SriLankan Airlines to expand operations to Russia

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Adrian Parks
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SriLankan Airlines to expand operations to Russia SriLankan Airlines will expand its operations in Central Asia by increasing the frequency of flights to Moscow, Russia.

Also the carrier will operate the three flights a week with an Airbus A330-200, instead of current twice a week service on an Airbus A 320.

However four of the seven daily flights will be on a wide-bodied Airbus A330-200 instead of an A320.

The airline services a global route network of 64 destinations in 34 countries in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, North America, Australia and Africa.

repair /shipbuilding facility at the Port of Galle. The facility will be constructed with an estimated cost of US$ 44 million within 24 months.

1 SriLankan Airlines to expand operations to Russia SriLankan Airlines will expand its operations in Central Asia by increasing the frequency of flights to Moscow, Russia. The airline will replace the current one-stop flight via Dubai from Colombo to Moscow Domodedovo Airport by a nonstop service from October 29, Also the carrier will operate the three flights a week with an Airbus A , instead of current twice a week service on an Airbus A 320. The airline from October 27, 2013 will trim the Colombo - Dubai service from 9 weekly flights to daily flights. However four of the seven daily flights will be on a wide-bodied Airbus A instead of an A320. SriLankan operates a fleet of 22 aircraft - including six wide-bodied A340 and seven A330 aircraft, eight mid-range A320s and one De Havilland Twin Otter floatplanes for domestic operations. The airline services a global route network of 64 destinations in 34 countries in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, North America, Australia and Africa. Yacht, shipbuilding facility in Galle As a first step towards making the Galle Harbour the first tourist harbour in the region, an agreement was signed for the establishment of a yacht/leisure craft repair /shipbuilding facility at the Port of Galle. The facility will be constructed with an estimated cost of US$ 44 million within 24 months. Hadi Hamam Group of Saudi Arabia is the investor of the project while Sea Gulf Shipyard (Pvt) Ltd (Sri Lanka) is the project proponent. The ultimate objectives of the project are the design and construction of a syncrolift of 1,500 ton capacity to accommodate yachts and other pleasure craft and positioning a floating dock of 4,500 ton capacity on a temporary basis subject to 'Barge Fomentera' being removed from the Colsenburg Quay. A warehouse will be leased for the working space and workshop. The land area in this regard is to be leased for 30 years, in line with the Land Alienation Policy of the SLPA. The SLPA will get the land lease payments, charges and royalty payments as an income to the port. A repair facility of yachts has been vital to promote the yacht marina in the Galle Port. The establishment of a shipyard at the port will provide a number of direct and indirect employment opportunities for welders, fitters, carpenters, painters and other workers. The repair facility in Galle will also attract a large number of vessels from Maldives, creating new business opportunities for Sri Lanka. Attracting direct foreign investments from Middle Eastern countries will also encourage other investors to consider further investment in Sri Lanka. Ayubowan! Sri Lanka June 12,

AC trains on all tracks soon Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said plans are afoot to introduce fully air-conditioned express trains on all rail tracks across the country following the huge

Though Sri Lanka Railways had earlier planned to operate the Colombo-Kandy air-conditioned express train for only four days - Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday - it has now decided to ply this on a

2 AC trains on all tracks soon Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said plans are afoot to introduce fully air-conditioned express trains on all rail tracks across the country following the huge passenger demand for the recently introduced Colombo-Kandy air-conditioned express train. Though Sri Lanka Railways had earlier planned to operate the Colombo-Kandy air-conditioned express train for only four days - Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday - it has now decided to ply this on a daily basis due to the huge passenger demand following its maiden journey last week, Minister Welgama said. According to the schedule, the train starts from Kandy at 5.50 am and reaches Fort Station at 8.30 am. It will commence it s return journey at 5.20 pm from Colombo and reach Kandy at 8.03 pm. The train stops only at Ragama, Gampaha, Peradeniya Junction and Kandy. The train will have 10 first class compartments which will include 44 seats. A one way ticket costs Rs. 500, he added. Reservations can be made by dialing 365 through Mobitel phones or at the respective stations. Minister Welgama further said this is the first time a fully air-conditioned train was launched by Sri Lanka Railways. We expect this service to be a boon to the country s tourism industry, he said. Sky Lounge shifting the paradigms of entertainment Sky Lounge, an epicenter of Colombo s nightlife is fittingly located on the rooftop of the Kingsbury and is complete with an alluring ambience designed to captivate its diverse clientele. Best described as a hybrid of a club and bar, the Sky Lounge offers an eclectic mix of cocktails and cuisine to tantalise your tastebuds. International house music by a variety of local and international artists are on offer at the Sky Lounge, Monday through Saturday, while Sundays are dedicated to bluesy jazz music. Open daily, the Sky Lounge creates a paradigm shift in corporate entertainment for its valued patrons. Ayubowan! Sri Lanka June 12,

