( 01st July 2014, Shanghai) On the afternoon of July 1st, kick-off press conference of Sri Lanka Joint Mega Promotion Campaign - “Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” was held in Shangri-La Hotel, Pudong, Shanghai. The activity, sponsored by Ministry of Economic Development, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing China and Sri Lanka Consulate in Shanghai, was intended to comprehensively introduce tourism, culture, and economy of Sri Lanka to Chinese people.

The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, Ms. Hasanthi Dissanayake, Mr. Rumy Jauffer, Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Asoka Hettigoda – Chairman of Siddhalepa Group of Companies and special invitees Mr. Er Dong Qiang , a Shanghinese Photographer and Ms. Chen Danyan, the famous Shanghai novelist and travel writer, Sri Lankan senior officials, and more than 120 media of China attended the conference.

Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, Ms. Hasanthi Dissanayake delivering the inaugural speech said, “Over a long history, China and Sri Lanka increasingly strengthened their friendship. I hope you really love the show we prepared in Shanghai. With China’s economic growth, out bound tourism also has been on the increase and I am happy to note that when last three years are considered, there had been unprecedented increase of Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai is in a way peaks it all and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will introduce Sri Lanka through this event, of what Sri Lanka offers to the world, land of smiling faces and hospitality at its best” .

Mr. Rumy Jauffer, Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau introduced, “Sri Lanka boasts a long history of Buddhism, mysterious ancient cities, beautiful tropical sceneries, perfect beach health-service and diversified animals, plants and mineral resources. Thanks to the unique cultures and customs and magnificent landscapes, tourists explore the unique power of their souls while embracing the nature. Sri Lanka offers a world tour in eight days to any traveller ” he said.

Veteran travel photographer Mr. Er Dong Qiang of Shanghai delivering a special guest speech highlighted that “I have been to Sri Lanka many times and it is such an exotic destination which can fascinate any traveller by the unique charm it beholds. Recently I did a photographic exhibition of Sri Lanka in Shanghai depicting the true beauty of this country and many wonders it has to offer to the travellers. With my first hand experience I recommend you to visit this unique Island with many facets “

Ms. Chen Danyan, the famous Shanghai novelist and travel writer, who also visited Sri Lanka and is in the process of writing a travelogue on Sri Lanka added that “ its a privilege for her to get to know about Sri Lanka and with her travel experience in the country she was compelled to write the travel guide on Sri Lanka based on its value as a tourism destination. She mentioned that for Chinese travellers this will be the ideal destination to visit based on its culture, people and natural attractions it has to offer to the travellers.”

Sri Lankan dance performances added much colour and vibrancy to the press conference. A raffle draw was held to selecting three winners for offering travel packages to Sri Lanka which added much excitement to the event. Sri Lanka Tourism’s Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai promotional campaign and its objectives were unfolded at the press conference to the Chinese media through a fully elaborated video presentation. The joint mega promotional campaign “Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” is, an event organised in combination of the Public and Private sectors of the Sri Lanka is coming to China for the second time. The event is organized under the guidance of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development and the Minister for Tourism. The Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Mr. Bashwara Gunarthna played a key role for implementation of the event under the Sri Lanka Tourism strategic country promotional initiative.