The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles participated at a cultural show “Sundara Lanka” organized by the Sri Lankan students of the University of California, Irvine at the Crystal Cove Auditorium on 19th May, 2013.
The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles Dr. Hector Weerasinghe as the Chief Guest of the Cultural show, made a speech on Sri Lanka and its socio-economic developments. At the outset, the Consul General appreciated the Sri Lankan students for their efforts in forming a cultural club called “Sri Lanka United” to celebrate, preserve and promote Sri Lankan culture. He said that Sri Lanka is a small paradise with diverse history, rich culture and natural beauty, and the religious and cultural festivities have enhanced the beauty of Sri Lankan life for centuries. He went on to say that Sri Lanka’s most reputed offering is the hospitality of its people. He also said that the Lonely Planet, the world’s most renowned and largest travel guide book and digital media publisher has named Sri Lanka as the number one travel destination in the world to visit in the year 2013and according to another survey, Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest tourist destinations in the world.
The Consul General mentioned that due to the wisdom and the able leadership of our President His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, our country was freed from the ruthless terrorism four years ago.He said that Sri Lanka is now on a rapid development footing, and there has been a tremendous growth in the economy. The economic growth was 8% for two consecutive years in 2010 and 2011. By 2016, the Strategic objectives of the country aim at US$ 4000 per capita income and GDP growth of 8.5%. The tourist arrivals surpassed one million last year and it is targeted 2.5 million arrivals by 2016. He added that the government of Sri Lanka has been providing free education and health facilities to the entire nation.
More than 500 people attended this cultural show. The Sri Lankan students performed a variety of Sri Lankan cultural dance programs and a fashion show.
The staff of the Consulate General promoted Ceylon tea and displayed tourism brochures during this event.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Los Angeles
27th May 2013
