Business Travel

Farmer tourism the latest

by Surekha Galagoda

Farmer tourism is the latest aspect of tourism to be introduced to Sri Lanka. The main objective of farmer tourism is to bridge the gap between the producer and the consumer.

At present in the long chain of production, goods have become more expensive as there are so many intermediaries but once the gap between the consumer and the producer is bridged the producer will get a better price while the consumer will get a better product.

As people are becoming more health conscious the farmers who were growing traditional varieties of rice including Maa vee, Pachcha perumaal, and rathdal command a premium price. These varieties of rice are marketed in Colombo. When we go on pilgrimage to Katharagama we purchase a pot of curd from Tissamaharama, as our people prefer to buy from the place where it is manufactured or grown. In addition our people have a close bond with the goods brought from the village, therefore we tapped that potential, said Facilitator Organic Agriculture Project Practical Action Hemantha Abeywardena.

He said that some people who come to purchase the rice tell the story about the rice to children and they also like to go to the paddy field and get hands on experience about how it is grown.

Therefore, we have set up model farms where farmers can grow traditional varieties of paddy for three or four consumers. Abeywardena said that the Ruhunu Tourism Development Bureau close to the Madunagala Hotwells has started a project to develop an Eco Agro Tourism Zone, which includes indigenous crops, and an agriculture zone. In this zone the farmers grow traditional varieties of rice and other crops in a 10-acre land as a model farm. We provide consultancy services as well as seed paddy to these farmers, he said.

In addition we have also started a project in the Bandigamtota village in the Hambantota district, which is in close proximity to the hot wells to systematically grow traditional varieties of rice and indigenous crops.

He said that under this system the profits are disbursed to the whole village and not to one company but we have to arrange places for accommodation and logistics. This is a pilot project and we want to develop this project in areas where traditional food crops are grown so that the farmer community are the beneficiaries, said Abeywardena.

He said consumers who know the value of traditional varieties of rice and other crops are willing to pay a premium price for the produce and the prices of these produce don't fluctuate like the others. Therefore, we have to identify the consumers who know the value of these produce and cater to them, he said.

CFA abrogation will not affect tourism - Mustapha

by Lalin Fernandopulle

The abrogation of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) has no adverse effect on the tourism industry which has been growing over the years, said Deputy Minister of Tourism Faizer Mustapha.

He was addressing the media on the road map of the tourism industry for the year and the arrival of the Bohra community to celebrate Ashara Mubaraka, a 10-day religious event. Mustapha said the CFA is only on paper and that from the outset the agreement had been violated by the LTTE. An agreement which is not observed is of no use.

In response to a question that with the abrogation of the CFA there will be more terror attacks and that tourists falling victims cannot be ruled out and that the abrogation of the CFA created more uncertainty among people and narrowed down hopes of resuming peace talks which was put on halt in 2003, the Deputy Minister said that tourists had never been targets of terror attacks and they have always preferred to visit the country. The responsibility of a democratic government is to ensure the territorial integrity of the country.

The Ministry of Tourism intends to achieve a 15 per cent growth in tourist arrivals this year. Tourist arrivals dropped last year due to terrorist attacks and travel advisories. There was a 16 per cent drop in arrivals last year.

"The confidence placed by the Bohra community on the government's initiatives to develop the country is an indication that Sri Lanka is a safe destination for tourism", the Deputy Minister said.

"We are happy to be in Sri Lanka and are confident that it is a safe destination. The government assured that security will be provided throughout the event", Saifuddin Patal, a member of the Bohra Community said. He said their Leader selected Sri Lanka to celebrate the event for the second time and that it is an achievement for the country. Around 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the event which commenced on January 9.

Ashara Mubaraka is celebrated annually by the Bohra community with their leader Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. Over 10,000 members of the Dawoodi Bohra community arrived last week to celebrate Ashara Mubaraka which marks the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain. It is the most important event of the Dawoodi Bohra Islamic calendar.

The origins of the Bohras, the Muslim community of Gujarat in West India traces back to its spiritual ancestry to early conversions to Ismaili Shiism during the reign of Fatimid caliph-iman al-Mustansir (AH 427-487/1036-1094 CE). Around 2,500 members of the Bohra community reside in Sri Lanka.

Europe and Japan join SriLankan Holiday's 'Mega 999'

SriLankan Holidays' popular "MEGA 999" destination list now includes the vibrant cities of London, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo. Holiday packages include return airfare, three nights four days hotel accommodation, breakfast and all taxes. "MEGA 999" offers are reputed for the best all inclusive prices combined with SriLankan Airlines award winning service.

General Manager - SriLankan Holidays, Amith Sumanapala said, "We are very excited to add the four cities to our "Mega 999" list of destinations, giving our growing clientele a wider choice of holiday hotspots to choose from."

The four cities come alive in winter, especially Paris, the city of romance and the capital of fashion. Paris is definitely the most beautiful during the holiday season and for all its grandeur, is a laid back city where the haute cuisine and haute couture blend seamlessly with the avant garde or the ordinary.

The City is also known for its splendid museums, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife including the famed Parisian cabarets such as Moulin Rouge.

Singapore Airlines begins operations at Changi Airport Terminal 3

An exclusive experience awaits Singapore Airlines' loyal customers at Changi Airport's newest addition, Terminal 3. The Airline began operations at the new terminal on January 9 and is rolling out the red carpet for premium customers to the tune of S$30 million.

Terminal 3 is home to Singapore Airlines' latest premium facilities that promise to please the most discerning of travellers.

"Terminal 3, being a new extension of the Changi hub, allows us to create an inviting environment for our customers. Privacy, luxury and comfort are hallmarks you can find at the SilverKris Lounge and KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in the new terminal," said Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Products and Services, Yap Kim Wah.

The SilverKris Lounge provides an oasis of calm and respite for PPS members and Singapore Airlines customers travelling in the premium cabins, while the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge offers KrisFlyer Gold and Star Alliance Gold members a cosy getaway in which to rest and relax.

Both lounges are centrally located and offer the best views of the airport, from the parking bays to the runways.