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Introduction		

Sri Lanka – Where the World Meets

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Business in Paradise

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SriLankan Airlines – Takeoff to Success

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Locations
		 Colombo

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MICE in the Hills

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MICE on the Beach

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MICE in the Historic Cities

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Facilities
		

MICE Facilities

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Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

20		Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall

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Professional Conference Organisers and Destination Management Companies

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Aitken Spence Conventions & Exhibitions

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Heritance Kandalama Conference Centre28		Columbus Tours

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		Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka (DTSL)

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Jetwing Events34

		

NKAR Travels & Tours (Pvt) Ltd.

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United Holidays

38		Walkers Tours

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		Introduction

Sri Lanka – Where the World Meets
For over 2,500 years, Sri Lanka has nurtured a proud heritage of welcoming businessmen
from the far corners of the world. Step on to the golden shores and the visitor is immediately
captivated by an island holding many treasures and charms. But that’s just for starters. The
legendary friendliness of the people is the clincher. Adding to this heady brew is an arrayof breathtaking vistas just a short distance away from each other. From idyllic beaches
and crystal clear waters full of whales and dolphins to exciting wilderness that is home toelephants and leopards. Then there are the awe - inspiring mountains studded with majestic
waterfalls and ancient palaces shrouded in the mists of time. And once the serious matter ofbusiness has been successfully concluded, the corporate traveller is always spoilt by anarray of activities: spas, bars and clubs, extreme sports, safaris, golfing, and so much more.
That is why Sri Lanka offers an unrivalled mixture of business and pleasure.

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Business in Paradise
Strategically placed at the centre of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is at the crossroads between
East and West. A vital trading post throughout history, businessmen and women came tothis island not just to purchase her riches but also to trade with other entrepreneurs. Today,
this legacy of unrivalled hospitality and the promise of prosperity continues. Sri Lanka brings
together leading corporations and businessmen and women throughout the year for a rangeof meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions in some of the most spectacular andrefreshing settings. Imagine a conference in the wilds of Yala National Park or a management
meeting in the Victoria hills, followed by a round of golf. Perhaps, a team building workshop on
the beaches of Trincomalee? It’s hard to resist the charm of conducting business in paradise.

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SriLankan Airlines-Takeoff to Success
SriLankan Airlines, the national airline, has maintained an envious reputation for being thefrontrunner in personalised service, world-class comfort, reliability and punctuality. It has
the prestige of being one of the leading airlines since 1979 and still continue to expand
its products and services, keeping up - to - date with the needs of the modern traveller andthe demands of the economy. Located at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo,
SriLankan Airlines provides convenient connections to Europe, Middle East, South Asia,
Southeast Asia, Far East, North America and Australia. For the discerning traveller,
SriLankan Airlines Business Class is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the journey.
Unwind on a flatbed seat or enjoy the award-winning inflight entertainment system withmovies, games and much more on demand, while savouring a range of delectable meals
and drinks. Register with FlySmiLes, the SriLankan Airlines’ frequent flier programme,
offering rewards and benefits such as exclusive privileges, upgrades, free miles andmany others. FlySmiLes is the ideal programme for the constant traveller to truly have aconvenient and well rewarding journey. SriLankan Airlines stands as a testament to
Sri Lankans being the world’s friendliest people and this has been underscored by being
awarded the World’s Friendliest Cabin Crew.

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Locations

ColomboColombo is the heart of the nation and has continued to amaze visitors throughout thecenturies. It is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history offering colonial influences. From thebig department stores to small street vendors; the Pettah Market where everything under
the sun is found for a bargain; exotic souvenir shops selling handmade crafts and handlooms;
Colombo is where every step is a discovery. Colombo’s heart and soul bursts with anenergetic and ecstatic energy. The city’s nightlife offers a variety of pubs, nightclubs andrestaurants featuring live music, jazz bands and DJs. For a more relaxed evening, there isalways the beach to catch the world’s best sunset and dip your toes in the Indian Ocean.
Dining out is an adventure. Colombo is filled with restaurants serving all kinds of tastes
from around the globe. It is the ideal city for work or play, offering something for everyone.

