Galle comes alive

The Portuguese arrived on the island when their ship was blown off course, having conquered the quaint city of Galle from the Sinhala kings, they succumbed to the Dutch a century after. Built by the Portuguese, the Fort of Galle fell into Dutch hands, who exploited the structure after wiping away all traces of Portuguese character.

After centuries of bloodshed and manipulation by various merchants, the innate charm of the fort was to be found again by Viva Serendib… Who have begun their mobilization for a militia of revelry... Fellow combatants, we hereby announce that immediate training will begin on December 15, at the UNESCO heritage site: the famous fort of Galle!

Inviting ardent cricket enthusiasts to witness the final battle between England and Sri Lanka in their test match series, Viva Serendib Events presents Out by a Mile. The customarily quiet town of Galle is expected to come alive when the cricket crazy fans begin to flock in to support their heroes at the final test match.

Why the Galle Fort? Organizer Ifham Ariff says that his company has always ventured to do something out of the ordinary – to be unique and stand out. "We want something different to entertain the cricket fans he says, adding, "The fort is exotic, with a significant essence of history. "We are entranced by this ancient charm, and want to expose its historical significance in a social aspect."

Ifham also shares that the event, much supported by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, will be a landmark in future social events. He said the event is expected to present the Sri Lankan entertainment industry in a new light to the British locals who have arrived in the country to witness the encounter of their English sports heroes with the Sri Lankans."In the past the Fort has only been used for war, and therefore, it is synonymous with bloodshed. We would like to represent this unique heritage site in a light of splendour and glory as it rightfully should be," he added.

The final test match between Sri Lanka and England will transform Galle in to a hive of activity all geared to entertain the visitors and leave an indelible mark of a rewarding and entertaining holiday experience. The Galle District Chamber of Commerce will join Sri Lanka Tourism, to present a mega trade fair, offering Sri Lankan products from all parts of the country.

Scheduled for December 18 – 20, the trade fair will not confine itself to merchandise but be a platform to showcase other traditional features of interest to visitors to the country. A multi cultural performance by the State Dance troupe and a Thowila by traditional performers of the south are but two of the events planned by organizers, The Business for Peace Alliance, an organization networking 25 regional business chambers with a membership of around 15,000 small and medium scale entrepreneurs.

This unmatched party with music and dancing from sunset to sunrise will lead the events in Galle for the rest of the week. Those who come in to town earlier in the day will have an opportunity to engage in water sports – surfing, snorkelling, beach volley ball among other activities as this southern coastal town of Galle renowned for warm hospitality is gearing up to delight visitors. England's own "Barmy Army," synonymous with English cricket fans travelling overseas to support their team, will be present at the event, to party the night away with the British and Sri Lankan cricket teams.

"This is the first time an event of this nature has taken place at the Galle Fort, and it will be a wonderful opportunity for the cricket fans who come from Britain to be entertained," Additional Director General Sri Lanka Tourist Board Mr Dileep Mudadeniya said.

He expressed that the purpose of tourism was basically to spread happiness and that Out by a Mile will indeed help the Sri Lanka Tourist Board to ensure post satisfaction of cricket enthusiasts who are willing to travel a great distance to root for their sports team. "The Galle Fort is a beautiful place to entertain," he said, adding, "This event will uplift Sri Lanka's international image and portray it as a delightful country to visit."

Out By A Mile is expected to draw over 3,000 guests to party in the outdoors at the Galle Fort, where a famous DJ Timmy backed by Dr. J Thanujika and Guest DJ Tariq will sponsor an evening of classical disco and retro tunes. Among many facets of entertainment offered at the event, the most prominent and unique will be the exciting Elephant Foot Drummers, exotic Sri Lankan Fire Dancers, and a display by Kandyan Dancers.

The South's own delicious specialties, guaranteed to tantalize the taste buds alongside western food, will be served to the guests who will be later dazzled by an exotic fireworks display. In addition, Viva Serendib has also enabled you to take back a memory of your experience at the Galle Fort at the instant photo booth stalls that will be scattered on the sidelines of the party.

Be ready on the eve of December 15, to be a part of Sri Lanka's entertainment history… At the Galle Fort, filled with ancient character and charm… As you dance the night away with your cricket heroes and fellow fans.Defying all that dare to impede your pursuit of happiness… As a new recruit of Viva Serendib's army of celebration.