The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Türkiye arranged a Sri Lanka tourism and cultural promotional event in Antalya commemorating Sri Lanka’s 75th Anniversary of Independence celebrated on 04 February 2023, anniversary of establishing the Republic of Türkiye on 29 October 2023 and the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Türkiye in 2023.
The event was arranged by the embassy together with the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Antalya on 16October at Lara Balık Restaurant in Antalya. Deputy Governor of Antalya Mustafa Hulusi Arat graced the event as the guest of honor.
Honorary consul Ali Kamburoglu welcomed the guests to the event. He shared his insights on doing business with Sri Lanka and, Sri Lanka’s potential as a tourist destination for Turkish people, as well as exotic Sri Lankan products, such as precious gems, coconut-based products including coco peat, tropical fruits, apparel, and rubber-based products.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake delivering the keynote address, echoed the sentiments expressed by the honorary consul and added that Ceylon cinnamon and Ceylon tea are two of Sri Lanka’s unique products offered to the world.
She noted that the direct flights to be operated between the two countries by Turkish Airlines, from November 2023, would increase the connectivity and would contribute positively and closer interactions between the two peoples, which would enhance bilateral economic cooperation for mutual benefit.
The event was attended by nearly 125 invitees comprising of officials from the public sector, including Antalya local government, chambers and leading private sector organizations, representatives from the tourism sector in Antalya, and media.
Tourism presentations, videos, Sri Lankan music, batik décor, and banners all provided a beautiful Sri Lankan ambiance. In addition, a Sri Lankan photo exhibition depicting nature and climate change impact and culture with photos by professional award-winning photographers Ravi Ranasinghe and Dr. Umberto Binetti and a selection of paintings by renowned Sri Lankan artist Vasantha Perera were displayed at the venue, together with a display of Sri Lankan gem-studded jewellery.
Guests were also treated to sumptuous Sri Lankan delicacies together with Turkish food during the networking session while enjoying Sri Lankan music. Ceylon tea was served throughout the event.
It was an event to expose the people of Antalya to a wide range of experiences and insights into the Sri Lankan culture and a glimpse of what Sri Lanka offers to the world, particularly to the people of Antalya in Türkiye as a promising future tourist destination.
The event received a wide coverage in local media.
Following the event, the ambassador also visited CW ENERJİ company and its factory and had a discussion on possible joint ventures in solar energy and IT sectors. Minister (Commercial) of the Sri Lanka Embassy Thavishya Mullegamgoda joined the factory visit together with Founder–CEO of ZENZ Global İnc. Antalya, Türkiye Sahan Moratuvage.
CW Enerji is one of the leading Turkish companies of the solar energy sector that managed to make its mark in the ISO 500 ranking.
The Ambassador discussed foreign direct investment and joint venture opportunities in Sri Lanka in areas such as the renewable energy, mineral including graphite & graphene, and IT in which CW Enerji has shown interest and potential towards the Sri Lanka market. The Ambassador highlighted the strengths and advantages of Sri Lanka including the abundance of solar and wind energy as a tropical country and availability of minerals & other raw materials, skilled labour, and market access opportunities.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
27 October 2023
