From man made home to jungle

( 10 Votes ) 22nd March was a special day for the Elephant Transit Home at the Uda Walawe National Park, as four young elephants were released to their natural habitat in the wilds of the Lunugamwehera. Nurtured at the ETH Sevena since their separation from the mother elephants these young ones walked reluctantly away from the carers who had fended and looked after them for nearly five years in each case. The ETH in Uda Walawe provides an excellent opportunity for elephant enthusiasts to see baby elephants at close quarters and in proximity to their natural habitat. This elephant conservation project - ETH; provides a home to baby elephants born in the jungles and separated early from their mothers. On being taken in to ETH they spend their days roaming freely in a section of the national park reserved for them and from which they will once again return to their   natural home . The baby elephants are fed at three hourly intervals and that is the only time that public are permitted to view them.

Sri Lanka Tourism to get a shot in the arm through IIFA

Amitabh in Colombo for IIFA THURSDAY, 22 APRIL 2010 11:26 1 2 3 4 5  ( 2 Votes ) By Sanath Weerasuriya The spotlight will be on Colombo when the glitter and shine of Bollywood cinema and the industry’s best arrive in Sri Lanka for the 11th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony scheduled to be held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium from 3 to 5 June. Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was in Sri Lanka on Tuesday as the Brand Ambassador of IIFA to finalize the event details and to brief the media on the event. It is reported that South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and South Korea, were the other strong contenders for the venue. A twenty / 20 cricket match between Bollywood stars and Sri Lankan film and cricketing stars is also being planned during this three day mega event. The weekend events in Colombo will also include a business forum, fashion show and movie workshop. The Bollywood legend, though he kept the media waiting for about one hour for the briefing at the Cinnamon Grand, said that of all the welcoming he had received over the past 10 years with IIFA, the reception he had received in Sri Lanka was by far the very best. He was also very positive of the opportunities for film production available in Sri Lanka, in the current situation of peace and stability that prevails in the country. Also he mentioned in his address to the media that he was struck by the integration of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim cultures in the welcome dance forms that he saw, which showed the people's desire to live in peace and harmony. He was also very positive on the prospects of tourism development in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Tourism Authority along with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau made it possible for this event to be held in Colombo. 'This is a very rare and wonderful opportunity for Sri Lanka. Thanks to the prevailing peace, Sri Lanka has received international recognition. And we have a very limited time frame to do all the ground work before the event and to create the magic to be on par with or make even better than all the previous international venues,' said Duleep Mudadeniya, Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. IIFA Colombo 2010 is expected to be attended by more than 600 Indian film industry guests and watched by 600 million TV viewers in 110 nations. Celebrities expected to attend include famous Indian acting dynasty the Bachchans -- father Amitabh, son Abhishek and his wife, former Miss World Aishwarya Rai, Sha Rukh Khan, Kajol and other popular Indian stars. Also present at the press briefing were Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal, former Tourism Minister Achala Jagoda, Secretary of Tourism Ministry George Michael, CEO of SriLankan Airlines Manoj Gunawardena, Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Duleep Mudadeniya, acclaimed movie stars of Sri Lanka Ravindra Randeniya and Jackson Anthony, former Miss Sri Lanka and Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, and Joseph Sabbas of Wizcraft Enterprises International of India and the founder  of IIFA. Mr. Bachchan paid a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the evening at the Janadhipathi Mandeeraya. President Rajapaksa said the government is keen to develop the Sri Lanka film industry and sees many possibilities of partnership with India in this regard. Mr. Bachchan was impressed by the work already done in establishing the Mahinda Rajapaksa National Tele-Cinema Park, at Tissamaharama, a brainchild of the President.

