Category: Local

Singapore and Sri Lanka sign free trade agreement

COLOMBO: Singapore and Sri Lanka signed a free trade agreement on Tuesday (Jan 23) which will deepen economic ties and facilitates greater trade flows between the two countries.

The Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA) was signed by Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaran and Sri Lanka’s Minister for Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena witnessed the signing in Colombo.

With the deal inked, Singapore and Sri Lanka companies will gain greater access to each other’s markets across many sectors, said Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) in a news release.
Growth of Digital Marketing In Sri Lanka

Back in the times of classic advertising, you needed to be concerned about digital marketing impressions and total return on investment (ROI) of your efforts, optimizing your job according to your limited funds and the limited options available. Technology has forced us to believe Digital and proceed for internet advertising, where new metrics have been defined, together with yet restricted resources, but infinite options that gave far more complicated significance for optimization.

Social networking digital marketing plays a critical part in’digital advertising’ in sri lanka which it’s altered the online ecosystem. It’s made a parallel world where one’s planet isn’t confined by his/her encompassing but hordes of things occurring over the web and social websites. For the millennials being relevant and obtaining social acceptance for something that they do is becoming more significant. The period spent by an ordinary consumer on social websites is 2.5 hours (50% of the everyday online time) which makes it the most prime destination online.

One should know the unique opportunities and the way it differs from other websites. A company should join conversations and eventually become a part of a neighbourhood, instead of being a company’outsider’ who attempts to sell aggressively. The platform should make an individual voice to your enterprise since Facebook users prefer to speak to others — to not an impartial organization. Your company Facebook page has to have the ability to compose in a voice which seems genuine and likeable, employing a style which is suitable for your enterprise.

A Facebook webpage is a terrific free advertising tool for companies. These pages allow companies identify themselves not only through list merchandise offerings and solutions but also by sharing hyperlinks, pictures and articles on a customizable site to provide a much better feeling of a company’ personality and personality.

Your FB company page is a fantastic place to come up with your new identity and reveal your human side. Today Facebook has introduced two brands unique Facebook attributes which are altering the character of electronic advertising. The’Immediate Article’ tool, allowing publishers to make appealing mobile-first articles right on the system and live-streaming video fad has takeoff (enables verified users to flow videos for their network in real-time). Both of these attributes are quickly peaking, and they’re reshaping the digital marketing and advertising campaigns.

Twitter

Twitter has been useful in keeping its growth concerning active users but has neglected to interpret such expansion into earnings growth. As crowd-based merchandise (like some of those other programs ), the core power of Twitter lies within its variety of active consumers; however, as a profitable company, revenue generation is the top priority. Twitter has been shifting its efficacy in various ways, including many attributes, whether inside the net application or its cellular application that is their competitive edge.

Many users and professionals have perceived this measure as an effort to replicate Facebook’s expertise. Years past, Twitter was going to implement a characteristic very similar to Facebook’s webpages, to assist brands market their services and products on the stage.

The brand new likes’ rather than favourites’ edit, might be read like a completely different story.

In all scenarios, Twitter has enabled many companies to prosper and anticipated to improve its power in various geographic places.

LinkedIn

In a previous couple of decades LinkedIn has enhanced its customers’ experience on the stage, assisting professionals land on current projects, hire new workers, construct their networks and market their own companies. It has undoubtedly represented on the organization’s generated earnings, bringing in its position as the 2nd most significant revenue-generating social networking platform, following Facebook.

One thing we know for sure is that the effects of Pulse’s integration to LinkedIn, allowing for more user-centred posts to be revealed to every user, according to their careers, businesses and reading tastes. In the majority of the contemporary business-to-business (B2B) markets, it’d be hard not to consider incorporating LinkedIn’s Pulse in your digital marketing strategy in Sri Lanka. Even for a few B2C entrepreneurs, the stage was successfully used for promotion purposes.

