By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW):A surge in Polish visitors to Sri Lanka this winter/spring season is expected due to the increase in direct Polish charter flights from Warsaw and other Polish cities, to Colombo and Mattala airports, airport and aviation services said.

These include LOT Charters (a fully owned subsidiary of LOT Polish Airlines – Boeing 787 Dreamliner), SkyUp Airlines (Boeing 737-800 NG) and Enter Air (largest Polish charter airline and second largest in Europe), in addition to the regular Turkish Airlines’ flights carrying Polish tourists to Sri Lanka from Warsaw via Istanbul.

A fresh impetus to activate further interest in destination Sri Lanka, was given by the recent official unveiling of LOT Polish Airlines’ 2024-2028 strategy, which identified Sri Lanka among the profitable Asian destinations.

Poland is also identified by the SLTB as a new tourism generating country in Central Europe, and is proving to regain its ranking once again in the upcoming winter/spring season 2024.

Ambassador Dhammika Kumari Semasinghe, invitee of LOT Polish Chief Commercial Officer Michał Fijoł to the unveiling ceremony, welcomed the news that ITAKA Travels, a top Polish tour operator, in collaboration with LOT Charters and its Sri Lanka partner, will commence direct flights from Warsaw to Colombo, from 4 January until 21 March 2024.

While ENTER Air began its flights to Sri Lanka in November 2023, SkyUp Airlines will commence its first direct flight from Warsaw to Mattala on 18 December 2023, and for the first time, its second and third inaugural flights from Southern Polish cities Katowice and Rzeszów on 22 and 25 December, respectively, and continue until 16 April 2024.

President of Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport Adam Hamryszczak, announcing the new destination Sri Lanka for SkyUp from Rzeszów said, “This would be the most exotic, transcontinental charter route offered from our airport.

The most notable is the Warsaw Mission’s success in increasing Sri Lanka’s visibility to millions of Polish people through its active participation each year, in the on-line charity auction of Poland’s biggest non-governmental/non-profit, charity-

The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (GOCC, Polish Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy – WOŚP) via Allegro, the largest Polish e-commerce platform.

Integrating trade and travel promotional activities, the Sri Lanka Mission continues to participate in public diplomacy events in different Polish cities and towns through its established networks.

Early this year, the Mission, in partnership with Biedronka, LIVEE Polska and the Sri Lanka Tea Board, facilitated a Ceylon Tea/Lion Logo educational cum Sri Lanka promotional programme on ‘Dzien Dobry TVN’ (‘Good Morning TVN’ owned by US Warner Bros. Discovery).

The Sri Lanka Mission also partnered with ITAKA and Polish travel writer, photographer and blogger Alina Kręcisz to host a Sri Lanka promotional podcast at the ITAKA Studio in Pszczyna.

These efforts have been augmented in Colombo, by the SLTB’s own promotional activities through Polish influencers on Social Media, contributing to further increasing travel interest in Sri Lanka.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s ‘Blue Orbit’ in the sky first ever revolving restaurant and banquet hall, which is located 751 feet above the ground floor of the Colombo Lotus tower opened recently for visitors.

‘Blue Orbit’ restaurant and ‘Cosmic’ banquet hall sit at a height unparalleled in South Asia, officials of the management team said.

Citrus Leisure PLC and the Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company have announced the opening of ‘Blue Orbit’, South Asia’s tallest restaurant, and Sri Lanka’s first ever revolving restaurant today setting a new benchmark for dining experiences in Colombo.

Citrus Leisure is the exclusive operator of the iconic revolving restaurant and banquet hall at the Colombo Lotus Tower – South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure.

The ‘Blue Orbit’ restaurant is set to take dining out in Colombo to new heights, with a truly unique experience both in terms of ambiance and cuisine.

The ‘Cosmic’, the only banquet hall in Sri Lanka located 751 feet above the ground is another addition.

With seating capacity for 225 guests at any given time, ‘Blue Orbit’ promises an extraordinary dining experience with culinary creations designed to tantalize true connoisseurs.

This restaurant will feature an extensive international buffet for lunch and dinner, operating from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For those seeking to celebrate milestones, whether on a personal or professional journey, Citrus Leisure also introduces the ‘Cosmic’ banquet hall, which stands as the tallest banquet venue in South Asia, with a seating capacity of 350 guests.

Citrus Leisure which exclusively manages Cosmic will offer specially curated menus for weddings and corporate events, guaranteeing that guests have a truly unique and memorable experience. ‘Cosmic’ too is set to be unveiled in early December.

Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company Ltd. CEO Major General Prasad Samarasinghe (Rtd) said: “As the Lotus Tower reaches new heights, Citrus Leisure takes the lead with regard to hospitality services at the Tower and become an integral part of our iconic structure.

