Travel

Ramayana trail attracts Indian visitors

The Ramayana Trail of Sri Lanka revolves round the Ramayana, the great epic of Asia, which has an unshakable hold on the beliefs of a vast multitude of Asia's population. Over 50 sites associated with the Ramayana, are located within Sri Lanka, with around 12 of them being sites with archaeological evidence. The rest of the sites are largely based on unwavering faith and traditional beliefs.

Rev Swami Ajai Bhai Ji and the group

A dedicated team from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Bureau (SLTPB), is handling the promotion and development of the Ramayana sites, and have created interest among local travel agents and hoteliers on the subject. Nearly 30 guides have been trained and a brochure, a DVD, and a travel planner have been published.

Rev. Swami Ajai Bhai Ji, President of the Triveni Seva Mission, Delhi, was in Sri Lanka early June, with a group of 30 devotees, on an eight-day tour, to visit a substantial selection of the Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka. Subsequent to an orientation programme held at Sri Lanka Tourism, the group of devotees proceeded on their journey through the country.

Rev. Swami Ajai Bhai Ji has continuously supported the Ramayana Trail and in September last year, he brought down a group of 100 devotees on a Ramayana Trail tour.

Commencing the tour with a special puja at the Sri Anjenayar Temple in Dehiwala, the group went on to visit the many Ramayana sites such as Seetha Kotuwa in Gurulupotha, Sita Eliya where the Sita Amman Temple is situated, Isthirpura Cave, Ravana Cave, World's End in Horton Plains, Dunuwila and its lake, Laggala, Yahangala, and Katharagama.

Speaking on the Ramayana Trail, Director General, SLTDA, S. Kalaiselvam said, `we have been able to bring over 3000 devotees last year, to visit the Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka, and this year our target is 5000 persons. It is interesting how the Ramayana Trail has continuously created interest and attraction among our neighbouring countries and we hope to build this interest further, with many activities that have been planned in this regard.'

He further added that a familiarization tour of the Ramayana Trail has been organized for later this month, where journalists from India will get to know about the local Ramayana sites of interest. Meanwhile, in August this year, a road show is scheduled to take place, incorporating 4 cities of India, to build up awareness and interest.

IATA honours Lee Kuan Yew

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) honoured Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew with its Global Aviation Leadership Award (GALA) at the 65th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit which opened today in Kuala Lumpur.

The IATA GALA was established in 2002 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight. It is given to outstanding individuals for exceptional contributions that have helped shape air transport.

"Air transport has been built by the hard work of women and men who have been able to turn dreams into reality. We have a rich history of truly amazing people with vision, passion and great leadership. It is a privilege to honour Minister Mentor Lee with a GALA that recognizes the great contribution his political leadership and foresight has made to global aviation," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO.

"Minister Mentor Lee's unique vision and leadership founded one of our industry's strongest carriers and most efficient airports. This became a shining example of how aviation-with effective government policies-has played an important role in building the foundations of a country respected for its efficiency and economic achievements. His unwavering commitment to liberalization and free market principles was ahead of its time in 1972.

These are principles that are critical to the industry's development even today. We need more leaders with Minister Mentor's vision and deep understanding of aviation and the economic benefits that it catalyzes," said Bisignani.

"To Minister Mentor Lee, operating an airline just to show the flag on the tail was not an option. The airline had to be competitive and self-supporting or be shut down. This has shaped Singapore Airlines into a commercial success without government assistance," said Bisignani.

Minister Mentor Lee's approach to industry regulation was similarly visionary. Under his leadership, Singapore implemented an aviation policy based on free and open competition, positioning Singapore as an important hub for global aviation. Singapore's Changi Airport is among the most efficient airports in the world and has received multiple IATA Eagle Awards.

Minister Mentor Lee is only the third GALA recipient. The first GALA was awarded in 2003 to Dr. Assad Kotaite for his outstanding service as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President for more than 30 years. The second GALA was awarded in 2005 to Minister Yang Yuanyuan of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for his strong vision and leadership on progressive liberalization in aviation.

Qatar Airways appoints Vice-President

Qatar Airways announced the appointment of Bart Vos to the role of Executive Vice-President Commercial.

Vos takes up his new position at the airline's headquarters in Doha, State Of Qatar, where he will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day running of the airline.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker welcomed Vos, saying his experience in working numerous airline roles across the globe will be beneficial to Qatar Airways.

"The airline is continuing its steep growth trajectory and we certainly welcome someone of Bart's calibre to the team. His industry knowledge is exceptional and he will add considerable value to our business," said Al Baker.

"Bart has been given an undertaking to build on the good work done to date across our commercial operation, and he is certainly up to the task."

The Dutch airline veteran executive brings a wealth of international aviation experience to his new position at Qatar Airways, having held roles in the airline industry for the past 28 years.

Vos will report directly to the airline's CEO and takes over the role from Mr. Ali Al Rais, who returns to his native UAE to take up his new position of Senior Vice-President Commercial.

"Ali continues to be an outstanding asset to Qatar Airways having been with the airline virtually since its inception. His two-month secondment in Doha turned into two years, so I'm sure he welcomes the opportunity to return to the UAE.