A group of 40 representatives from the Austrian Gardeners’ Association, which comprises 40,000 members throughout Austria, visited the Sri Lanka Mission in Vienna, accompanied by travel operators and airline representatives, at the invitation of its staff . The members of the Association received a briefing on the country, its people, environment and culture prior to their visit to Sri Lanka in late October 2012. The staff of the Sri Lanka Mission hosted them to a buffet of traditional Sri Lankan food, followed by the screening of a short film on Sri Lanka and a presentation in German on travel and tourism.
Addressing the representatives of the Austrian Gardeners’ Association, Ambassador A L A Azeez spoke extensively of Sri Lanka’s accomplishments in peace building and economic development, as well as the diversity of tourist attractions in the country. With a range of specialities from scenic beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage, festivities, and beaches to Ayurveda on offer, Ambassador Azeez stressed that Sri Lanka ranks among the most sought-after tourism destinations today. Referring to peace and harmony that prevails among all communities and religions in Sri Lanka, he invited the members of the Austrian Gardeners’ Association to view a documentary on Adam’s Peak, produced by Meta Film Ltd, of Austria with the facilitation of the Sri Lanka Mission, which is to be telecast shortly by the popular German language television network, 3 SAT in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The documentary entitled ‘Between heaven and earth’ focuses on how Adam’s Peak, known as ‘Sri Pada’, unites four religions and communities inhabiting the island, with its message of peace and unity resonating well beyond Sri Lanka. The ORF TV channel, Austrian partner of 3 SAT, has scheduled its telecast on 14 October 2012.
On behalf of the Austrian Gardeners’ Association, the President of its Board of Directors, Mr. Hanspeter Nimmerrichter, spoke about the positive impression that he and his fellow members had gained of Sri Lanka since they started working on their travel plan. Thanking the staff of the Mission for the warm welcome accorded to them, he emphasized that their positive impression would encourage more of their members to travel to Sri Lanka and enjoy its beauty and hospitality in the future.
Embassy & Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Vienna
03rd October 2012
