Sri Lankan Culture and Traditions shared with People in Minsk
24-26 September 2014
Grand Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Show- Mega Tourism Caravan 7 organized by the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation commenced its activities with a glittering show at the Stolista Mall in the Minsk city which is the capital of the Republic of Belarus on the 24 September 2014. Meticulously planned and minutely executed under the close supervision of His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga, the Ambassador to Russian Federation with accreditation to the Republic of Belarus, the show at the mall aptly named, Shopping Mall Activation showcasing the ‘Culture and Traditions’ of Sri Lanka was a tremendous success and gave the right impetus to other activities to follow.
According to many who visit Minsk, Stolitsa Mall is considered one of the best malls in the city. This Mega shopping Mall got pretty much everything from clothes to alcohol to souvenirs. Due to this Stolista Mall attracts large number of locals and foreigners and is ideal for tourism promotional activities.
The cultural and traditional activities at the Stolista Mall commenced with an elaborate introduction to Sri Lanka by HE Udayanga Weeratunga, which was well received by the large gathering present at the mall. This was followed by Sri Lankan traditional dancing performances together with a “Perehara” which was a major attraction. Apart from these performances, leaflets, souvenirs, tourism promotional videos and T-shirts were distributed amongst those who were present in the mall. In addition more than … thousand Ceylon tea cups were served to all those who had gathered to witness the event.
Amongst the Sri Lankan traditional items on display at the Stolitsa shopping mall handicrafts produced by the State owned Gift and Souvenir Boutique “Laksala” attracted a large number of visitors. Laksala, the renowned Gift and Souvenir Boutique in Sri Lanka lived up to its reputation by not only displaying various attractive handcrafted souvenirs but also assisting in conducting elaborate explanations on the items which were on display. The demonstration of carving of a mask by an expert craftsman created intrigue amongst the spectators who showed keenness to get to know the nitty-gritty of the art of carving masks.
The role played by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board in supporting the efforts of the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Russian Federation in organizing these activities in the Republic of Belarus is also worthy of mention. The Sri Lanka Tourist Board which is the lead agency in promoting tourism in Sri Lanka actively participated in the event keeping in line with its two main objectives; Marketing and promoting Sri Lanka directly or indirectly as a tourist and travel destination of quality in accordance with the Tourism Development Plan and promoting Sri Lanka as a gateway to the South Asian Regions; and making Sri Lanka known as the Centre of Excellence in tourism management and development in the region.
The enormous task of organizing this event which heralded the beginning of another 2-week long tourism promotion campaign in the Commonwealth of Independent States would not have been possible, if not for the resolute and untiring efforts of His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga, the Ambassador of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation. His vast experience and hard earned knowledge on tourism coupled with the flair for meticulous planning and attention to detail were the main contributory factors for the tremendous success achieved during a short span of time in popularizing Sri Lanka as a tourist destination in CIS countries.
