Lanka to showcase products at mega event in Tokyo
 

by Elmo Leonard

Sri Lanka will in a mega event in Tokyo, in January 2008, showcase all aspects of commerce it has to offer the outside world. In Tokyo, Sri Lanka plans to mirror its produce, products, people and their imagination, culture and drama.

Also, to portray the country as a tourist destination, her investment opportunities, and show what foreign assistance the Asian nation needs, Foreign Minister, Mangala Samaraweera told the media.

As a forerunner to the mega fair, Sri Lanka will show what it has to offer in New Delhi and Beijing, in 2007, at yet-to-be-determined dates. The Beijing event will mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two Asian nations.

As a prelude to these three events, a 'Refreshing Sri Lanka' open air festival, will begin June 17, at Trafalgar Square, London, Minister Samaraweera said. The event will coincide with the beginning of the first cricket match in the series between England and Sri Lanka and go on together with other trade and cultural events, for a week.

The private sector has pledged sponsorship of Rs 50 million ($485,436) coming through the trade chambers, and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) playing a lead role, chairman CCC Deva Rodrigo said.

Answering questions, the Foreign Minister said that in spite of terrorist violence in the country, the people and nation must forge ahead and that the London fair was timely.

UK is Sri Lanka's second largest importer and reciprocity between the two island nations is $5.3 billion. Sri Lanka benefits from unlimited quota access to all EU markets and following the Asian tsunami of 2004, gained GSP - Generalised System of Preferences for 7,500 product lines.

The island has one of the most liberal economies in the region, with the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, making it a gateway to the Indian and South East Asian markets. Besides, the new global economic order has generated more trade opportunities for developing countries, paving the way for increased market access for Sri Lankan products through multilateral and bilateral negotiations; Sri Lanka counts 25 bilateral agreements.

The Mayor of London will provide Trafalgar Square free and a 'mini Sri Lanka' event will follow for visitors to savour the many facts the country has to offer.

The event would flow into a street festival. The festival will be lined with traditional Sri Lankan stalls selling food. Chairman, Ceylon Tourist Board, Udaya Nanayakkara said that the food festival will follow, with local Lion Lager beer, arrack in cocktails, for guests, different teas and the like.

Also on display will be local handicrafts, jewellery, tea, fabrics, ayurvedic remedies, three ayurvedic specialists could be consulted and three Sri Lankan elephants will be displayed, Nanayakkara said.

There will be a cultural extravaganza for the duration of the event highlighting Sri Lanka's multi-ethnic, multi-cultural nature. It would also be an exposition of scintillating drum beats, exquisite traditional dancers, fire eaters, delicious cuisine of the various regions of the land and local handicrafts.

The Sri Lanka High Commission in UK has called upon Sri Lankan families in Britain to support their country's national trade event.

The Square will also depict the island's lace weavers, dancers, drummers and astrologers.

With the Serendib Trade Exhibition, meet the buyer, events will also be held in Covent Garden from June 21-23. Around 70 Sri Lankan exhibitors will showcase their products and services, which include apparel, gems, jewellery rubber-based products, computer solutions, food and beverages and lifestyle products. Side events are also on the cards.

The investment round table will be held at Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London on June 22, in association with the Commonwealth Business Council, to provide opportunities for UK companies to learn about investment opportunities, here.

A taste of Sri Lanka Food Festival will take place at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kingston High Street, London from June 15-25. A buffet style dinner, complimentary arrack and traditional dance forms are on the cards.

A film festival of Sri Lanka films will also take place from June 20-24. A Sri Lankan photographic exhibition showcasing the work of Dominic Sansoni and Jagath Dheerasekera will also be on display during the festival.