The Expo 2020 Dubai has been a success for Sri Lanka so far, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said as the award-winning pavilion has been effective in attracting nearly 10,000 visitors in the last 20 days.

The SLTDA in a statement to the media today said that “positive endorsements” are flowing in with the Sri Lanka pavilion being conceptualized to showcase the culture, entertainment, and also the business opportunities prevailing in the island nation.

Taking the lead by allocating a sum of Rs. 155.5 million to participate at the Dubai Expo for six months the event is expected to run, Sri Lanka Tourism said it looks forward to presenting more attractions in the coming weeks and months.

However, the SLTDA pointed out that the entire pavilion was constructed at “zero cost” to Sri Lanka courtesy of Expo 2020 Dubai

“…it is all planned to keep the momentum going not only at the opening of the Exhibition but to continue throughout, until March 2022,” said SLTDA Chairperson Kimarli Fernando.

She added that by taking on the “huge responsibility and challenge with limited time and resources”, the SLTDA is “happy to state” that the Sri Lanka Pavilion is a success due to the concerted effort of all stakeholders who stand behind Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Tourism.

Since the start of the Expo 2020 Dubai, the Sri Lanka Pavilion has featured a number of interactive sessions such as; demonstrations of cane weaving, Batik designing, Sri Lankan puppetry, clay pottery, wood carving, sculpting craft, Beeralu, and other Sri Lankan art amongst others.

The pavilion also hosted the Sri Lanka Tourism Travel B2B Forum to connect the local travel and tourism industry with global players.

In the coming weeks, Sri Lanka Tourism said it will facilitate a Wedding show, Batik Fashion Show, Song Dance Drama and Drums of Sri Lanka, Book Reading ‘Under the stars’ featuring Sybil Wettasinghe's book titled 'Sun, Rain and Fox Wedding', and Sri Lanka Cultural Musical and Dance Show, Fusion Dance Show, and also the viral sensation ‘Yohani’ Live in Concert.

Furthermore, to reel investments, Sri Lanka Tourism said it will facilitate B2B forums for Sri Lanka Tea Board, Port City, and the Board of Investment (BOI).