Sri Lanka Tourism Wins Gold Award for Essence in Marketing Media Travel Poster Category at PATA Travel Marketing Excellence Awards in Year 2011

09th February 2011, www.island.lk

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) as the proud winner of the "Gold award " in Marketing Media - Travel Poster category held for PATA Travel Marketing Excellence Awards in year 2011.

Mr. Gregory Duffell –CEO of PATA in a congratulatory note to SLTPB has declared " the judges were most impressed with the quality and the overall high standard of your entry "Essence" in this category , and voted for "Gold" out of 223 entries received from 102 various organizations and individuals worldwide".

The award winning poster entry "Essence" was designed to promote Sri Lanka tourism’s year 2011 marketing campaign named as "Refreshingly Sri Lanka – Visit 2011",with the aim of showcasing Sri Lanka as an Island of peace and harmony ; a place where the visitor can experience everything that is refreshing under the sun.

With this new branding of Sri Lanka tourism hope to promote 8 segments that will encapsulate 8 wonderful experiences which a tourist can enjoy within eight days such as: Pristine ,Heritage ,Bliss, Thrills, Festivities, Essence, Scenic beauty and Wild Life.

Theme " Essence" represents the true authenticity of Sri Lankan life.

Three young children smiling at the backdrop of the poster represent the friendliness, hospitality and welcoming smile that come from the heart of Sri Lankan people.

Even according to previous research and a survey done by the Sri Lanka Tourism, it was revealed that the smile and warm hospitality of Sri Lankan people are the most outstanding attractions in Sri Lanka. The smiles embody the innate quality of Sri Lankans portraying urge for welcoming guests and willingness to lend a helping hand for a visitor in need.

The children also belong to three major races of Sri Lanka, which again emphasizes the cultural harmony and warmth of the new found freedom. Altogether, their combination speaks of the true "essence" of Sri Lankan life , which is unique in many ways compared to people and culture in other countries in the world.

Presenting his views on this achievement, Malraj Kiriella – the Actg. Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau said that "We feel very honored to have won this award, it is a remarkable milestone that reflects Sri Lanka tourism’s exceptional contribution to promote the country as one of the most preferred travel destinations in the world. It is an immense pleasure to see our efforts have gained international recognition and that paves the way for us to position Sri Lanka as a truly a "wonder of Asia " in the world tourism map.

Each year PATA Awards are presented to outstanding entries in the four principal categories: Marketing, Education and Training, Environment, and Heritage recognizing innovation and advancement in the responsible development of travel and tourism . PATA is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year; reflecting the exceptional contributions and achievements in the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region. The grand awards ceremony will take place on Monday, April 11, 2011 at China World Hotel during PATA’s 60th Anniversary and Conference in Beijing, China.

Business Today Top 20 Sri Lankan Companies 2009-2010. JKH, HNB & BUKI Make Top 3. Sri Lanka an Exciting Place to Invest in 2011 - Hari Selvanathan

21st January 2011, www.island.lk, By Ifham Nizam

Renowned business leader, Harri Selvanathan thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa for taking quick initiatives to make Sri Lanka as the exciting place to invest in 2011.

Speaking at the annual Business Today Top 20 Awards ceremony last week in Colombo, representing Bukit Darah as the Managing Director, Selvanathan said as requested by him during last year’s award ceremony to make Sri Lanka a conducive environment for business, he was happy to witness that Sri Lanka being the best performing stock market.

He appreciated the Government for taking initiatives for rapid infrastructure development and giving low interest rates for conducive business development in the country.

He expressed confidence that the Company will be in a position to further expand their businesses.

Hatton National Bank Managing Director Rajendra Theagarajah said he was happy to see the end of the challenging 12 months and come out with flying colours and map the Bank with the nation’s journey.

John Keells Holdings Director Ronnie Peiris said that his Group will work and contribute towards the future contribution of Sri Lanka.

He thanked the dedicated stakeholders and the prompt initiatives for development by the Rajapaksa government for achieving the number one spot at the awards.

For 2009/2010 John Keells Holdings got the first spot from number three ranking last year. Transport was the main contributor to the Group’s after tax profits, contributing 41 per cent. Operation of the South Asia Gateway Terminals at the Colombo Port was the main driving factor for JKH.

Country’s premier private bank, Hatton National Bank and Bukit Darah secured the second and third slots.

Overcoming both external and internal hardships the Hatton National Bank recorded a 35 per cent growth in profit after tax and posted Rs 4.3 billion profit after tax. Bukit Darah’s consolidated profit after tax had increased to 158 per cent.

The Ceylon Tobacco Company ranked fourth while Commercial Bank of Ceylon secured the fifth spot. Colombo Dockyard was placed sixth, Sri Lanka Telecom at seventh while DFCC Bank secured the eighth position. Completing the top ten were Hayleys at ninth and Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka at 10 positions.

The ranking continues with NDB Bank at 11, Sampath Bank -12, Aitken Spence -13, Cargills - 14, Lankem - 15, Lanka Orix Leasing Company – 15, Chevron Lubricants – 16, Nestlé Lanka – 16, Tokyo Cement Company 17, Diesel & Motor Engineering – 18, Seylan Bank –19 and Lanka Walltile -20.