Chinese leaders attend Lankan Banquet in Shanghai

The Consulate of Sri Lanka recently organised a "Festival of Food and Culture" at the Huating Hotel in Shanghai.

The banquet was sponsored exclusively by the Chinese business community while Sri Lankan line agencies, namely Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Board of Investment, Sri Lanka Tea Board and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority were given wide publicity during the event.

The Vice Mayor of Shanghai Shen Xiaoming while recalling the close ties between Sri Lanka and China in particular since Shanghai and Colombo are sister cities said that he was happy to be present at the "Festival of Food and Culture" organized by the Consulate of Sri Lanka. The Vice Mayor said that he hoped such events will promote closer ties between the people of Shanghai and Sri Lanka giving meaning and spirit to the sister city program. While acknowledging that bilateral trade has significantly increased over the years, he said that he hoped that both countries could further develop and enhance cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and tourism.

Ambassador Karunatilake Amunugama recalled the close friendship that exists between the two countries as both countries celebrated the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

"We have witnessed a steady development of our bilateral relations and comprehensive partnership through mutual support", he said. Ambassador Amunugama said that having stood the test of time and changes in the international environment, Sri Lanka - China relations stand as an example of friendly co-existence.

While thanking the Chinese Government for their continued support in promoting bilateral relations, "We are honoured to have so many Chinese leaders and Consuls General representing many countries, Chinese entrepreneurs, travel agencies, print and electronic media were present at this event.

Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, B.A.B. Goonetilleka said that he was happy to participate at the promotional event organised by the Consulate of Sri Lanka in Shanghai. He said that Sri Lanka is an all year destination and welcomed Chinese tourists to visit Sri Lanka, enjoy and experience the variety of cultural and tourist sites which sets the island apart from any other destination in the world.

Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau during his discussion with Shanghai's Vice Mayor Shen Xiaoming reiterated Sri Lanka's support for the World Expo scheduled to be held next year in Shanghai. He said that Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau would showcase their new brand "Sri Lanka - Small Miracle" during the World Expo in Shanghai.

Over 100 Chinese nationals participated at the banquet which included a large number of travel agencies and also representatives of leading print and electronic media institutions. Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was interviewed by the Shanghai Media Group, TV news Center and Shanghai Daily prior to the commencement of the banquet.

A special feature of the "Festival of Food and Culture" was the participation of young Chinese journalists and editors from "Little Master" news agency in Shanghai.

They interviewed the Ambassador and Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau prior to the commencement of the banquet. During the interview they said that they wish to visit Sri Lanka during the course of this year.