SriLankan Adds Guangzhou, Canton, as Airline's Fourth Destination in China after Beijing, Shanghai & Hong Kong

05th February 2011, www.island.lk

SriLankan Airlines touched down for the first time in Guangzhou (Canton) at 5.25 pm, on Jan. 28, launching their operations to the Chinese city - the airlines’ fourth destination to China.
On arrival, the airline’s delegation on board the inaugural flight was received by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China, Mr. Karunatilake Amunugama and Chinese Aviation officials.

Guangzhou becomes the 50th destination in the national carriers’ worldwide network, which covers 31 countries. Besides Guangzhou, the airline flies to three other cities in China – Beijing, Shanghai and HongKong.

The delegation from SriLankan Airlines that participated in the inaugural ceremonies attended a press conference held at the China Hotel Marriot on January 30th to officially announce the launch of flights to this city.

SriLankans’ management at the press conference, pointed out that Sri- Lanka’s ties with China dated way back in history to the time when the seafarer Fa Hsien visited our country.

Today, China has been taking the lead in some of the largest infrastructure projects in our country, including the Hambantota Port and Katunayake Expressway.

SriLankan Airlines announced that operations to more cities in China with good frequencies will assist in promoting business between the two countries and also promote trade and leisure traffic from China to Sri Lanka.

The press conference was well attended by a cross section of Guangzhou media including their leading print media and TV channels. This was followed by a formal reception and cultural evening organized for Canton travel agents and other dignitaries including the media.

Related Info :
• China Eastern Airlines to Up Frequency to Sri Lanka from Shanghai & Beijing with Increase in Travel between China & Sri Lanka

China Eastern Airlines to Up Frequency to Sri Lanka from Shanghai & Beijing with Increase in Travel between China & Sri Lanka

21st January 2011, www.dailynews.lk, By Indunil Hewage

China Eastern Airlines is expected to increase frequency to Sri Lanka from Shanghai and Beijing in the near future. “With the prevailing peace in Sri Lanka and the close bi-lateral relationship between Sri Lanka and China in economic and political arenas has led to the increase in Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan businessmen are also visiting various destinations in China for business activities,” China Eastern Airlines G.S.A Dart Aviation Executive Director S Mohanadas said.

He said mega tourism related infrastructure facilities projects taking place in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country will definitely create many opportunities for Sri Lankan aviation industry.

China Eastern Airlines G.S.A Dart Aviation Director and General Manger Eustace Silva said the Chinese Government is planning to put up the largest single airport in China before the end of 2011.

This airport is capable of catering to the entire Asia. It is expected that with the opening up of this airport more opportunities will be created for Sri Lankan aviation industry.

With the assistance of reputed local travel agents, the Chinese Embassy and Sri Lanka Tourism are planning to attract more Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka.

“In addition we are planning to encourage more Sri Lankan travellers to go to China,” he said.

“China is considered as a preferred destination for business activities for local and global businessmen,” Silva said.

China Eastern Airlines opened its new office premises at no 72, Park Street, Colombo 2 yesterday.

China Eastern Airlines is one of the largest carriers in China and currently operates three flights per week from Kunming to Sri Lanka and going back to Male.

Sri Lanka Gems and Jewellery at Shanghai Jewellery Fair 2009

14th Decembr 2009, www.dailymirror.lk

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority together with Sri Lankan jewellery companies showcased a dazzling array of Sri Lanka's gems and jewellery at the fifth 'China International Gold, Jewellery and Gem Fair 2009' held from 26 to 29 November in Shanghai, China.

Shanghai has now become the leading hub with exchange centres at the heart of the jewellery industry, offering trading in gold, plated gold, diamonds and silver. The fair is being held in Shanghai since 2003. In 2008, the fair attracted over 170 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions and over 9,000 buyers and visitors from home and abroad.

The 16 Sri Lankan companies whic displayed products at the Sri Lanka stall were Beauty Gems, Crest Gems Limited, D. B. Enterprises, Furqan Ali and Sons, Gem Cottage, Jagath Nilantha Gems & Lapidary, K. L. W. Gamini Export, Lanka Rare Gems Exporters & Lapidary, M. R. H. Naina Marikar and Sons, Namlanka Jewellers, South Lankan Gems and Jewellery, Sweeny Jewellers, The Choice, Wijaya Gems, Yong Hua Lanka Gems and Jewellery and Zam Gems.

Several other Sri Lankan companies including Buraak Jewels, Ruby N' Sapphire, Shan Trading Gems, Queen Lanka Gems and Jewellery, Expo Lanka and Multi Gems had set up their very own stalls at the fair. SL gems and jewellery

A special gem and jewellery collection was also on display at the prestigious LAN Club for a selected high end cliental on the sidelines of the jewellery fair, giving the Sri Lankan gem and jewellery companies an opportunity to market their products and position Sri Lanka as a land of sapphires in the Chinese market.

Over US$ 150,000 worth of transactions were carried out during this four hour display.

Sri Lanka's participation was facilitated by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Consulate in Shanghai.