Colombo to be hub of activity, glitz
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
Colombo will be a hub of activity and glitz when global business
leaders team up with celebrities for the Videocon Indian Film Academy
Weekend and Awards which will be held from June 3 to 5.
Around 1,500 to 2,000 foreigners are expected to visit the island for
the event and around 650 of them will be A grade celebrities and top
businessmen, Sri Lanka Tourism Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya said.
The three day extravaganza comprises a Global Business Forum, Fashion
show, IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match, Film Workshop for those
keen on the film industry and the IIFA Awards night.
Titled ‘Cricket for Change’, the funds will be donated towards
constructing IIFA village in Kilinnochchi. Around 100 houses will be
constructed.
Sri Lankan cricketers Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar
Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena will be among those who will play
against the Bollywood cricket team which will include Shah Rukh Khan,
Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Sunil Shetty, Riteish Deshmukh and others.
The match will be held on June 4 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.
A charity cricket match will be held between Bollywood stars and Sri
Lankan cricketers.
“Sri Lanka has a great potential in expanding its vistas in
investment, tourism, agriculture and other sectors that will contribute
to the rapid economic development drive initiated by the Government .
The IIFA will strengthen the role further with the mutual cooperation
between the two countries,” Economic Development Deputy Minister Mahinda
Yapa Abeywardena said. He added that a visit to Ranmihitenna Tele Cinema
Park is also being planned along with some cultural events that will
unfold in Gallepace Green.
The IIFA Public Relations Team reported that the indoor and outdoor
infrastructures are the key priority in terms of the Awards.
The Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, BMICH and the Sinhalese Sports Club
are being revamped and upgraded. Brand new sound absorbing curtains,
carpets, re-tiled bathrooms and freshly painted walls are being done.
State-of-the-art lights, LED power cams and beautifully lit pre-cocktail
areas will adorn the premises once work is complete.
The city will be illuminated with lights and pennants along the roads
and roundabouts. |