Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai three day mega promotional campaign in China reached its climax with a glamorous ‘Sri Lankan Night’ which was held in the evening of 4th July 2014 at Pudong Shangri La Hotel in Shanghai. The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka as the chief guest of this glamorous evening.

The other VIP guests who were present at the event included Hon. Shan Wijayalal, Chief Minister, Southern Provincial Council, Sri Lanka, Hon. (Madam). Zhang Li Li, Chairperson for Foreign Affairs, Shanghai Municipal Government, H E. Ranjith Uyangoda , the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China , Hon. Nazeer Ahamed, Provincial Minister (Tourism), Eastern Provincial Council, Sri Lanka , Hon. Dao Shu Ming, Chairman, China Friendship Association with Foreign Countries , Ms. Yasun Wang, Vice Chairperson, All China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese ,Mr. Yong Jiang Huang, CEO, Infinit-Tea Ltd, Mr. Wang Yingqi, Counsellor (Economic and Commerce), Embassy of China in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Mr. Gu Jun, Vice Chair of Municipal Commission of Commerce of Shanghai.

The rest of the VIP’s represented the evening from Sri Lankan side were Mrs. Hasanathy Dissanayake, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, Mr. Anura Siriwardhane, Secretary, Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Bhashwara Gunarathna, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Mr. Nishantha Wickramasinghe, Chairman, Sri Lankan Airlines, Dr. D.S. Jayaweera, Director General, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Mr. Rumy Jauffer, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Along with the distinguished VIP’s, over 580 high profile Chinese guests including diplomats, Chinese government officers, Travel and Trade Businessman, media, celebrities, travel agents and tour operators participated for this vibrant and colourful night held in Pudong , Shangri La on 4th July. The chief guests and the VIP’s were welcomed by a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance to the venue. Welcome address of the event was delivered by H. E. the Ambassador for Sri Lanka in China. Madame Shang Lili, Chairperson for Committee of Foreign Affairs of Shanghai Municipal Government in her speech highlighted the importance of the two countries to work in cooperation to develop the potential areas of growth for China and Sri Lanka. She emphasised that Sri Lanka Night has brought together the diplomatic community and other high profile officials of both countries creating a platform for exchange of ideas and develop links. The Hon. Shan Wijayalal, Chief Minister, Southern Provincial Council delivering a speech said that he is delighted to see the steps taken by Ministry of Economic Development and Sri Lanka Tourism to promote Sri Lanka in Chinese market and hoped that both countries work in mutual understanding to develop this lucrative travel and trade industry further.

The glamorous Sri Lanka Night event featured a series of activities highlighting the Island’s culture and traditions, reflecting the unique Sri Lankan identity. The vibrant cultural dances of the night was performed by the students of Kirindiwela central college of Sri Lanka, Choreographed by Master Lionel Guanarathna. Popular Sri Lankan traditional dance items such as “Ves Dance”, “Thelme”, “Lee Keli” ,” Pooja Dance”, “Suramba Walliya” and “Drum Fusion” were enacted on stage by the dancers creating high level of enthusiasm among the audience while providing them with a unique experience of true Sri Lankan culture and traditions. During the event along with Sri Lankan dances, some of the popular Chinese dances were performed on stage highlighting the blend of cultures of both countries. Celebrities like Miss China also attended the Sri Lanka Night adding much more glam to this dazzling event.

The guests were served with mouth-watering Sri Lankan cuisine prepared by leading Chefs of Sri Lanka during the event adding more flavour to the occasion. With incredible traditional performances and delicious foods made Chinese audience and enterprise guests fully experience the abundant culture and the great charm of the island in the Indian Ocean. While the event unfolded gustes started networking among them and developing important links which will certainly serve for the progress of tourism industry of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai joint Mega Promotion campaign with joint efforts from Public and Private sectors has been initiated under the advice of H.E the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa. The joint mega promotional campaign, an event organised in combination of the Public and Private sectors of the Sri Lanka are 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 promotional initiative is driven by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.