Google professionals have analyzed the precision of their new technology contrary to the validity of their own. The machine has scored 80 percent of proper outcomes when Google 80 manufacturers have scored 70 percent of appropriate results, a new age where you can observe a system outperforming its creators. This should be contemplated within your next search engine optimization strategy, understanding that about 75% of search queries on Google include three to five words, the motor would usually have sufficient input to find out the consumer’s intention.

best digital marketing company sri lanka is www.seosrilanka.net becoming ever more popular in the industry and rightly so. If you understand the requirement of the digital campaign properly, it can work amazing things for your industry over the your competition of the industry. Therefore its essential to undented key element of seo campaign to reach your online goals throughout the company you are working with,

However, how can you know whether your social networking plan is successful? How can you measure its own success?

Check participation of lovers

While the amount of buffs can be a step of your advertising success, a more precise measure is how much your supporters are interacting with your page/profile — quantity of enjoys, stocks, retweets and pokes can be a sign of how successful your campaign will be. The more your buffs participate with your brand, the more curious they are in your small business and the more probable they are going to be to purchase your merchandise.

Assess visitors to your site

the principal goal of any societal medial advertising and digital marketing campaign would be to send visitors to your site. So check your data (via Google Analytics) to observe just how a lot of your traffic is coming out of societal programs and is there some growth as the time you have intensified your societal campaigns. So get your site ready . You can opt for cloud hosting since it’s flexible enough to take care of abrupt spikes in traffic.

Assess conversions

Obtaining traffic is excellent but what if they are useless to youpersonally? The next thing to do would be to assess if your customers will be taking the desired actions. It might also be to create them download an e-book, take part in a competition or even sign up for your newsletter. No matter the aim might be, you will want to check that it’s being achieved.

If your digital marketing effort is getting you considerable traffic but the majority of the traffic are rebounding off your site, then it can not be called a successful effort.

Selecting the most appropriate platform

there are lots of things that lead to the achievement of any digital marketing effort in sri lanka, however, the most significant one is the option of the platform. Every social networking platform has its own attributes and brings a particular sort of audience, so in the event that you would like to be successful, you have to understand what matches your company the very best.

So how can you be certain you select appropriate? Listed below are a Couple of factors you need to consider:

You are able to perform a study of All of the criteria and decide which platform matches the demographics of your target client the best

Know your articles

When you are on social networking, you market your company via articles. Hence that the sort of content you produce will decide on the platform you select. For example:

Know exactly what you need

Do you wish to enhance SEO? Would you like more people to walk in your shop? Would you need to target smaller markets rather than the societal giants mentioned previously? Would you wish to create connections with other companies? Knowing what you need will determine what societal platform matches best.

For example, if you’d like SEO, then it is Google+; should you desire walk-ins then you are going to need to join social networks such as Yelp and FourSquare; should you would like smaller markets, then the ideal place to begin would be Reddit; and finally, LinkedIn can help you make these very important business connections.

This guarantees that you reach to a larger audience

Analyse all outcomes to make improvements where required. Evaluate your numbers with everything you anticipated. Benchmark against your competition, campaigns or products in order for your stakeholders can quickly understand what these numbers mean. It’s very important that you utilize the analytical advertising tools which are available to assemble data now and use that info to form continually future advertising campaigns toward being exceptionally successful ones.
Ward Place closed due to students’ protest

Ward Place in Colombo has been closed for traffic from Town Hall due to a protest by university students, Ada Derana reporter said.

The Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) organised the protest march in Colombo today (21), demanding solutions for the issues of South Eastern University students.

The agitation is also against the recent statements of the Minister of Higher Education Wijedasa Rajapakse, according to the IUSF Convener Lahiru Weerasekera.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today allowed university students to hold their protest without inconveniencing the public, after a court order was sought by Fort Police.

The protesting students were also barred from entering any public institutions.
Moon-Chan Kim in seek of commercial opportunities in Sri Lanka

Mr. Moon Chan Kim the Co-founder and technical adviser of E&D Co., Ltd, a company which provides environment and energy technology solutions. Its products include EnDsel-PF, a device that reduces the particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbon emissions from diesel vehicles; and EnDsel-PPF, a solution for emission control from light and medium duty diesel vehicles. He developed and commercialized automobile environmental catalysts and single type DPF, and P-DPF system.