The Manhattan Fish Market Now In Sri Lanka The world renowned seafood restaurant chain; Manhattan Fish Market has made its debut in Sri Lanka with the sole intent of serving the local food lovers.

fried, poached or baked. The premium ingredients sourced from the best in the world will be highlighted by the rare delicacies of cod, dory and scallops.

3 The Manhattan Fish Market Now In Sri Lanka The world renowned seafood restaurant chain; Manhattan Fish Market has made its debut in Sri Lanka with the sole intent of serving the local food lovers. Complete with the international menu, which offers signature dishes such as the Manhattan Seafood Flaming Platter, is completely trans fat free and is prepared in one of five ways; grilled, flamed, fried, poached or baked. The premium ingredients sourced from the best in the world will be highlighted by the rare delicacies of cod, dory and scallops. There is a gap in the market when it comes to affordable seafood restaurants that are set for casual dining and this is where Manhattan Fish Market comes in, commented Khalil-ur-rahman, CEO The Seafood Factory. The Manhattan Fish Market, the newest in top range dining venues in Colombo is now open to serve its patrons with the choicest cuisine. Theme museum coming up in Akuressa A theme museum, Jathika Uruma Uyana to visualise the true history of Sri Lanka will be established at Kahawilgoda ancient temple premises, Akuressa. The theme museum is a concept of Kahawilgoda Ancient Temple Chief Incumbent Ven Paraduwa Jinarathana Thero. Addressing the media at the Ananda Samarakoon studio of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation yesterday, Ven Paraduwe Jinarathana Thero said though the Mahawansaya and Thupawansaya are available in the country, it is difficult to find people who read these books. "We decided to showcase the proud history, especially among the younger generation. With the establishment of this theme museum, anybody can get a clear idea of history in seven or eight hours," he said. He said they have the blessings of the President for this project. Ven Paraduwe Jinarathana Thero said under the guidance of the President, a circular was issued by the Secretary to the President to the Archaeological Department to directly engage in this project. Archaeology Department Director General Professor Senarath Dissanayake said the use of archaeology books is low in the country. "Though the department has a large collection of books, we sell only two or three copies of some books a year. Unfortunately, only a handful read archaeology books in the country. We have to find alternative ways to educate people on the country's history. The theme museum is a good concept," he said. The estimated total cost of the project is Rs 1,040 million of which the government will allocate Rs 60 million. The Jatika Uruma Uyana Committee requested skilled sculptures willing to engage in this national service to send their applications to the Department of Archaeology, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha. Colombo 7. Ayubowan! Sri Lanka June 12,

Round and about Kalpitiya Along the north west coast lies an unspoilt peninsula endowed with sandy stretches, an abundance of marine life just a few miles off the coast, high winds for a rush of

Among its many attributes, in particular, is the dolphin and whale watching season that occurs from November till April drawing a steady stream of enthusiasts to its shores.

The marine life of Kalpitiya extends farther to the Bar Reef sanctuary, believed to be the largest coral formation in South East Asia.

