Cyril D’Cunha
The Sri Lankan cricket team skipper Mahela Jayawardene would be presently busy scripting his plans to win the World Cup in the West Indies. But Goa will fondly remember him and his team’s stay in their state, when they played India and lost recently. This elegant batsman, no stranger to the place, had also visited Goa seven years back, when his team met and beat India by seven wickets. During one of his speeches, he observed several changes in Goa’s infrastructure, since then and now.
He also remarked on the striking similarities between Goa and his country, and how both countries could benefit by mutual promotion of tourism.
In fact, India has become the prime source market for the Sri Lankan tourism industry and with incentives such as the package ’9999 for 1’ on offer, it could be a travel dream come true for many. Shyana Wijayaratne, Sales & Marketing Manager (In-bound) of SriLankan Holidays, explained that by paying just Rs.9,999, you got a to-and-fro air ticket from Goa to Sri Lanka, besides star accommodation, bed and breakfast for 3 days, 2 nights at Negombo on twin share basis, no taxes and airport transfer charges, valid from February 1 to April 31. Visas are given on arrival. It is also likely that this facility may be extended for the holiday month of May as well. Travellers have a choice of destinations, including Colombo, Kandy, Bentota or a combination of destinations for a slightly higher charge. For the benefit of the Goan traveler, SriLankan Airline has now introduced a third flight on every Friday, in addition to the existing two departures on Saturdays and Mondays, all leaving from Dabolim at 8:30am.
Dileep Mudadeniya, Additional Director General, Sri Lanka Tourist Board, said that the tourism industry was the fourth largest foreign exchange earner for his country and India was the foremost contributor in terms of tourist arrivals. Chandana D’Silva, Head of Corporate Communications, said there were 95 SriLankan flights to 10 Indian destinations. Its biggest markets in India are Chennai, Kerala, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore.
|
