Ambassador Wickramasuriya invites Washington young professionals to Sri Lanka

"Sri Lanka has many attractions for its visitors, the best being the 20 million smiles waiting to greet you", opined Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States Jaliya Wickramasuriya.

He highlighted that Sri Lanka affords a grand array of interesting and exciting opportunities for a traveller to experience from a single visit."Adding to Sri Lanka's incomparable hospitality, you will find pristine beaches, misty mountains, UNESCO declared world heritage sites, the best safaris, exciting adventures and entertainment all captured in an island similar in size to West Virginia", he said.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya made these remarks welcoming a group of young professionals in Washington DC during a dinner reception at the Sri Lanka Residence.

The event was organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in partnership with Things to Do DC, a premier young professionals organisation in the greater Washington area.Ambassador Wickramasuriya briefed the audience on developments in Sri Lanka ."We are not just a nation with friendly people but also a nation governed by democracy, human rights and the rule of law", he said."Under the visionary leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has become a peaceful and reconciled society.

The latest UNDP report upgraded Sri Lanka's Human Development Index (HDI) rank from medium to high, the highest in the region. During the last five years, Sri Lanka has climbed five positions in the HDI ranking.

Chief Executive of Things to Do DC Gregory Bland said the event is a great opportunity for Washington professionals to learn more about Sri Lanka.

The event featured a tea tasting ceremony, introducing world renowned Ceylon Tea to the guests.

A touch of Sri Lankan culture was also added to the event when Sri Lankan choreographer Chathuri Wickramarachchi together with Sarindee Wickramasuriya presented traditional dance performances.