Sri Lanka Tourism is rolling out efforts to better capture details of travelers entering the country under Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions/Events (MICE) tourism segment by including the segment in the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application.
The measure is implemented by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) in collaboration with the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Under the new arrangement, MICE travelers will be recognized under the tourist visa category. Previously, MICE tourism, including pilgrims, and visitors entering the country for weddings, and sports events were listed in the ETA application under ‘Purpose of Visit’.
In a statement to the media, the SLCB said it is of view that this facilitation will provide a solution for the long-lasting issue faced by the local travel industry on the unavailability of MICE statistics.
While Sri Lanka Tourism considers MICE as a promising segment with high potential, the unavailability of statistics served as a significant drawback to benchmarking Sri Lanka’s MICE industry.
The SLCB attributed the non-availability of MICE statistics to the lack of provisions made by the ETA application form to include MICE Tourism, weddings, and sports events. So far, only meetings and conferences have been categorized under the Business visa ETA.
“There is a gap of US$ 10 between a tourist visa and business visa. Since meetings and conferences were categorized under business visa, most MICE travelers tend to obtain tourist visas instead of business visas due to the difference in visa fee,” the SLCB said.
The Bureau added that it is due to this reason that the real potential of the MICE industry could not be explored. It also noted that the in-house methods used by SLCB over the past years for data collection were not successful to capture the data.
Further, efforts are underway to increase awareness about the new facility so that all MICE visitors could be captured.
The global MICE industry is expected to reach US$ 1.5 trillion by 2025. according to Allied Market Research 2018.
MICE travelers to be recognized under tourist visa category
UN to bring life-saving assistance to 3.4 Million Sri Lankans
The United Nations (UN) team in Sri Lanka and non-governmental organisations yesterday revised and extended their joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, which aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.4 million people amid Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence.
Since June, the HNP has been responding to the Government’s request for UN-backed multi-sector support for Sri Lanka’s debt and food and medicine shortages.
Governments and donor agencies have helped the humanitarian community reach over one million of the country’s most vulnerable people with cash, food, school meals, medicine, protection and livelihood support.
The HNP – aligned with appeals from other UN agencies – has raised $ 79 million for Sri Lanka thanks to landmark support from the US and USAID, Australia, Japan including JICA, the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), as well as Canada, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, EU, Switzerland, France.
Additional support is from the UK, Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Georgia, Saint Charities and private individuals and organisations including Brandix Apparels Ltd.Hemas Holdings, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, Daraz (Alibaba Group), Amana Bank and the Citi Foundation.
The HNP’s revision extends the plan through 2022 and requires $ 70 million in additional funds to reach a total of $ 149.7 million.
“We are immensely appreciative of the solidarity the international community has shown with the people of Sri Lanka, including through their generous contributions to the HNP.
This solidarity must be sustained if we are to insulate the most at-risk people from the impacts of the ongoing crisis,” said Sri Lanka UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer-Hamdy.
In response to the humanitarian community’s updated estimates on the number of people in need across all 25 of Sri Lanka’s districts, the extended appeal will improve nutrition for children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers; secure safe drinking water; and protect vulnerable farming and fishing households.
Food insecurity in Sri Lanka has increased dramatically due to two consecutive seasons of poor harvests, foreign exchange shortages, and reduced household purchasing power.
With a poor harvest season forecast for 2023 and food inflation of 85.6% in October 2022, many Sri Lankans are struggling. Around 28% of the population – or 6.3 million people – face moderate-to-severe acute food insecurity.
According to the World Bank’s 2022 Development Update, the poverty rate rose from 13.1% to 25.6% between 2021 and 2022.
The revised HNP complements existing emergency operations carried out by the UN and humanitarian partners. Among its targets are immediate food assistance for 2.4 million vulnerable and food-insecure people; provision of support and fertilisers for 1.5 million farmers and fishers to revive food systems that have been severely disrupted
An order from the Supreme Court to present Wasantha Mudali before a magistrate!
The Supreme Court today (10) ordered the authorities to present Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student Union, who has been arrested and detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, before a magistrate.