Ayurvedic Workshop for foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka

( 5 Votes ) Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation (SLEF) in association with Fortune Lanka Travels and Tours organized a two day Workshop and Certificate Programme for a group of visitors (Medical Doctors) from Slovakia from 18-19 April at the Research and Training Institute of SLEF.  The main Objective of this Workshop and Certificate Programme was to promote genuine, traditional Ayurvedic practices of Sri Lanka and build awareness among the visiting tourists to Sri Lanka.  Ayurveda is the science of natural and holistic healing, which was developed thousands of years ago by the spiritually elite, and is now manifesting all over the world. Ayuvedha is considered as the best point of synthesis for a Global System Medicine. Sri Lanka has well preserved highly effective treatment systems based on Ayurvedha from time immemorial.  These foreigners from Slovak (former Czechoslovakia) visiting Sri Lanka on a regular tour, requested the Travel Agency to facilitate an academic  programme to learn about Ayurvedha practices in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation with the assistance of Ministry of Indigenous Medicine in Sri Lanka, Nawinna, the Ayurvedic Hospital in Rajagiriya and Surathura Herbal and spice Gardens of Matale organized the workshop and the certificate programme to fulfil the request of the tour group. These visitors had some basic knowledge on Ayurveda philosophy, but certainly they didn’t have any deeper knowledge. One of them, Prof. Riegerova, had some deeper knowledge on various massage techniques but not in pure Ayurvedic practices, but she knew how to practice it. All of these doctors were deeply interested to learn traditional Ayurvedic theory and practices that had been preserved in Sri Lanka. There was an interpreter who translated lectures and the proceedings of the Workshop from English into Czech language. The Resource persons were drawn from Research and Education Institute of Ayurvedic Research and Training Center, Nawinna, the Ayurvedic Institute and the Hospital at Rajagiriya and supported by the Association of the Doctors of Indigenous Medical Practitioners of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation, the pioneer national ecotourism organization in Sri Lanka promotes traditional and genuine indigenous medical practices in Sri Lanka through its community based ecotourism programmes.

Traditions in luxury at ‘Sorowwa’

1 2 3 4 5  ( 1 Vote ) By Sanath Weerasuriya,  Surrounded by a number of nature sanctuaries, home to thousands of colourful (migrating) birds and wild elephants, ‘Sorowwa Resort’ in Habarana ideallly  location for cultural and natural excursions as well as indulgence in the beauty of nature and serenity. ‘Sorowwa Resort and Spa’ is the latest attraction to  the cultural hub. 'This is actually the best location for all wildlife lovers and the top wildlife sanctuaries are situated just half an  hour away. Minneriya, Kaudulla, Huruluwewa and Ritigala is at very close proximity' said Dr. M. Nawaz Jiffrey, the proprietor of the 'Sorowwa Resort and Spa'. Dr. Nawaz, a professional medical practitioner, attached to the Gampola Hospital, has a dream from his childhood days. That is to become a top hotelier one day. ‘Sorowwa Resort & Spa' is built on the exact spot where Royalty of yore had their preferred pleasure garden and weva in Habarana. The original ‘sorowwa’ of Habarana Weva is still in tact and the hotel is built on the same land by the Weva close to the sorowwa. ‘This is the main reason I have called this place ‘Sorowwa’. As a born nature lover and cultured man, I always respect our Sri Lankan traditional values. This same thing I have introduced in to the system of the hotel too' Dr Nawaz explained. ‘Sorowwa’ has 23 rooms including 14 deluxe, 6 super deluxe, one VIP room and two rooms at the ground level for the disabled . This is the only place I have come across with such facilities for differently abled people . Apart from the usual hospitality service, Sorowwa offers a step further in serving  their guests. ‘In this place of sheer tranquility, an exalted level of personalized hospitality is all yours. From the moment you arrive to be greeted by our staff with a warm smile coming straight from their heart, you will begin to feel that you have finally arrived at that place you have always dreamed of, so abandon your self unto blissful comfort, total relaxation and peace' he added. In keeping with the old traditions of the area, ‘Sorowwa’ offers traditional Sri Lankan cuisine along with all the other global dishes at the main restaurant 'Keketiya'. Rooftop is 'Balungala' and 'Ganganatha' is the pool bar. 'This is a family resort and we serve according to family choice. An exotic spread of succulent eastern and western dishes by Chef Bandara are the speciality of 'Keketiya' said Chaminda Amerasinghe, the Manager of the place. ‘Sorowwa’ is within easy reach of so many magnificent spots of exciting wild life, historically and culturally rich sites for which Sri Lanka is famous for. Sigiriya (1/2 hour drive), Minneriya (15 minute drive), Ritigala (1/2 hour drive), Dambulla ( 1/2 hour drive), Polonnaruwa 45 minute drive), Anuradhapura (45 minute drive), Trincomalee (1 1/2 hour drive), Pasi Kuda (1 1/2 hour drive) and Knuckles is about 2 1/2 hour drive are some of the top attractions and sites close to the Resort. Honeymooners too are assured of a most memorable stay which they would enjoy their new life together - Adding more buzz to it are majestic elephant rides and exciting wild-life excursions. For more details call 066 2270332 / 3 or log on to www.sorowwa.com