Moon Chan Kim a citizen of Korea with a brooch of the Sri Lankan flag tagged on his jacket, is now in the course for commercial opportunities in Sri Lanka along with directing Korean firms to invest in such commercial opportunities he discovers to be fitting.

Korea is also one of Sri Lanka’s leading donors of Official Development Assistance (ODA). Korean ODA has contributed to Sri Lanka’s development process through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), and grant assistance via the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). There are many lessons that our lawmakers and people can learn from Korea. When World War II ended, Korea was way behind both Sri Lanka and Japan in terms of economic growth.

Mr. Moon-Chan Kim in 1993 graduated from Yondsei University, Seoul Korea with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering a study of the hydrocracking and the hydrodesulphurization over NiPtMo, CoPtMo catalysts supported on HZSM-5, LaY, and r-Al2O3, and their acidic characterization.

Following his graduation, Moon-Chan Kim in 1995 became the professor of Environmental Engineering at the Cheongju University in Korea executing many national projects for the environmental catalysts and renewable energy.

Been the founder and CEO of ENFC CO., Ltd. In 2005 and also the founder and CEO of the Oil City., Ltd. In 2012, Mr. Moon-Chan Kim is now the Asian region policy officer of International Biographical Center a publisher owned by Melrose Press Ltd that specializes in producing biographical publications, such as the Dictionary of International Biography, Great Men and Women of Science and other vanity awards.

Sri Lanka in the modern era has become a center of attraction for foreign investments as a part of a South Asian trio with high potential for growth. Korean business leaders have already expressed their strong interest in investing in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka with an economy worth of $278.415 billion and a per capita GDP of about $11,068.996, Sri Lanka has a strong growth rate in recent years. Sri Lanka’s economic future can be seen as a services hub to produce goods which plug into regional and global value chains and a center for high-value agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables and dairy contributing the rapid growth of the tourism and export sectors.

With an unemployment rate of 4.2%, with foreign firms inclined towards investing in Sri Lankan businesses seeking for opportunities, it will in return be an opportunity for the unemployed population in the country to seek for job opportunities which will contribute towards the economy of the country as a benefit.

In 2010, as the research scientist for the Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT in Cambridge, USA, Moon Chan Kim executed and commercialized power generation system by fast pyrolysis with waste biomass and MSW and emulsion fuel for IMO Tier 3 regulations.

The country’s geographically strategic location near two high-growth regions (India and Southeast Asia), and its tourist potential, as well as the measures taken by the government, creation of free zones, reduction of food subsidies and other consumer goods, are factors that draws the eyes of foreign investors towards Sri Lanka.

Moon Chan Kim is a professional in areas such dissociation catalyst of waste plastics and woody fiber for producing diesel oil, heterogeneous catalysts for environmental fields such as reducing NOx, CO, dioxin, ozone, VOCs (volatile organic carbons), and toxic materials. Further, he has entitled The Da Vinci Diamond Award (IBC 2016), Great Men and Women of Science Award, and furthermore. Hence, his knowledge and participation in the commercial sector will be beneficial for Sri Lanka.
Mass grave in Mannar in Northern Sri Lanka unearths 300 human skeletons

Jan 16, Colombo: Skeletal remains of 300 people and human bones have been unearthed as of today from the mass grave found in Mannar in Northern Sri Lanka after the grave area has been expanded for a second time since the excavations began on May 28 last year, Senior Judicial Medical Officer Shaminda Rajapaksa said.

The excavations at the mass grave resumed Wednesday (16th) after temporarily suspending the activities on January 11.

Until today excavations have been carried out for 130 days and skeletal remains belonging to 300 individuals have been unearthed from the mass grave at the old Sathosa building site, the official said.