That was when the fundamental rights petition filed on his behalf was summoned today before the bench of Justices Vijith Malalgoda and S Thureiraja.
The bench also decided to allow the hearing of the fundamental rights petition.
Ranil attends the parliament session today
President Ranil Wickramasinghe came to Parliament today (10) during the parliamentary debate.
The President, who came to the Parliament Chamber, also answered some questions asked by the Members of Parliament regarding the debt restructuring process and the budget.
Cabin @ Creek, Cabin Immersed in Nature
The Latest Addition to Hanthana Eco Lodge Delivers a Transcending Experience
Inspired by the wonders of nature, designed for the adventurous, and created by the love for comfort and fine taste, Cabin @ Creek, the latest addition to Hanthana Eco Lodge, is a reflection of its promise of delivering a transcending experience where nature meets adventure.
Cabin @ Creek is a wooden cabin that is built preserving the natural landscape of the property, while maintaining the authentic Eco balance that is unique to the Hanthana mountain range. The spacious cabin is designed to offer the best of comfort and unique in-nature experience, creating an unforgettable ambiance. The cabin is located adjoining the mini waterfall on the edge of the property, with the lush green forest as a backdrop. The location provides a magnificent view of the forestry, flora and fauna, along with a never-seen-before closer look into the magical wild life. The property is blessed with the soothing and soulful hums of the wind, chirpings of birds, the colourful presence of butterflies and the nearby presence of the wild boars and majestic leopards.
Whether you are sitting back in the luxury of the indoors, enjoying the best of nature, treating yourself to a cup of the finest Ceylon Tea, or relaxing in the large balcony with a sparkling glass of your choice, you are transformed into a world of enchantment that captivate your imagination and exceed your expectations.
An ideal haven to indulge in with that special someone, be it as an exotic honeymoon destination, an anniversary celebration or treating your partner on that special birthday, embrace the coziness, the warmth and romantic ambiance of Cabin @ Creek and be in the heart of nature without losing sight of the modern day comforts.
This is also an ideal retreat for families or a small group of adventure loving friends who are ready to experience nature in its truest form. The spacious cabin, which can be reserved separately from the adjoining villas in the Hanthana Eco Lodge, can accommodate up to 4 adults with the modern amenities on offer. The large balcony is the ideal place to enjoy a quiet moments or gather around with friends for drinks and food. Cabin @ Creek is perfect for the outdoor adventurer or a glamping enthusiast as it captures the best of both worlds.
This new addition is backed by the strong principles and qualities of Hanthana Eco Lodge, where the strive for excellence is a practice that is of paramount importance. The excellent service coupled with exceptional culinary experiences makes this is the ideal choice to explore the surrounding nature and wild life of the world heritage site Hanthana Mountain range.
Nestled in the mesmerizing lush greenery of majestic Hanthana mountain range, towering over the Hill capital of Kandy, Hanthana Eco lodge is the perfect holiday getaway for all nature lovers. With the elevation of over 2,500 feet above mean sea level, just 8KM from the Kandy city, surrounded by thick forest reserves, and neighboring a beautiful mini waterfall, you are welcomed into a private space that transforms you into a mystic land of beauty and tranquility.
A perfect blend of nature and comforts, offering modern amenities, The Eco-friendly and nature blended Villas pamper you with relaxation and peace of mind, providing an ideal platform for you to immerse in the best of eco-adventure in the amazing hill country mountains.
For more information or to make a reservation at the Cabin @ Creek or the villas at Hanthana Eco Lodge, contact 0776 550 911 / 0777 750 911 or visit www.facebook.com/HanthanaEcoLodge/ or www.hanthanaecolodge.com/
Weather Alert: Rainshowers continue to develop
According to the Department of Meteorology, the disturbance in the lower atmosphere in the south-east of Sri Lanka has now developed into a low pressure zone.
As it may develop further in the next 24 hours, rain conditions are expected to increase in most parts of the island.
The sky will remain cloudy in North, North Central and Eastern provinces.
Eastern, Uva, North and North Central provinces and Matale district will experience rain or thunder from time to time.
