experience while enjoying true Sri Lankan hospitality.”
The marathon route, starting and ending at Galle Face Green, will take participants through some of Colombo’s most picturesque locations, including Marine Drive and Galle Road, offering runners stunning views of the city and coastline. Race Categories include a Half Marathon (21.0975 km), Challengers Run (10 km) and a Family Run (5 km). The event is not just about competition; it’s about promoting health, unity, community support, and sustainable tourism. As this would be an event of generation of funds we foresee a revenue accumulation of USD 5 million and more in the years to come which shall be used for various CSR activities.
Ms Smita Pandit Chakraborty, CEO of Continental Sri Lanka mentioned “ICA has embarked on a unique program for a half marathon with a social cause for the first time in Sri Lanka. Continental has been part of Sri Lanka/Kalutara for several years. In line with our long tradition in Sri Lanka and our connection with the people and communities, our sponsorship came naturally. The marathon is corresponding with our core values at Continental #PassiontoWin and #ForOneAnother. We encourage all participants and members for the run and also for their engagement in the sustainability initiatives.”
Jayadratha Das, Vice President ICA, speaking of the prizes added, ” We hope the prize money for the ICA International Half-Marathon will be a motivating factor for more participants to register, as the top three male and female finishers will be awarded substantial prize money and trophies. Our top finishers male and female will receive: 1st Place: Rs. 1,000,000; 2nd Place: Rs. 500,000; 3rd Place: Rs. 200,000 and many consolation prizes. All participants will receive a medal and certificate endorsed by supporting organisations.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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