Leading Paris model to promote Sri Lanka

Dji Dieng a leading model from Paris was in Sri Lanka on the invitation of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board to visit many of our key places of tourist interest. Her stay in Sri Lanka was from July 14, and she left our shores on Thursday July 27. During her stay here she visited and experienced tourist attractions in Habarana, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Galle.

She was surprised after seeing the historical monuments dating back to 2,500 years in the cultural triangle area in the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla.

In selecting Sri Lanka as her destination this year Dji wanted to combine her vacation with an active participation in humanitarian projects relating to children. She also concentrated in assisting the less privileged children in Sri Lanka, and visited the 'UNESCO village' at Nanathota, Kosgoda.

The Chairman Sri Lanka Tourist Board Udaya Nanayakkara commented that "through her popularity in the world, we may have the opportunity in organizing project for the benefit of the children in Sri Lanka." Dieng also met with Anura Bandaranaike, Minister of Tourism and other officials of the Tourist Board to further discuss matters regarding the spread globally, the good story on Sri Lanka.

Speaking about her experience in Sri Lanka Dieng said "I am amazed with the rich culture which dates back to so many 1,000 years in time.

The people of Sri Lanka are truly wonderful, they are very friendly people. After visiting Sri Lanka I am thinking of having my own shrine back home, with a Buddha statue, I purchased in Sri Lanka, and also consider being a Buddhist myself."