4 Round and about Kalpitiya Along the north west coast lies an unspoilt peninsula endowed with sandy stretches, an abundance of marine life just a few miles off the coast, high winds for a rush of adrenaline and a soothing seclusion all year around. Kalpitiya in the Puttalam District prized with both a beach strip and a coastal lagoon is gaining momentum as a popular stop for tourists. Among its many attributes, in particular, is the dolphin and whale watching season that occurs from November till April drawing a steady stream of enthusiasts to its shores. Since deep ocean waters occur just a few miles off the shore, excursions out at sea take a mere few hours for sightings of large pods of spinner dolphins numbering in the thousands. The marine life of Kalpitiya extends farther to the Bar Reef sanctuary, believed to be the largest coral formation in South East Asia. The live coral plate that can be found just an hour s boat ride away has resulted in many snorkelling expeditions to view the vivid beauty of coral life in the translucent depths. In recent times the landscape of the parts has been marked by many man-made structures as well. While the Norochcholai power plant remains a distinctive landmark along the coastal belt, another striking feature is the series of wind turbines that dominate the landscape. The high winds that prevail in the region have paved way for another attraction that has quickly gained popularity kite surfing. A sporting adventure that evokes just as much attention as dolphin watching amongst tourists, kite surfing draws visitors during the off season to test the winds and the lagoon waters for a bout of adrenaline rush. Amidst the sounds of the lapping ocean and the rustle of coconut fronds, the tents afford inviting comforts within its cosy confines With much to keep one s sights on these shores, the coastal belt has yielded to a number of cosy retreats for tourists and visitors to the parts. Mongoose Adventures assists in removal of underwater debris The International Diving Centre, a partner of Mongoose Adventures, conducted a programme in Trincomalee to assist in the removal of debris and fishing nets which litter the Swami Rock dive site. The venture is another step in the series of programmes organised under the dive against debris campaign. A team consisting of nine divers removed up to about 250 kg of underwater debris and many fishing nets that trap fish and damage coral reefs. There are so many fishnets covering the place and on every dive we find fish entangled in lines, which are also hazardous for divers, said Nishan Silva, Managing Director Mongoose Adventures. Ayubowan! Sri Lanka June 12,

Nilaveli Beach Hotel wins Trip Advisor accolade Nilaveli Beach Hotel, Trincomalee, the longest standing beach front hotel on the East Coast which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, has

George Ondaatjie who later built Tangerine Beach and Royal Palm Beach hotels in Kalutara and also acquired the Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya, and developed what was a crumbling edifice to its present

The Trip Advisor accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on Trip Advisor, and is extended to qualifying

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on Trip Advisor, and must have been listed

5 Nilaveli Beach Hotel wins Trip Advisor accolade Nilaveli Beach Hotel, Trincomalee, the longest standing beach front hotel on the East Coast which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, has been awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for the second consecutive year. The property commissioned in 1974 was the first hotel to be built by Mr. George Ondaatjie who later built Tangerine Beach and Royal Palm Beach hotels in Kalutara and also acquired the Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya, and developed what was a crumbling edifice to its present grandeur. The Trip Advisor accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on Trip Advisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 per cent of businesses listed on Trip Advisor receive this prestigious award. To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on Trip Advisor, and must have been listed on Trip Advisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months. "As the longest standing hotel in the East Coast, we are truly honoured to have been recognized by our customers through Trip Advisor once again." said Travice Ondaatjie, the Managing Director Nilaveli Beach. "Since reopening after the Tsunami in 2007, we have continued to improve our guest facilities and quality of service offered to our long standing loyal customers. The resident manager, Ravi Ramsay and his team have made great strides in customer service by making all our guests feel that they have come to a place that s a home away from home, so they enjoy a wholesome family oriented holiday. "The Executive Chef, Aruna Ekanayake and his team have also contributed immensely to provide a high quality of food, so our guests truly are treated to the great flavours and variety of the East Coast" The hotel sits amidst over 12 acres of lush tropical tree canopy, located on one of Sri Lanka s most pristine stretches of beach front, just 2km from the Pigeon Island National Marine Park. The resort currently operates 45 rooms in Standards and Deluxe categories and will be opening two new luxury beach suites by end of the year. A further development of 24 Villa Rooms and guest facilities which will include conference/banquet hall, spa, gym, shopping arcade and diving school is also in process of being granted approval by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the owners said. The Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Please send your articles, comments and inquiries: tourism@srilankaembassy.org Ayubowan! Sri Lanka June 12,

RESORT OPENED 01 ST JULY YOUR ISLAND PARADISE! PREMIUM ALL-INCLUSIVE BLISS! IN NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, THE MALDIVES

RESORT OPENED 01 ST JULY YOUR ISLAND PARADISE! PREMIUM ALL-INCLUSIVE BLISS! IN NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, THE MALDIVES RESORT OPENED 01 ST JULY 2018 A T S A N G E L I M A L D I V E S...YOUR ISLAND PARADISE! PREMIUM ALL-INCLUSIVE BLISS! IN NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, THE MALDIVES W W W. O B L U - S A N G E L I. C O M Welcome to Sangeli!