September 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has welcomed a landmark group of Japanese visitors, with around 250 tourists arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport on Monday (31) in what has been described as a first for the country’s tourism industry.
The visitors received a distinctly Sri Lankan welcome on arrival, as traditional Kandyan dancers performed at the airport in a cultural reception arranged by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
The colourful performance offered the newly arrived tourists an early introduction to the island’s cultural traditions, while also reflecting the country’s efforts to create memorable experiences for international travellers from the moment they arrive.
The welcome was complemented by gifts of Ceylon Tea, with tea packs provided through the Sri Lanka Tea Board. The gesture highlighted one of the country’s best-known exports while adding a distinctly local touch to the reception.
The arrival of such a large Japanese tourist group is expected to further strengthen people-to-people links between Sri Lanka and Japan and comes as the island continues to promote itself as a destination combining heritage, hospitality, nature and distinctive cultural experiences.
Officials at the airport said the reception demonstrated Sri Lanka’s longstanding reputation for warm hospitality and its willingness to showcase the country’s rich traditions to overseas visitors.