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MICE in the Hills
The hill country in Sri Lanka looms from the centre of the island and is home to cities andtowns such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela and Badulla. Kandy is the perfect serene
setting to explore Buddhism as the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) is located there,
surrounded by a scenic lake. Every year, tourists and locals flock to the city to pay homage
to the temple and to witness the annual procession where dancers, elephants and acrobats
take to the streets. The famous Victoria Golf Club is also a short drive away and it is one of
the finest golf courses in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya, also known as ‘Little England’, stands true
to its moniker by capturing traditional British charm with its quaint cottages and landscapes.
It is also famous for horse racing and boating. For the adventurers looking for lush greeneryand mountains, World’s End, Piduruthalagala and Adam’s Peak await. The surroundings
will create the perfect mindset to conduct your business, with your meetings held on
panoramic mountain tops.

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MICE on the Beach
Locating the beach is probably the easiest thing in Sri Lanka; simply pick any direction.
In Colombo, there is the Galle Face Green, Mount Lavinia and Marine Drive to catch thesunset or go for a stroll. The beaches along the city are conveniently located close to theFort Business District and major offices, making them an ideal place to unwind on after along day of meetings. Nestled further South is Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Bentota - wherebusiness visitors could meet in state-of-the-art hotels, or conduct team-building exercises
outdoors on scenic beaches. Then relax by snorkeling and scuba diving; catching a few waves;or getting pampered at one of the many spas. For the more adventurous, there is always
Arugam Bay on the East Coast. It is one of the best surfing spots in the world and is locatedclose to wild life parks, ancient temples, and more beaches leaving MICE delegates spoilt for
choice. And for those travelling with their spouses or families, there is always Mirissa andKalpitiya – both famous for dolphin and whale watching. In Sri Lanka, a beach is more thana holiday … it’s a lifestyle.

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MICE in the Historic Cities
Sri Lanka’s recorded history dates back to almost three thousand years - back to the adventof Buddhism. Today, this rich heritage can be witnessed in the ancient palaces, temples,reservoirs and other vestiges found around the island. But the best place to experience thesemarvels is at the world famous Cultural Triangle located in the centre of the country. It is hometo the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Sigiriya. These cities
hold some of the true wonders of the ancient world such as the vast man - made reservoir
known as the ‘Sea of Parakrama’. Then there is Sigiriya (meaning ‘Fortress in the Sky’), which
continues to amaze with its pools and ponds, landscaped gardens, stunning frescoes, mirror
walls, and other marvels. Hold a conference in the view of giant stupas looming on the horizon,
or a corporate retreat besides the iconic Sigirya. The historic cities of Sri Lanka are the perfectantidote to the jaded business traveller or MICE delegate looking for something refreshingly
different or inspiring.

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MICE Facilities
There are plenty of reasons why Sri Lanka has become Asia’s newest and most exciting
MICE destination and why SriLankan Airlines is the preferred carrier. MICE travellers areoffered many distinctive privileges, proving once again that Sri Lanka is the ideal location
to conduct business.

•

Educating prospective delegates on Sri Lanka through product seminars.

•

Introducing organisers to PCOs (Professional Conference Organisers)

Facilities

Promotional supportand DMCs (Destination Management Companies), who would undertake
all ground arrangements for the event.
•Pre-conference sales calls to prospective delegates by SriLankan sales personnel.

Air tickets•

Special airfares to all delegates and accompanying persons travelling to and fromall SriLankan on-line points.

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Special airfares for travel from off-line points where SriLankan General Sales
Agents (GSA) are present.

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Publicity•

Coverage of the event in our in-flight magazine ‘Serendib’.

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Links to conference and exhibition websites through the SriLankan website.

At the airport•

Special group baggage tags for delegates to differentiate their baggage from otherpassengers on the flight.

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Meet and assist delegates at SriLankan on-line airports.

In-flight services•

Special announcement by the Captain welcoming the delegation on-board.

•Group seating arrangements.

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Catering to special meal requests.

Conference venue•

SriLankan service desk at the conference venue to assist delegates with theirtravel formalities.

Additional offers to delegates•

Extensions to other SriLankan destinations through ‘add ons’ on ticket prices.
All delegates travelling in groups for MICE events will be awarded full FlySmiLes miles.

