“North and East witnessing a rapid change”-Consular corps of London

The “Consular corps of London”, an association of all London based Consul Generals, Consuls, Honorary Consuls and Career Diplomats involved in Consular and immigration matters, has expressed its satisfaction on the post-war development process in Sri Lanka. At a recent press conference held in Colombo, Mr. Bernard Silver, the Executive Committee Member of the Consular corps of London, pointed out Sri Lanka’s opportunities to become a top tourist destination in the region.

While addressing the gathering, Mr. Bernard highlighted; “we are indeed happy and contented of the post-war development process and its benefits to all the communities in the island. The government of Sri Lanka has done a remarkable job in bringing life back to the North and East. We really wondered about that. At present, we see the fact that many minorities in many parts of the world do suffer without democracy. I would say… As a democratic country ,Sri Lanka is a true example to all of them. Not only that, Sri Lanka is very rich in its resources. I’m sure; opening up its Northern area to the industry of tourism would definitely bring about positive results, as in the case of its South…”

After a familiarization tour to the major tourist attractions in the island including Sigiriya, Jaffna, Down-South, Kandy and Pinnawala, the Consular corps of London was of the view that Sri Lanka has a very good potential to be a top tourist destination in the region. The island, as they believed, is unique in its natural beauty, against any competitor in the region.

Expressing ideas in this regard, Mr.Rumy Jauffer, the Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said; “it’s a great opportunity for us to show our post-conflict achievements to a group of top diplomats from the United Kingdom. Their experience of our tourism product will truly be a determining factor for our market.”

The tour of the Consular Corps was organized by Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK and it was coordinated by the Minister Counselor Mr.Chaminda Kularathne. It is also a part of the image building exercise of the post–conflict Sri Lanka, by which, the diplomatic community of the UK is exposed to the ground realities. Mr. Bernard Silver from Seychelles (Executive Committee Member, Consular Corps of London), Mr. George Georgiou from Cyprus (President,Consular Corps of London), Ms.Olga Jerzjukova from Latvia(Treasurer, Consular Corps of London), Ms. Catherine Crutzen from Belgium (Secretary ,Consular Corps of London)participated for this tour. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was the official host and facilitator of the above tour.