Rain or thundershowers will occur in the rest of the island during evening or night.
The department announces that 100 mm of heavy rain may occur in some places in North, North Central, East, Sabaragamuwa and South provinces.
SRI LANKA ORIGINAL NARRATIVE SUMMARY: 10/11
- India’s Adani Group, John Keells Holdings & Sri Lanka Ports Authority commence construction to jointly develop the West Container Terminal in Colombo with an investment of over USD 700 mn: project to be a Build-Operate-Transfer project.
- President’s Media states President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions on debt management with IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva, Finance Minister of Ghana Ken Ofori-Atta and Speaker of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed, on the sidelines of COP27.
- Education Minister Susil Premajayantha says 4,000 principals will be recruited to the government service after the Supreme Court lifts the order suspending the recruitment of principals: also says school system requires 16,000 principals even though there are only 12,000 now.
- SJB MP Dr Harsha Silva says he has report containing facts related to the staff-level agreement between Government and IMF: also says he got it through an “external” party: refuses to disclose contents: it’s now almost 8 months since Sri Lanka sought IMF assistance: no funds received yet from IMF or other bilateral source from that time onwards.
- Acting Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says Rs.16 bn had been forgone in revenue by government after the special commodity levy imposed on sugar was slashed in 2020: analysts speculate that the levy may be re-imposed shortly to recover the lost revenue.
- Political sources believe nearly 13 MPs of several political parties may join the President’s UNP to support the government in the upcoming budget: these MPs of SLPP and SJB expected to join on the date of the Budget Speech.
- Defence Ministry approves legal discharge of Tri-Forces’ absentees who are currently overseas, provided they report to their relevant units during the “general amnesty” from 15th November to 31st December.
- Central Bank issues Rs.80.9 bn (95.8% of the total issue) 3-month Bills at a staggering 33.14% per annum interest rate: massive “bunching of debt” feared: additional interest incurred by government exceeds Rs.600 bn so far this year.
- Sydney Magistrate lifts suppression order on the media in the case involving Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilake and Australian “dating app” woman: case to be taken again on 12th January 2023: bail application to be forwarded prior to that.
- Top Sri Lankan cricketer Wanindu Hasaranga moves up to the No: 1 position in the latest ICC T20 Rankings for Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana is ranked 10th: Wanindu is also ranked 8th in the ICC T20 All Rounders Rankings.
Jeevan Thondaman to be offered a Cabinet position?
Political sources say that the Ceylon Labor Congress has expressed its willingness to join the government.
Accordingly, it is stated that the Secretary General of Ceylon Labor Congress Jeevan Thondaman has informed President Ranil Wickramasinghe that his party has expressed interest in getting a cabinet minister position.
However, sources said that he has informed that the final decision on joining the government will be made depending on which cabinet minister position his party gets.
Sri Lanka monitors the progress of rescued passengers
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the progress of the passengers of Sri Lankan origin who were rescued and brought to the Port of Vung Tau in Viet Nam on 08 November 2022.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Sri Lanka Navy that they had received information about a vessel carrying approximately 303 persons believed to be Sri Lankans which was in distress in the waters between the Philippines and Viet Nam on 07 November 2022. The Sri Lanka Navy, having contacted the vessel, informed that the crew had abandoned the vessel with the passengers onboard.
On the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Missions in the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam together with the regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCC) based in Singapore, the rescue efforts were coordinated.
Subsequently, the Japanese-flagged vessel, “Helios Leader”, having been contacted by the Singapore MRCC, rescued the passengers from the distressed vessel. The passengers were handed over to Viet Nam authorities at Vung Tau Port in South Viet Nam.
The screening of the passengers will be done by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Viet Nam authorities and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Viet Nam.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to work closely with the Sri Lanka Missions in the Philippines, Singapore, Viet Nam and IOM for early repatriation, once the screening process to ascertain their nationality and other formalities are completed.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
09 November, 2022
The latest revelation about Basil’s political journey (VIDEO)
Sagara Kariyawasam, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, says that Basil Rajapaksa will remove his dual citizenship and run for elections if necessary.