‘Christmas Fest’ launched as first in a series of annual events to attract tourists
View(s):The Government last Saturday launched a mega campaign aimed at offering tourists seasonal and regular events, with “Tourism Fest 2015” linked to the Christmas season being the first such event.The Ministry of Tourism and state agencies are actively working on a calendar of weekly and monthly events across a 12-month to attract high-spending tourists as means of entertainment particularly as a promotion of MICE tourism. Official data has showed that while MICE events are mostly held in Colombo, the capital lacks off-exhibition and off-conference entertainment, particular at night.
The Christmas events were launched by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe when he switched on the lights to illuminate a beautifully decorated Christmas Tree at the Independence Square arcade. This was in the presence of Cardinal Malcom Ranjith, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs Arundika Fernando and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority, Paddy Withana. Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thero of the Gangaramaya Temple at Hunupitiya Colombo 2 also graced the occasion.
Cardinal Malcom Ranjith, thanking the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Christian Affairs and others responsible for organising the event, related in detail the events that led to the birth of Christ.“… this story tells us about our children. Children are the greatest treasures on earth and are like beautiful little flowers that god gives us. Christmas is all about children. God made this child born among us in order to save us,” he said. The Cardinal said that Sri Lanka was blessed with many children and “we have to reflect for a moment to think whether children are protected or whether their lives were in danger”. He said children are being destroyed in a way because of the atmosphere created in societies.
“Not long ago a little child was raped and murdered in our country by an adult. It is the adult society that corrupts children and it is our duty to ensure that children are protected and looked after. This is a challenge for a modern society,” he added.Minister Amaratunga, welcoming the Prime Minister, said it was Mr. Wickremesinghe’s idea of hosting a tourism fest almost two years ago for the benefit of Sri Lankans and foreign tourists visiting the country during Christmas festivities.
(JJ)