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Sri Lanka Convention Bureau
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), a non-profit national tourism organisation thatfunctions under the Ministry of Economic Development, is the governing body thatprovides vital support to the MICE industry. It acts as the primary contact point for meeting
planners, incentive houses and corporates and associations for information, advice andexpertise when planning and organising events in Sri Lanka. The SLCB works closely with
the national airline to promote Sri Lanka as a desired venue for MICE events and also toensure that these events are conducted in a professional manner, satisfying visitors anddelegates. The Bureau also provides an extensive array of services including research;assistance in bidding, planning, organising and implementing events. It also helps select a
PCO, all necessary government clearences, coordination with airlines and airport authority,
promotional support to increase participation at the event and all necessary conference
support services. The SLCB will work closely with businesses, guaranteeing professionalismand expertise in every area and will respond to individual needs with individual solutions.
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, 4th Floor, Hotel School Building 78, Galle Road, Colombo - 03, Sri Lanka.
Telephone : +94 11 2440002
Fax: +94 11 2472985
E-mail: slcb@sltnet.lk
Website : www.visitsrilanka.net

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Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall
Situated within easy access from any point in the city of Colombo, the Bandaranaike
Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), has played host to all major conferencesand exhibitions held in Sri Lanka. It is one of the few conference halls of its kind in South
Asia. From exhibitions, conferences and conventions to beauty pageants and rock concerts,
BMICH is able to cater to all needs with state-of-the-art facilities such as 6 committee
rooms, a library, a cinema, special suites complete with dining room, interpretation facilities
and a gigantic assembly hall that could seat over 1,700 delegates. BMICH is not all workand business. The octagonal shaped structure amidst beautifully landscaped gardens is alandmark in the city. The Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial International Exhibition Centre(SBMEC) stands just behind the BMICH with the same elegance and can accommodate any
international exhibition or convention.

BMICH Convention & Exhibition Centre, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Telephone : +94 11 2696489, +94 11 2691130
Fax: +94 11 2696130
E-mail: bmich@slt.lk, reservation@bmich.gov.lk
Website : www.bmich.gov.lk

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Professional Conference Organisers& Destination Management Companies
The Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) specialises in organising and administering
meetings, conventions, conferences, incentives and events. The PCO assists by identifying
key objectives that need to be achieved such as designing and planning programmes;
ensuring media support; organising themed events and post-conference activities.
Destination

Management

Companies(DMCs)

providetailor-madeincentives

andcorporate events to delight the client with world class expertise. Backed by yearsof experience and dedicated multilingual professionals, the DMCs provide a host ofservices including organising accommodation, entertainment, tours and excursions.
SriLankan Airlines works closely with the PCOs and DMCs mentioned in this brochure

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PCOs & DMCs

and all companies featured are members of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

Aitken Spence Conventions and Exhibitions
Aitken Spence Conventions and Exhibitions is a division of Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd.
and offers a full range of services to local and foreign government institutions, corporates,
professional bodies, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organisations andassociations to organise their meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. For the
past 18 years, the highly trained and dedicated staff has continuously provided an efficientand professional service to the clients to ensure successful events that are unforgettable.
Aitken Spence Conventions and Exhibitions was also the winner of the Presidential Awardfor the ‘Best Professional Conference Organiser In Sri Lanka’ for the 3rd consecutive year in2009 and entered the prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’.

The following page features the newest conference facilityof Aitken Spence - The Heritance Kandalama Conference Facility
For more information visit www.aitkenspenceconventions.com or contact,
Mr. Tikiri Ellepola, Assistant Vice President
Telephone : +94 11 2308308 Ext 802
Mobile: +94 77 3252553
E-mail: tikiri@aitkenspence.lk
Website : aitkenspenceconventions.com

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Heritance Kandalama Conference Centre
Heritance Kandalama Conference Centre is a 350 seat purpose-built venue with a 3,640
square foot conference hall and four breakout rooms providing all the necessary facilities andinspiration needed for retreats, meetings and conferences. Equipped with configurable
meeting spaces, ultramodern conferencing technologies such as wireless internet,
lighting projection and sound systems, Heritance Kandalama Conference Centre is the ideal
place to conduct your business while indulging in delicious cuisine, exceptional beauty andexpert hospitality. With a breathtaking view of the Kandalama Lake, and activities such as
trekking through jungles and safaris at Minneriya National Park, it is the perfect blend of
business and pleasure. Heritance Kandalama is the first hotel in the world to receive LEED
certification and is committed to sustainable building and green space with 30,363 square
feet of LEED-certified space. The resort has also won ‘Best 5 Star Resort’ for 3 consecutive
years from Sri Lanka Tourism and was recently inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’.

Telephone : +94 66 5555000, +94 77 5555557
E-mail: res.kandalama@heritancehotels.com <mailto:res.kandalama@heritancehotels.com>
Website : www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama/27

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Columbus Tours
Columbus Tours, estd.1991, is an IATA approved Destination Management Company
with special emphasis on MICE groups of all shapes and sizes! We create individual
and personalised experiences, tailor - made to suit each group’s every whim and fancy!
Think azure topaz waters, sugar beaches, coral gardens, emerald foliage, baby elephants,
tea carpets, crystal waterfalls…the experience begins. We are deliberately compact,well-structured, with experienced personnel; friendly, caring staff, focused on delivering
impeccable service standards. We proudly boast a board of directors, who enjoy a wealthof 40 years of experience in tourism. Experience the true essence of the world renowned
serendipity of Sri Lanka... travel with Columbus Tours!

