Like Sri Lanka’s President, shawl for all

The Sri Lankan delegation to the Arabian Travel Mart 2007 has been asked to wear colourful shawls (Satakaya) in what is said to be aimed at giving a ‘common identity’ to the participants of the event.

The shawl which comes in different bright colours would be worn to create a common look among the delegates who are representing 25 organizations in the Sri Lankan tourism industry, the Tourist Board’s Additional Director General, Dilip Mudadeniya, said.

"The ATM committee wanted to have common attire for the delegation but there was not enough time to get it ready. So the committee decided to wear a shawl to create a common look," he said.

Two types of shawls designed by Barbara Sansoni have been selected for this purpose, one a silk and cotton shawl priced Rs.4,900 the other priced at Rs.2,375 and a discount of 7.5% would be given to the delegates to the ATM.

"The idea was to create a common look as we wanted to give a feeling of unity and also to give an atmosphere of a tropical country. All delegates would be wearing it with their normal attire", said I. Hettiarachchi, sales Manager of Jetwing Travels and committee member of ATM.

Although the shawls are different from the one that the President wears the shawl can be folded to be worn the same way, The Sunday Times was told.