Out of this total, skeletal remains of 294 individuals have been systematically removed and currently sealed and placed in a special chamber at the Mannar Magistrate’s Court complex, Dr. Rajapaksa said. Remains of 23 bodies believed to be children’s have been separated.

Speaking about taking samples to the United States for carbon dating, Dr. Rajapaksa said, under the Mannar Magistrate’s orders bone samples were collected in the presence of a group of forensic medicine specialists and a special team of government attorneys.

He said the bone samples for the radio carbon dating were obtained under observation of all relevant parties in order to ensure transparency.

The official said excavations may be temporarily suspended while he will be away taking the samples to the U.S. and a decision will be made after discussions with the magistrate this week.

Following the discovery of human remains on 26 March 2018 at the old Sathosa building in Mannar, the excavation of the site started on 28 May 2018 under the supervision of Mannar magistrate. Excavations continued after the site was expanded twice.
SriLankan Airlines Achieves Highest Ever Monthly Revenue in December

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance, achieved the highest ever monthly revenue in Company history in December 2017. The air-transport operation of the Company recorded a stand-alone revenue of US Dollar 100.1 million – the first instance in the 38-year history of the airline where monthly operating revenue reached this landmark figure.

The airline attributes the increase in revenue to its expanded network and continuous improvement in revenue management processes. A total of 566,627 passengers were carried during the month, a 27% increase over December 2016 and recorded a Passenger Load Factor of 85.9% – above that of most major airlines in the world. Cargo carriage too witnessed a significant growth, rising 23% year-over-year to 12,016 metric tonnes.

The airline’s newly launched route to Melbourne, Australia, was a resounding success – achieving a Passenger Load Factor of 92.4% – and recording a significant overall profit during the month. This makes Melbourne the first long-haul route launch of the airline in recent years to reach profitability in such a short period.
TERROR IN SRI LANKA

In 8 coordinated attacks around Sri Lanka, 215 people were killed and 449 were injured. the death toll included 35 foreign nationals. the nationalities were USA, Denmark, Pakistan, India, Morocco, China, Japan and Bangladesh.

7 persons have been arrested and an island-wide curfew has been imposed until 6 a.m on Monday morning. Schools throughout the island closed for two consecutive days 22nd and 23rd of April and universities have been temporarily called off. It is not clear if Monday and Tuesday are declared a holiday.

Former Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse, currently Sri Lanka’s leader of the Opposition visited the injured in hospitals whilst President Maithripala Sirisena was making a return to the island from Singapore.
Optimistic outlook for Sri Lanka’s hotel industry

Sri Lanka hoteliers hopeful of better tourism season ahead

Sri Lanka’s hotel industry is set to experience a period of growth and development, thanks to a combination of favorable factors. Over the past decade, the country has faced numerous challenges, including political instability and natural disasters, which have impacted the tourism sector. However, recent developments, including the end of the civil war and the government’s efforts to promote the country as a top tourist destination, have led to an optimistic outlook for the Sri Lankan hotel industry. With its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscape, Sri Lanka has all the ingredients to become a leading player in the global hospitality market. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka, exploring the key drivers of growth and the challenges that still need to be addressed. It will also examine the potential impact of these developments on the economy and highlight the opportunities that lie ahead for hotel operators and investors. The future looks bright for Sri Lanka’s hotel industry, and this article aims to shed light on the reasons behind this promising outlook.

Rising demand drives hotel growth.

As the end of the civil war and government efforts to promote tourism have opened up opportunities for growth, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is experiencing a surge in demand. This is evident in the increasing number of hotel developments and expansions taking place across the country. With its pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka has the potential to become a major player in the global hospitality market, and the rising demand for accommodations is a clear indication of this potential.

Hotel Sri Lanka is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing influx of tourists and travelers seeking to explore the country’s beauty and culture. This demand has led to the emergence of new hotels and resorts, as well as the expansion and renovation of existing ones. With a positive outlook for the hotel industry in Sri Lanka, investors are flocking to the country, recognizing the potential for high returns and long-term success in this thriving market. The growth of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is not only beneficial for the country’s economy, but also for its reputation as a top tourist destination in the region.

