Sri Lanka Tourism gears up to celebrate 50 years

Minister Amaratunga launching the 50th anniversary logo of Sri Lanka Tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee on the 2nd of May this year. 
To highlight this milestone Sri Lanka Tourism launched a special logo at the Tourism Ministry yesterday. The attractive logo which depicts the various tourist attractions in Sri Lanka was ceremonially launched by Minister of Tourism Development John Amaratunga.

Minister Amaratunga speaking at the launch said that the logo showcases all the attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer in a meaningful manner. “This attractive logo will be displayed in all corners of the world in our advertising campaigns. It will show the world at a glance all of Sri Lanka’s tourist attractions. The celebrations will draw attention to the country and it will be an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our new tourism products.”  

The Ceylon Tourist Board was established on the 2nd of May 1966 by Tourism Act No. 10 of 1966. This historic event marked the official commencement of planned tourism development in Sri Lanka. 
The national celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Tourism will be held on the 27th of May 2016 at the main hall of the BMICH with the participation of the four institutions that form Sri Lanka Tourism, namely the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Management (SLITHM) and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB). 

As part of the celebrations a commemorative volume, a commemorative stamp and a video film on the 50-year history of the industry will be launched at the national ceremony. 
The President, Prime Minister and the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) are expected to attend the official ceremony on May 27. This event will be followed by a national exhibition which will showcase important landmarks of Sri Lanka Tourism since its establishment in 1966. The exhibition will take place from 27th of May to 29th of May.+

In addition, Sri Lanka Tourism will organize several other events and activities to mark this historic event. Here are some of the highlights:
Main celebrations at BMICH on May 27 include launching of the commemorating stamp, launching of commemoration volume awarding of prizes to winners of art, essay and photography competitions and award ceremony recognizing contributors to Sri Lanka Tourism.

Other events at the BMICH premises from 27th to 29th May include exhibition on memories of 50 years of Sri Lanka Tourism, exhibitions of cultural heritage, gem & jewellery, Sri Lankan handicrafts, wildlife conservation, zoological & botanical gardens and Ceylon Tea by relevant government organizations, Sancharaka Udawa – Exhibition of SME sector tourism products in Sri Lanka (organized by SLAITO), Home Stay village showcasing rural tourism activities and cultural shows presented by the armed forces.