Reception on occasion of World Food, Leisure & Farewell to Mrs. Abeyasinghe
16th September 2014
A grand reception was hosted by Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga on 16 September 2014 to welcome all Sri Lanka’s participation in the Leisure Travel & Tourism Fair 2014 and the World Food Moscow 2014 trade exhibition held concurrently. The gala was held at the residence of the Ambassador. Eighty five distinguished guests both from the tourism and tea industries of Russia and Sri Lanka attended the event, also graced by the members of the diplomatic community.
In his address, the Ambassador highlighted the rise in Russian tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka by 68% during the first part of the year, in comparison to the same period in 2013, however stressed the need for continued promotional activities to reach the declared target of 45,000 tourist arrivals in 2014.
Although several factors in the tea industry contribute to production and market prices, he went on to explain that major tea brands in Russia such as Akbar, Lipton, Orimi Trade, Ahmad Tea and May Company were the major players with nearly 85% of total market share and that Ceylon Tea promotion in Russia and the CIS countries were paramount to maintain market positions amidst competition from other producing nations.
After a successful tenure Mrs. Shalika Abeyasinghe-Accounts Officer, returned to Sri Lanka and as a symbol of appreciation H.E the Ambassador hosted a farewell reception at his residence with the participation of the Embassy staff members. Mrs. Abeyasinghe, were warmly welcomed by the Ambassador and expressed his appreciation to all the efforts offered for the betterment of the Bilateral Diplomatic Relations as well as other functions of this Mission.
Following the sumptuous buffet dinner, the Ambassador invited his guests to partake of freshly brewed Ceylon Tea.