Tourism boom propels hotel industry.

As Sri Lanka’s tourism boom continues to gain momentum, the hotel industry in the country is reaping the benefits. The influx of international visitors, attracted by the country’s natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, has resulted in a surge in demand for accommodations. This has prompted hoteliers in Sri Lanka to ramp up their operations, with new developments and expansions taking place across the country. This growth in the hotel industry is a testament to Sri Lanka’s potential as a major player in the global hospitality market.

The rise in tourism has also led to an increase in job opportunities within the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. As new hotels open and existing ones expand, there is a growing demand for skilled and trained professionals to fill various roles, from management to service staff. This not only benefits the local economy but also contributes to the overall growth and development of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. With the government’s efforts to promote tourism and attract more visitors, the outlook for the country’s hotel industry is optimistic, making it an attractive destination for investors and a promising career path for those in the hospitality sector.

Expanding hotel infrastructure attracts investors.

The rapid expansion of hotel infrastructure in Sri Lanka has caught the attention of investors from both domestic and international markets. This surge in interest can be attributed to the tourism boom that the island nation has been experiencing in recent years. With millions of tourists flocking to Sri Lanka each year, the demand for quality accommodations has skyrocketed, creating a favorable environment for investors looking to capitalize on the flourishing hotel industry. The country’s strategic location, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage have also played a significant role in attracting investors to the promising hotel market in Sri Lanka.

As new hotels continue to open and existing ones undergo expansions, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The increasing number of hotels across the country not only caters to the growing demand for accommodations but also creates job opportunities for skilled professionals within the hotel sector. This, in turn, contributes to the overall development of the industry and the economy as a whole. With a positive outlook for the hotel industry in Sri Lanka, investors can be assured of a lucrative return on their investments, making it an attractive destination for hotel development projects.

Luxury hotels redefine Sri Lanka’s hospitality.

The recent surge in investments in the hotel industry in Sri Lanka has resulted in the rise of luxurious hotels that are redefining the country’s hospitality standards. These hotels not only offer top-notch amenities and services, but also showcase the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Sri Lanka. With their strategic locations, such as beachfronts or lush jungles, these hotels provide guests with an unforgettable experience, making them want to return to this tropical paradise.

Moreover, these luxury hotels have also contributed to the growth of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka by creating job opportunities and boosting the local economy. With their high standards of service and facilities, they have set a benchmark for other hotels in the country to strive towards, resulting in an overall improvement in the quality of hospitality in Sri Lanka. As more international hotel chains continue to invest in this booming market, the future looks bright for the hotel industry in Sri Lanka, attracting even more tourists and boosting the country’s economy.

Increased international arrivals boost hotel industry.

With the increasing number of international arrivals in Sri Lanka, the hotel industry has seen a significant rise in demand. This trend has brought about a positive impact on the entire hospitality sector, especially for hotels in Sri Lanka. The influx of international tourists has not only resulted in increased occupancy rates for hotels but has also led to higher revenue generation. This has allowed hotels in Sri Lanka to invest in expanding their services and facilities, ultimately raising the overall quality of the hotel industry in the country.

Moreover, the increased international arrivals have also brought in a diverse range of tourists, allowing for a more multicultural and inclusive environment in Sri Lanka’s hotel industry. This has enabled hotels to cater to the needs and preferences of different types of travelers, resulting in a more well-rounded and satisfactory experience for guests. As a result, hotel Sri Lanka and the hotel industry Sri Lanka, in general, are seeing a positive shift in their reputation and have become a popular destination for international travelers. This upward trend is expected to continue, making for an optimistic outlook for Sri Lanka’s hotel industry.

Hotel sector poised for rapid expansion.

As the tourism industry in Sri Lanka continues to flourish, the hotel sector is poised for rapid expansion. With a steady increase in international arrivals, the demand for quality accommodation has never been higher. This surge in demand has paved the way for the growth and development of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. With hotels investing in infrastructure and services, the country has seen a significant improvement in the overall quality of its hotel offerings. This has not only enhanced the tourism experience for visitors, but also provided a boost to the economy through increased revenue generation and employment opportunities in the hotel sector.

