The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles organized a Sri Lanka Promotional event in collaboration with the California State University Long Beach on November 19, 2012 at the Beach Ballroom.
The “Sri Lanka Promotion” was an awareness campaign, which focused on overview of Sri Lanka, political and economic situation of Sri Lanka, trade, investment and tourism.
Dr. Unna Lassiter, Professor, Department of Geography of the Long Beach Calstate University, in her opening remarks, stated that the Sri Lanka Consulate has established close relations with their Institution and this was a great event in promoting Sri Lanka among the undergraduates and graduates who follow Masters Degree programs.
Dr. Hector Weerasinghe, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles, in his address, highlighted the political situation in Sri Lanka and the rapid economic development after eradication of terrorism in the country in May 2009. He said that Sri Lanka is a small paradise and tourists’ arrivals to the island from all over the world have been increasing to explore the beauty and attractions under the peaceful environment. He briefed on the high standards of health and education sectors due to free facilities provided by the government of Sri Lanka. He also elaborated his long term experience as the Director of the Colombo National Hospital and how this hospital provided emergency medical care for victims of terrorist attacks in an organized manner.
The Consul (Commercial) of the Sri Lanka Consulate made a power point presentation covering overview of Sri Lanka with socio-economic indicators, trade with the world and the USA, Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and other Agreements with USA, investment opportunities and Mahinda Chintana – vision for future Sri Lanka etc.
Mr. Pujitha Ubayasiri, Manager, QTrade Teas and Herbs Company based in California made a presentation on Ceylon tea together with tea tasting of different varieties of Ceylon tea.
A short DVD documentary on Sri Lanka tourism was shown to the participants.
The participants enjoyed the Sri Lankan traditional food served for lunch by the Consulate.