This collaboration symbolizes not just elevated dining but a fusion of innovation and tradition, reflecting the spirit of Sri Lanka’s progress.”

Citrus Leisure CEO Chandana Talwatte said: “Blue Orbit and Cosmic are testaments to Citrus Leisure’s commitment to redefining dining and banqueting experiences in Sri Lanka.

Discussing the design of the restaurant and banquet hall, Chartered Architect and Designer Kamilka Perera said: “the goal was to capture the essence of sophistication to elevate the dining experience.

From the celestial-inspired themes to the seamless blend of comfort and style, every element is meticulously curated to ensure that every visit is a sensory delight.”

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), the apex body for the country’s gem and jewellery industry is now taking every efforts to gain global recognition for gem and jewellery industry

This association was established in October 2002, by uniting the Sri Lanka Gem Traders Association, Sri Lanka Jewellery Manufacturing Exporters Association, Sri Lanka Lapidarists and Exporters Association and Sri Lanka Jewellers and Gem Merchants Federation under one banner.

The SLGJA celebrates over two decades of unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and global recognition within Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry.

Built on a vision to empower Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry through innovation and sustainability par excellence, the SLGJA aims to gain global recognition while upholding the rich heritage for future generations.

The association’s mission is to alleviate Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry through ethical practices, facilitate market access, advocate sustainable sourcing, and nurture talent for the industry’s continued growth, global competitiveness, and socio-economic contribution.

SLGJA Vice President Operations/COO Firaz Hameed shared his thoughts, stating, “As an association that represents Sri Lanka, the SLGJA has always put the needs of the country before the needs of oneself.

As the voice for Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry, the SLGJA supports its members vehemently and advocates any and all issues the industry faces to the Government and other authorities.”

Adding to this, SLGJA Head of Admin and Projects Roshen Weereratne stated, “Over the years, the SLGJA has received accolades and honours on local and global platforms. These awards celebrate the association’s dedication to expanding the reach of the gem and jewellery industry worldwide.

Since its inception, the SLGJA has been instrumental in uniting all sectors of the industry, from miners to artisans, wholesalers, retailers, exporters, lapidarists, heat-treaters, and more, under one influential banner.

This collective strength enables the association to address industry challenges collectively and implement strategic initiatives for the benefit of all stakeholders.

One of the main focusses of the SLGJA on coordinating policy matters, budgets etc. with state agencies.

It also promotes Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry internationally, at events such as the Dubai Expo and more.

For nearly three decades, the FACETS Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Exhibition, which was initiated in 1991, has been the centrepiece of the SLGJA calendar.

Over the years, FACETS has provided SMEs a prominent platform to showcase their products and expand globally.

This annual event has become a cornerstone for industry players, fostering collaboration, innovation, and international partnerships. FACETS 2024 will be held from 6 to 8 January 2024, at the prestigious Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo.

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Russia has confirmed the commitment to further fortify the bilateral relations between the two countries, in the economic and security spheres, as well as the cooperation between the two countries on international agenda issues.

This pledge has been given by Russia’s Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev when he called on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his recent visit to Colombo.

The Russian news agency TASS said the meeting “confirmed the commitment to further fortify the bilateral relations between the two countries, in the economic and security spheres, as well as the cooperation between the two countries on international agenda issues.”

The two sides have expressed interest in exchanging operationally relevant information and experience in countering cybercrime and drug-related crime, combating extremism, illegal arms dealing and human trafficking, and illegal immigration

The Russian Security Council has further stated that the comprehensive discussion on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields is expected to contribute to the sustainable development of the two countries and strengthen security.

Patrushev also called on Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne and exchanged views on the issues of Russian-Sri Lankan cooperation in the fields of security and defence, interaction between law enforcement agencies, intelligence service, and military departments.

Special attention was paid to improving the legal framework of bilateral relations. Problems of regional and international security were also taken up for discussion.

On the sidelines of Patrushev’s visit, Russian and Sri Lankan law enforcement and intelligence officials convened joint consultations in Colombo, at which the two sides expressed interest in exchanging experience in combating cybercrimes and drug-related crimes.

“The Russian-Sri Lankan consultations were held with the participation of representatives of law enforcement agencies and the two countries’ intelligence services,” the Russian Security Council said in a statement.

Participating from the Russian side were representatives of the Interior Ministry (MVD), the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Foreign Ministry and the Security Council.

The Russian delegates accompanying Patrushev during his Sri Lanka visit also included officials from the ministries of Economic Development; Industry and Trade; Agriculture; Energy; and Transport. They held separate meetings with their Sri Lankan counterparts.

Patrushev’s arrival to Sri Lanka on Dec.06 comes two years after his last visit during which he held traditional security consultations with his counterpart Kamal Gunaratne and with former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Apart from that, Patrushev also brought a shipment of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine to Sri Lanka as humanitarian aid.