Upgraded facilities elevate Sri Lanka’s hotels.

With the significant growth of the tourism sector, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka has also experienced a positive transformation. One of the key factors contributing to this improvement is the upgrade of facilities in hotels across the country. These upgraded facilities not only cater to the increasing number of tourists, but also elevate the overall quality of the hotel experience in Sri Lanka. This has led to a rise in positive reviews and ratings, making the country a more desirable destination for travelers.

The investment in upgraded facilities has also brought about a boost in the economy, with increased revenue and job opportunities in the hotel industry. The development of new luxury hotels and the renovation of existing ones have created a demand for skilled workers, providing employment opportunities for the local community. Furthermore, the improved amenities and services have attracted a higher number of tourists, leading to a rise in tourism revenue for the country. With the continuous efforts to upgrade and maintain high-quality facilities, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is set to further flourish, solidifying its position as a top tourist destination in the region.

Emerging destinations drive hotel development.

As the hotel industry in Sri Lanka continues to thrive, the emergence of new and exciting destinations within the country is driving further development. These destinations, such as the eastern coast and the northern regions, offer unique and unexplored experiences for travelers, making them highly sought after by tourists. With the rise of these emerging destinations, the demand for hotel accommodations has also increased, leading to a surge in hotel development in these areas.

This trend of emerging destinations driving hotel development not only benefits the tourism industry, but also has a positive impact on the overall economy of Sri Lanka. As new hotels are built in these areas, it creates job opportunities for the local population and boosts economic growth. Additionally, the upgrade of facilities in these new hotels helps to elevate the overall standard of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka, attracting more tourists and generating higher revenue. With the continued growth and development of these emerging destinations, the future of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka looks bright and promising.

Hotel industry embraces sustainable practices.

The hotel industry in Sri Lanka has been making strides in embracing sustainable practices in recent years. With the rise of eco-tourism and increasing awareness of environmental issues, hotels in Sri Lanka have been implementing various sustainable initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and preserve the country’s natural beauty. From using renewable energy sources to implementing waste reduction and recycling programs, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future.

Moreover, this shift towards sustainable practices has not only been beneficial for the environment, but it has also been advantageous for the hotel industry itself. By adopting sustainable practices, hotels in Sri Lanka have been able to attract eco-conscious travelers, who are willing to pay a premium for environmentally-friendly accommodations. This not only boosts the hotel’s revenue but also helps to promote Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism destination. With the hotel industry in Sri Lanka leading the way in sustainable practices, it is clear that the future looks bright for both the industry and the country as a whole.

Positive outlook for Sri Lanka’s hotels.

Sri Lanka’s hotels are set to experience a positive growth trajectory in the coming years, thanks to their commitment to sustainable practices. As the country embraces eco-tourism, hotels in Sri Lanka are implementing various initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the island. This not only benefits the environment but also serves as a strong selling point for eco-conscious travelers. With the rise of sustainable tourism, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is expected to see increased revenue and cement its reputation as a sustainable tourism destination. By prioritizing sustainability, hotels in Sri Lanka are not only contributing to the preservation of the country’s natural resources but also positioning themselves for long-term success in the industry.

In addition to the focus on sustainability, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is also benefiting from the country’s growing popularity as a tourist destination. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, Sri Lanka has become a sought-after travel destination for both leisure and business travelers. This has resulted in a steady increase in tourist arrivals, leading to a rise in demand for hotel accommodations. As a result, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is expected to experience continued growth, providing ample opportunities for investment and expansion. With a strong focus on sustainability and a growing demand for travel to Sri Lanka, the future looks bright for the country’s hotel industry.

