An event attended by leading business people, tour operators, policymakers, key members of the Henan Government, over 20 diplomatic representatives, including Ambassadors, and the Venerable Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thero from Sri Lanka was hosted at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing to promote Sri Lanka Tourism and the new programme, Ambassador’s China Tour.
Raising awareness of the long-anticipated, but not realized, Sri Lankan temple at the White Horse Temple grounds was another goal of this event.
Addressing the audience Dr. Kohona said “Today we are seeking to promote Chinese tourism to Sri Lanka. The Chinese have visited Sri Lanka as traders and pilgrims for over 2,000 years. We are grateful to the Chinese Government for having included Sri Lanka in the pilot group of countries identified for group travel.”
He also emphasized that today stability has been restored in Sri Lanka, the country was calm and safe as it always has been. Sri Lanka has been identified as a ‘must-visit’ tourist destination for a long time. He also reminded the audience that the Sri Lankan temple at the Bai Ma Shi premises remains unconstructed while other countries have completed theirs.
UN International Women’s Association Former President Lv Hailin and the wife of the Boao Forum Secretary General Li Baodung, recalled her time in New York when the Sri Lankan and Chinese missions worked with each other to defend Sri Lanka’s image at the UN.
Sri Lanka Tourism attractions were featured on a large digital screen behind the podium. Many made inquiries about visiting Sri Lanka.