Both Sri Lankan the New Zealand Women’s Cricket teams were in for a pleasant surprise when they were treated to a sumptuous Sri Lankan themed dinner hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism, in Collaboration with the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka on the 5^th of July 2023, at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. The Occasion was made more colorful with cultural dance performances which highly impressed the visitors and enjoyed to the maximum. The distinguished audience which was present at the occasion consisted of senior officials from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, including Chairman SLTPB , Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, H. E Michael Appleton, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and High Commission staff, Mr. Shammi Silva ,  President , Sri Lanka Cricket Board and other officials. The gala dinner was hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism in order to mark the visit of the New Zealand Women’s Cricket team to Sri Lanka after 10 years, and with the purpose of spreading fellowship and networking among the participants. Mr .Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman ,Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and H.E Michael Appleton , New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka addressed the gathering  ,whereas  a toast was also raised in honor of the visiting team . The two captains of the team were also interviewed on their experiences during their respective tours of both countries, and they shared some interesting experiences of their tours as well as their expressions on Cricket. The New Zealand Women’s team is currently touring Sri Lanka for 3 ODI’S and 3 T20 matches, as well as a practice T20 game with SLC Board President’s XI, which will be an interesting encounter. A short video clip capturing moments of their tour and the activities which they participate, such as conducting a training session for local girls’ school in Galle.   It was a fun filled and a colorful evening along with music and dance, as well as connecting and networking, and developing contacts. The two teams also posed for a group photo with H.E Michael Appleton, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, along with other officials representing SLTPB.

The Sri Lankan music provided added more to the Sri Lankan flavor, along with the authentic cuisine and traditional sweet meats to follow. Hosting this occasion gave an opportunity to know about the Sri Lankan culture, tradition and taste its delicious authentic cuisine.  This initiative taken by Sri Lanka Tourism will further enable them to take back cherished memories, and a positive message about Sri Lanka to their home country, encouraging more tourists from New Zealand, to experience the rich and colorful Sri Lankan culture and the warm friendship and hospitality of its inhabitants.

Group photo with H.E Michael Appleton, New Zealand High commissioner to Sri Lanka, SLTPB and Sri Lanka Cricket officials

H.E Michael Appleton, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, during his speech

Chamari Atapattu, Sri Lanka Womens Cricket Captain, greeted by Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman SLTPB

During the welcoming ceremony at the hotel

Enjoying an entertaintment item