From hosting IIFA awards:
Country targets Rs 4,025 m
Charumini de Silva
Sri Lanka being selected to host the upcoming International Indian
Film Academy (IIFA) awards is one of the major successes of the country
with the restoration of
Dileep Mudadeniya |
peace. India, with the world’s largest film industry, produces over
1,000 films per annum. This would be an excellent opportunity for Sri
Lanka to promote its tourism at an optimal level.
Hosting IIFA in Colombo will support in building recognition
internationally and to attract more tourists throughout the world, Sri
Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Managing Director Dileep
Mudadeniya told Daily News Business.
IIFA will also create many economic benefits such as attracting an
increased amount of foreign exchange and new business ventures. Sri
Lanka has the opportunity to promote tourism with the support of the
Indian actors, who have a large network of fans all over the world.
The country has much potential for investment opportunities in cinema
and a cinema producing destination are one of the major benefits that
the country could gain by hosting IIFA in Colombo.
The SLTPB has estimated to generate Rs 4, 025 million (US$ 70
million) from hosting this internationally recognized event. During June
3 to 5 there will be many avenues to build business contacts, which
leads to trade and investment. IIFA will also support the two countries
to strengthen their business relations and friendship.
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has invested over Rs 100 million
to improve the infrastructure in Colombo city.
The developments of the city has already commenced. The CMC has
requested the private firms to collaborate in improving Colombo as an
attractive, clean and a green city for the IIFA visitors said CMC Chief
City Administrator Omar Kamil.
Kamil said that the CMC has sent request letters to the proprietors
to colour wash their houses where the IIFA delegation is scheduled to
travel.
The purpose of sending letters to the selected houses is to ensure
that Colombo is safe, attractive, clean and a green city, he said. |