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State Tourism Minister to revive night economy

26 September 2022 07:06 am - 12     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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From left: State Tourism Ministry Coordinating Secretary Dr. Arosha Fernando, State Tourism Minister Private Secretary Major (Retd.) Namal Peiris, State Tourism Minister Diana Gamage and Fairway Colombo Director Business Development Romesh Amarasinghe

 

In a measure to revive the night economy in Sri Lanka, State Tourism Minister Diana Gamage ceremonially inaugurated the ‘Fairway Colombo Street Food Festival’ at the Dutch Hospital premises in Fort, with the participation of over 5,000 people.


This kind of event was last held three years ago, prior to the COVID pandemic. However, arrangements have now been made to hold this food festival on the last Saturday and Sunday of every month, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
Gamage was in the spotlight recently for promoting the creation of a no-holds-barred nightlife in the city of Colombo to attract high-spending tourists and is in line with her continued efforts to revive and establish a thriving and diverse night economy in Sri Lanka.


“Nothing brings people closer together, like great food. In celebration of our diverse food culture, the festival aims to promote the unique food heritage of Sri Lanka, with multiple options of varying cuisines, available at affordable prices, making this by far the biggest street food festival to hit Colombo,” said Fairway Colombo Director Business Development Romesh Amarasinghe, who is one of the key organisers of the event. 


“With a fusion of great music and ambience in the air, the night included a variety of entertainment, which backs up the festive atmosphere, making Colombo the most happening place to be,” added State Tourism Ministry Coordinating Secretary Dr. Arosha Fernando.


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  Comments - 12

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  • Mizaru Monday, 26 September 2022 08:07 AM

    The best project for a small brain. You can not expect her to start designing a nuclear reactor or power station or at least a "Polkatu" stove.

    Sokrates Monday, 26 September 2022 08:36 AM

    A very good idea. Food always attracts people. But international dishes should also be offered in order to have a larger selection. For me, for example, after Indian meals, Sri Lankan meals are the second worst food in the world. Also the pubs nearby should stay open late to wash down the food.

    rbh Monday, 26 September 2022 08:55 AM

    Restaurant must be everywhere keep our favorite restaurants alive not in one place for easy access nothing brings people closer together, like great food. For travelling cost to minimize economy cost

    Wixie Monday, 26 September 2022 09:37 AM

    We badly need those Dollars, Euros also Yuans and Indian Rupees

    shane Monday, 26 September 2022 09:37 AM

    "Night Economy".....Now I have never heard of this. Wonder in Which Schools this subject is taught. Pls Focus on Tourism as a whole instead of Playing to Gallery....!!

    Reformist Monday, 26 September 2022 10:15 AM

    Whether you like her or not as a politician, she has made a good point. SL is full of religious fanatics and people holding archaic and blind faith views. Anyone who has traveled/lived/studied in Bangkok, Singapore, KL, Sydney, Melbourne, London New York etc etc knows what she is talking about. After 8pm, SL cities are dead. People in SL would rather die by believing in spiritual things than accepting these modern trends. Catching up with a friend after work over a beer might still be a strange thing in SL. Where has it got to over all these years. Instead of changing, many are attacking this woman for her sensible suggestion. If law and order is the issue, that itself shows immaturity and failure. Hand that to Police to deal with. Without this night economy, is SL's current law and order any good?

    Against subsidy for religion Monday, 26 September 2022 11:52 AM

    This is going against the religion caused political and social backwardness in our nation. I hope MP Diana can strive through the endless criticism she will continue to face, and push over the months and years to make things happen. Looking forward to seeing the new night time stalls and shops, in the coming months.

    Seqi Monday, 26 September 2022 12:54 PM

    Good move but pavements will need to be people friendly and cafes encouraged to have some outside space. As daytime temperatures are set to climb a cooler evening outside environment makes sense. It'll take planning though especially last buses out of Colombo.

    Jef Monday, 26 September 2022 05:11 PM

    Specialy in colombo Dutch hospital the perfect place for a great night out place can be electric if we get foreigners and expacts along colombo crowed that realy knows how to create great atmustpere effortability is a key factor given the extremely high pricing on food

    Wrong, Wrong wrong Monday, 26 September 2022 05:32 PM

    @shane Majority of conservative who can't stand for anyone to go against what they believe. They all nitpick like mad. Already there was furor about 'night life', which the lesser and dirty minded went into either sexual innuendo or straight into prostitute comments. Better to talk about the night economy because freedom of life itself seems too much for conservatives to bear about. Which side of freedom and development do you stand for?

    Beverly Tuesday, 27 September 2022 08:26 AM

    Pls arrange the police not to fine people who have liquor consumption within the permitted limits. The drive the fear by doing this to the public who are afraid to take the wheel after 2 moderate shots too. This audience will not come out at night as its costly to hire a taxi etc...and will enjoy the drink at home. Points to ponder to revive the economy and the cops to be practical too.

    Mike Judd Tuesday, 27 September 2022 06:07 PM

    What a sad sad place this is…… When I read the comments , I’m mostly annoyed by those who have obviously never left SriLanka or most probably their own village to enjoy another country. Stifled by religious rhetoric and blinded by the dangers of the west or worse still those colonial bastards, it is unbelievable that we are actually living in 2022. Please, please do some research online before commenting on what is actually happening elsewhere around the globe. SriLanka is 75 years behind because of the mindset of the people. You can’t blame the government for everything. Take some responsibility.


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