KumbukRiver wins yet another nomination award

Sri Lanka's highest awarded resort KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire has received yet another World Travel Awards nomination this year in the category of World's Best Eco-Lodge.

This is the 4th consecutive nomination for KumbukRiver at the travel Oscars. The trailblazing eco resort won the World's Best Eco-Lodge award in 2008, putting Sri Lanka on the world map of tourism.
Located in Okkampitiya, Buttala, on the banks of the lively Kumbukkan Oya, KumbukRiver is a one-of-a-kind eco hideaway nestled in 16 acres of lush greenery.
As a single-party resort, the gorgeous resort with all its down-to-earth rural charm is entirely private, and its centrepiece is the world-famous Elephant Villa, a 40ft high, 2-story villa in the shape of an elephant which adds a touch of class to eco holidaying.
The eco resort also features two other chalets and all in all presents several well-appointed bathrooms and lounges among other features which create an unforgettable holiday for the whole family. The KumbukRiver concept has meticulously been conceived keeping with the ethos of responsible tourism.
The resort uses no electricity at present, and refuses to do so just to add to its theme providing an incredibly unique experience. The atmosphere that emerges nightly in the warm light of flickering oil lamps is an experience not to be missed for the sake of modern amenities, and probably recaptures life during the days of Sri Lankan kings. "Once you enter the resort property you are in a world of your own.

Lanka poised to be a green destination for tourists

The safety of the planet cannot be compromised at any cost. The tourism industry, one of the largest consumers of energy launched a programe to green all hotels that would help sustain business and market to the global arena.The Switch Asia Greening Sri Lanka Hotels Project funded by the European Union was launched by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) at a ceremony held in Colombo on Tuesday.

The project will be carried out by CCC Solutions (Pvt) Ltd. the implementing arm of CCC with a grant of Euros 2 million from the EU.

The project targeting the SME hotel sector is implemented with the objective of reducing the cost of operations, helping suppliers to adopt best practices, promoting responsible tourism and increasing market acceptance.
EU Ambassador Bernard Savage said climate change is a major challenge that should be addressed urgently if the world is to avoid jeopardising the safety of the planet.
He said, motivating change at policy level, production processes and consumption patterns is crucial to achieve sustainable development.
President, Tourists Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, Srilal Miththapala said that the project targets 350 hotels across the country encouraging an efficient use of all sources of energy to position Sri Lanka as the green destination for tourism."There is a conception that the hotel sector is a guzzler of energy which is not true. Many hotels have adopted environment friendly methods converting traditional production systems", he said. Miththapala said tourists arrivals this year has increased and the industry is well poised for a quick revival.The tourism industry anticipates a good winter with a series of events lined up for the season.The air travel restrictions lasting over two weeks caused huge losses to the global travel and tourism industry. Though no exact estimates have been made the crisis caused substantial losses to Sri Lankan tourism.
The Chairman, CCC, Dr. Anura Ekanayake said if France could attract around 80 million tourists a year there is no reason why Sri Lanka cannot entice at least one million visitors initially.
The Responsible Tourism Partnership, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Institute of Environmental Professionals of Sri Lanka will partner the programe. (LF)