In conclusion, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is poised for growth and success in the coming years. With the country’s tourism sector gradually recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, there is an optimistic outlook for hotels and resorts in the country. With strategic investments and collaborations, coupled with the rich cultural and natural attractions of Sri Lanka, the industry has promising potential to thrive and offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. As we move towards a brighter future, it is important for hoteliers to continue adapting to changing industry trends and consumer preferences, while also prioritizing sustainability and responsible tourism practices. The future looks bright for Sri Lanka’s hotel industry, and with the right strategies and efforts in place, it is poised to reach new heights.

FAQ

What factors contribute to an optimistic outlook for Sri Lanka’s hotel industry?

Several factors contribute to an optimistic outlook for Sri Lanka’s hotel industry. Firstly, the country’s growing tourism sector, with increasing number of international arrivals, provides a strong demand for hotel accommodations. Secondly, the government’s efforts to promote tourism through initiatives such as tax incentives and infrastructure development contribute to the industry’s growth. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for leisure and business travelers. The country’s strategic location in South Asia also serves as a gateway for regional travelers. Overall, these factors create a positive environment for the growth and success of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka.

How is the government supporting the growth of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka?

The government of Sri Lanka is supporting the growth of the hotel industry through various initiatives. They have implemented policies to attract foreign investment in the sector, such as tax incentives and relaxed regulations. Additionally, the government has invested in infrastructure development, particularly in areas with high tourist potential, to improve accessibility and attract more visitors. They have also launched marketing campaigns to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination and have collaborated with international organizations to enhance tourism training and development programs. These efforts aim to boost the hotel industry, create job opportunities, and drive economic growth in the country.

What are some recent trends or developments in the hotel industry that are driving optimism in Sri Lanka?

Some recent trends in the hotel industry in Sri Lanka that are driving optimism include the increasing number of international tourists visiting the country, improved infrastructure and connectivity, and the development of new luxury hotels and resorts. The government’s focus on promoting tourism and attracting foreign investment has also contributed to the positive outlook in the industry. Additionally, the growing popularity of sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the hospitality sector has further enhanced Sri Lanka’s appeal as a destination for travelers. Overall, these trends and developments are creating a favorable environment for the hotel industry in Sri Lanka and fueling optimism for its future growth.

How is Sri Lanka’s hotel industry adapting to changing consumer preferences and demands?

Sri Lanka’s hotel industry is adapting to changing consumer preferences and demands by focusing on sustainability, wellness, and immersive experiences. Many hotels are incorporating eco-friendly practices such as using renewable energy sources and reducing waste. They are also offering wellness amenities like yoga classes, spa treatments, and healthy dining options to cater to health-conscious travelers. Additionally, hotels are providing unique and immersive experiences such as cultural tours, cooking classes, and adventure activities to meet the demand for authentic and experiential travel. Overall, the hotel industry in Sri Lanka is actively embracing these trends to attract and cater to the evolving preferences of consumers.

What are the potential challenges or risks that could impact the optimistic outlook for Sri Lanka’s hotel industry?

Some potential challenges or risks that could impact the optimistic outlook for Sri Lanka’s hotel industry include political instability, economic downturns, natural disasters, terrorist threats, and competition from other tourist destinations. Political instability can lead to uncertainty and discourage tourists from visiting the country. Economic downturns can result in reduced consumer spending and fewer people traveling. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes or tsunamis, can cause significant damage to hotels and infrastructure. Terrorist threats can create fear and deter visitors. Additionally, competition from other tourist destinations offering similar attractions and amenities could divert tourists away from Sri Lanka.
Last year 183 ships arrive at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Shipping and Ports says last year 183 ships arrived at the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksha Port in Hambantota Port. Out of these ships, 175 ships were cargo ships.

In 2017, 126,514 tonnes have been unloaded at the Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port and 46,835 tonnes have been shipped from the Port.

