Stressing the strong and deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Sri Lanka, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, recently visited the Sri Lankan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai along with H.E President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was an honored guest at the Pavilion. The UAE is one of the largest sources of Foreign Direct Inflows (FDI) to Sri Lanka and one of its largest trading partners in the Middle East. It has tremendous possibilities as an export market to Sri Lanka and has potential to be a key investor into the destination making; the visit of the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, an honored and significant one.

Accompanied by first lady Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, the President toured the Sri Lanka Pavilion to observe the multi-sensorial display that showcases the island in all its glory. The President was offered a traditional Sri Lankan welcome and later witnessed the unveiling of a sculpture of the President by reputed sculptor Wasantha Kumara Rathnayake to commemorate the occasion. The Sri Lanka Pavilion focuses on highlighting the Island as a tourist destination while showcasing other facets on offer such as tea, exports, arts and crafts to name a few. 

Sri Lanka Tourism has been on an aggressive brand-building and promotion drive as the island is now open to fully vaccinated travelers from around the world. The strategy by Sri Lanka Tourism to ensure that Sri Lanka remain a top of the mind destination despite the pandemic is now reaping rewards. This takes place at a time where the global spot light shines on Sri Lanka where Travel + Leisure recognizes Sri Lanka among ‘The Top 25 Islands in the World’, September, 2021, Sri Lanka placed second on Club Med’s index of the best places and countries around the world to become a Digital Nomad.  Sri Lanka is proud to be home to 4 of the Top 25 Resorts in Asia: Readers' Choice Awards 2021. In May 2021 Bloomberg’s ‘Explore the New Seven Wonders of the World’ features Sri Lanka and Global Wellness Institute ranks Sri Lanka as the fourth country on the world's top Wellness Tourism Destination list. Further Sri Lanka was ranked as one of the best destinations to travel to in 2021 as voted by readers of both Conde Nast Traveler US and UK and was also featured as one of the Top Destinations to Travel in February 2020 by Condé Nast Traveler, Middle East.

Sri Lanka Tourism has been able to secure high earned media value through the participation at Expo 2020 Dubai and the visit by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid of the UAE and H.E. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is sure to spark much enthusiasm and interest at the global event for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka President with the Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates at the Sri Lanka Tea Pavilion viewing the 7 regional teas 

HE Sri Lanka President signs the Guest Book of Sri Lanka Pavilion

Sri Lanka President with the Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates viewing the Gini Raksha Mask.