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Experience the sunny realms of Jaffna

by Talia Jayasekera

With twenty war-torn years behind us, Sri Lanka is now able to promote new and exciting localities to both locals and foreigners alike. Smiling, hospitable Sri Lankan faces are no longer confined to those well-marketed Southern destinations but now Jaffna as well is opening its arms in a welcoming embrace to share enriching cultural nuances, awe-inspiring vistas and ever-friendly natives with the unknowing novices. Target Travels (Pvt) Ltd is offering an unique and unparalled package for those wishing to experience the true sights and sounds of a now peaceful Jaffna.

For those us whose curiosity has reached its threshold will overwhelmed by this reasonable yet impressive three-day stay in the Northern capital. Adventurers will leave Colombo on Friday morning and return Sunday afternoon for an action packed weekend in the sunny realms of Jaffna.

Would be archaeologists and history-buffs will enjoy locations such as Keerimalai, Sangamitta, Kayts, Nagadeepa which are on the tour map along with architectural marvels such as the Hindu Temples, Nallur Kovil, Kantadorai and Chavakachcheri and several other ruins including Jaffna's very own railway station and the V.V.T Kokilai Cemetery.

The highlight of this trip is the visit to the residence of LTTE leader Praphakaran in Point Pedro. This weekend adventure begins at the Ratmalana Airport, with transport provided by Target Travels to and from the Airport, and lands at the famous Palali Airport. Target Travels also provides full-board stay at some of Jaffna's renowned and popular hotels and inns.

For further details, contact Bandula De Silva at Target Travels, No 36 Ketawalamulla Place, Colombo 09.

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Shopping in Colombo

by Emma Knights and Kiran Bhamber

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board is currently trying to market Colombo as a great place for shopping. From our first impressions of the city, we certainly agree that Colombo has the potential to achieve this status as it houses a variety of stores to suit all tastes and budgets. From traditional crafts to the latest designer clothes, Colombo offers something for all.

Majestic City and Liberty Plaza are perfect shopping centres for everyday items. Each centre has a variety of stores which sell electrical products, Western and Sri Lankan fashions, groceries and the occasional craft stores. Finding your way around can be quite difficult though as there are very few store guides. However, there are lots of helpful shop assistants on hand to give you directions!

Shops such as Odel and Arena offer a much calmer and more comfortable shopping experience. With air-conditioning, bright lights, and a wide variety of western fashion, accessories and homeware, both are very similar to the department stores we have in England. To market Colombo as an international shopping centre more stores like these are needed because at present Barefoot and Paradise Road are the only other stores similar to Odel and Arena.

The reason foreigners come here to shop is because they are given the impression that it is cheaper than their home country. However, shopping at the above stores last weekend, we found that these shops charges mostly western prices. In the visitors' book at Paradise Road people from all over the globe mentioned that the store's prices need to be reduced. Whilst it is true that foreigners often receive higher wages than Sri Lankans, and so perhaps should pay higher prices, it is the low prices which encourage the foreigners to shop in Sri Lanka.

In order to attract foreigners and maintain their customers, prices need to be kept relatively low. If foreigners wanted to buy expensive and fashionable items they are more likely to visit places currently seen as fashion centres such as Paris and Milan. Colombo needs to raise its profile as an excellent city for shopping first. Then, once it has developed this status, it will be able to charge prices to match.

Making the stores more accessible would make shopping in Colombo more attractive to the foreign tourists. All the shops can be done in one day but only if you know your way around. It can be very frustrating spending ages to find only one store. To lessen the problem of the vast distance between shops a shuttle bus service could be introduced which runs between the different shopping areas. A map which focuses specifically on these locations would also prove very useful.

Perhaps the most important thing when developing Colombo for foreign tourists is not to fall into the trap of making Colombo just like any other shopping city. Part of the charm of Colombo is that "you can enjoy the noise and the bustle of a colourful street bazaar or step into the elegant, refined atmosphere of a fashionable boutique." When eating at the DeliFrance in Odel last week we wondered whether our surroundings were a little too westernized. Whilst we appreciate the familiarity, we really want to experience the Sri Lankan way of life.

Sri Lanka's crafts, gems, textiles, and tea are what really interest the foreigner. Colombo should use this to its full advantage. Laksala, the state handicrafts emporium has got this right. Its main branch in Fort sells examples of every Sri Lankan craft ranging from sweets to wood carvings to textiles. It is an extremely pleasant and inexpensive place to shop. Its picturesque surroundings and local music creates an inspiring Sri Lankan atmosphere and being able to watch craftsmen at work really makes you feel involved in the Sri Lankan culture.

In our opinion, Colombo definitely has strong potential as a centre for shopping so long as an equal balance of Sri Lankan and international culture is maintained. We look forward to shopping here again in the future!

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