The port’s total container handling capacity is 198,000 TEUs and also has a 950,000 tons Break Bulk handling capacity. Its bulk Cargo capacity is around 2.5 million tons (including 1.6 million tons cement) and it also has 396,000 units Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO ) capacity.
Source: Colombo Page
Exports of goods grow by 13% in Sri Lanka

Exports of goods grow by 13%, reaching US$1,062.63 mn in January. 1,062.63 millions in January

Exports of Sri Lanka’s products grew by 13 percent to US$1,062.63 million 1,062.63 million during January 2022 as compared to January 2021 according to figures released by the Sri Lanka Customs.

Additionally, it’s also a 5.7 percentage increase when it is compared the January of 2020. EDB Chairman Suresh De Mel, said, ” exports performance in January 2022 has been awe-inspiring and the increase has been broad as nearly all major industries have displayed positive developments. We’re optimistic the trend is likely to last and we could expect a robust recovery until the close in the calendar year. In the future, we must increase the value of our exports , and also explore market niches, as well as diversify our product range and markets. While we recognize it is true that both it is true that the US along with the EU are the biggest markets, we have to increase our share of the market in Asia. A planned Bangladesh PTA will certainly help in this direction. “

Earnings from exports of Apparel and Textile have risen by 22.1 percent y-o-y, to 514.41 Million in January 2022, with a an impressive performance in the exports of Apparel (24.25 percent) as well as Woven Fabrics (50.24%).

Tea export earnings from January 20, 2022 making 12 percent of all exports of goods, dropped by 9.67 percent y-o-y, up to USdollars 91.22 million. Export earnings from rubber and Rubber Finished Products have grown by 3.52 percent y-o-y, reaching USD 87.12 millions in the month of January. Export earnings from Electronic and Electrical Components rose by 12.62 percent year-on-year to US35.87 million. 35.87 million for January 2022. The earnings for export from Seafood rose by 42.66 percent up to US$2 24.11 million for January 2022 as compared to January 2021. Meanwhile, earnings from Ornamental fish grew by 45.61 percent up to US$1.78 million. 1.78 million .

A strong export performance was observed in the major export markets, which comprised 65percent of all exports of merchandise during January 2022. Eight among the top 10 market showed an improvement, with the exception of Italy and China. The month of January 2022 exports made to the United States of America, the single most important export destination, grew by 26.43 percent up to US$295.25 million 295.25 million as compared to January 2021 month. Exports of Sri Lanka’s products to United Kingdom as the second largest trading partner registered the highest growth of 31.99 percent up to USUSD 81.16 millions in the month of January 2022. (26.32%). The month of January 2022 exports of goods to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners made up 7.2 percent of the total exports, and grew by 28 percent up to USUSD 80.31 million.

Furthermore exports from India and Pakistan were up by 28.9 percent and 21% y-o y in the range of USUSD 71.72 million , and USUSD 8.59 million, respectively during this month in January. The increased exports to India are mostly fueled by an increase in exports of animal Feed (11 percent) as well as Pepper (17.86 percent) Woven fabrics (26.5 percent) as well as Apparel (65.51 percent) during January 20, 2022.

Exports breakdown to the five top EU markets, which comprised the majority from Sri Lanka’s exports into the EU included: Germany USdollars 60.2 millions (increased by 12.63 percent), Italy US$ 49.69 million (decreased by 6.32 percent), Netherlands US$ 38.68 million (increased by 10.96 percent), Belgium US$ 24.78 million (increased by 4.56 percent) in addition to France USUSD 23.51 million (increased by 12.65%)).

Exports into the European Union (EU) which represented 20 percent in Sri Lanka’s total exports over this month in January of 2022 grew by 1.33 percent year-on-year up to USUSD 206.74 million

Estimated value for services exports in the January 2022 period totaled 313.22 millions dollars an increase of 42.2 percent over the previous month in 2021. The services exports calculated by EDB comprise ICT/BPM, Construction, Financial services and Transport & Logistics.

Furthermore there was a better performance in Pakistan due to Desiccated Coconut, Other Articles of Stones, Woven Fabrics and Perfumes Cosmetics, Shampoos & Makeup Preparations and other Electrical & Electronic Products. In a comparison of regions, exports from all areas grew during the month of January 2022 as compared with January 2021.