'US our biggest market' - Jaliya Wickramasuriya

"The US is Sri Lanka's largest export market with an annual turnover of over $ 2 billion. In terms of FDI and tourism, US is a very important partner for Sri Lanka," said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to the USA, Jaliya Wickramasuriya at an event to promote Sri Lanka as a travel destination.

It was organised by Embassy of Sri Lanka and the International Club DC. Over 100 Washingtonians from Greater Washington area were present.

The occasion was used to showcase and promote Ceylon Tea.

"With the dawn of peace, many opportunities have emerged for international business in Sri Lanka. The Embassy always harnesses this conducive environment to promote real business opportunities in Sri Lanka among US corporate leaders," said Wickramasuriya.

He said that the contacts between the people of the US and Sri Lanka are more than two centuries old, although diplomatic ties are only 65 years old.

"Sri Lanka has been a long-standing friend of the US holding deeply shared values and democratic traditions," the Ambassador said.

He highlighted the programs of reconciliation, rehabilitation and redevelopment.

"The tourism industry is booming in Sri Lanka and reached 1,000,000 tourist arrivals in 2012 surpassing all expectations. In this context, many references described by reputed travel writers including the latest 'Lonely Planet Guide' which declared Sri Lanka as the best travel destination in 2013. This vibrant and dynamic sector has also attracted leading US hoteliers such as Marriott International, Starwood-Sheraton," he said.