Address : 221/2 Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
Email: info@columbustourssrilanka.com
Website : www.columbustourssrilanka.com | www.bookingsrilanka.com | www.bookingmaldives.com
Blog: www.amazinasia.com
Telephone : (+9411) 2687719, 2682067, 2684225, 2697779 Fax : (+9411) 2699371, 2687698

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Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka (DTSL)With over 35 years of experience, Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka (DTSL) is one of Sri Lanka’s
premier Destination Management Companies and is part of the Hemas Holdings PLC, adiverse business conglomerate in Sri Lanka. DTSL is consistent in their service from start tofinish with quality-driven and customised packages matched to client’s needs and budgets.
Their experienced and qualified staff will ensure that their expertise in the managementof leisure and related sectors is utilised to the maximum, making every event a world classexperience. Business or leisure, DTSL is geared to handle all your requirements including
airport transfers, ticketing, round tours, excursions and chauffeur driven car rentals.
Their travel desks are located at Colombo Hilton, Taj Samudra, The Gateway Hotel andRamada Colombo.
Associated Properties – Avani Bentota Resort & Spa / Avani Kalutara Resort / Club Hotel Dolphin / Hotel Sigiriya

Diethelm Travel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
Level 06, Hemas House, 75, Braybrooke Place, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka.
Telephone : + 94 11 4704659
Mobile: + 94 77 8005382
E-mail: andrea.h@lk.diethelmtravel.com
Website : www.diethelmtravel.com

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Jetwing Events
About UsOne of the leading Professional Conference & Events Organisers (PCEO) handling all types of
MICE activities for the past two decades (Member of SLAPCEO).

Our Services
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions, Events ( Corporate | Theme | Special ),Ceremonies, Foreign Weddings, Awards - Opening & Closing, Gala Dinners, Catering,
VIP Arrangements, Gifts, Budgeting, Venue Search, Sports Tours, Speaker Liaison,
Online Registration & Payment Collection, Product Launches, Fashion / Musical Shows,Film Productions, Audio / Visual / Lighting Systems, Press Conferences, Models andHostesses, Team-Building Activities, Shore Excursions, Logistics ( Land | Air | Water ).

Mr. Nalin Ariyaratne – General Manager“Jetwing House” , 46/26, Nawam Mawatha, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka.
Telephone : +94 11 2381202
Fax: +94 11 2345725
Mobile: +94 777287816
E-mail: events@jetwing.lk
Website : www.jetwingevents.com

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NKAR Travels & Tours (Pvt) Ltd.
For over 33 years, NKAR Travels & Tours (Pvt) Limited has retained a proven track record
as a professional Destination Management Company. The carefully designed specificservices in the areas of high - end boutique tours, standard classical tours, specialisedadventure tours, family holidays, romantic honeymooning as well as professional
logistic management in MICE, offers the best platform for the discerning client. Emphasis on
health and safety reduces the risk factor of the business partners. The proactive and positive
customised services and ethical business practices sets NKAR apart from the competition.

No. 45, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka.
Telephone : +94 11 2564584 Fax: +94 11 2564587
E-mail: nilmin@nkartravelhouse.com
Website : www.nkarmice.com

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United Holidays
As a leading destination management company, United Holidays have accumulated a global
client base from the UK, India, Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Japan, China and the
Middle East since 1995. Currently, United Holidays caters to a wide range of tours including
cultural, environmental, ecological, adventurous, incentives, meetings and conferences.
In addition, they arrange shore excursions for cruise liners, beach stays and all-inclusive
programmes. With representative offices in Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai
and Beijing, United Holidays aims to continue its growth in the tourism industry in Sri Lanka.

Level 16-02, East Tower, World Trade Centre, Colombo 1, Sri Lanka.
Telephone : +94 11 5220000
Fax: +94 11 5220030
E-mail: info@unitedholidays.lk
Website : www.unitedholidays.lk

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Walkers Tours
Walkers Tours is considered Sri Lanka’s leading MICE provider, with IAPCO and ICCA trained
professionals and is the only Destination Management Company to hold both ISO 9001 andISO 14001 international standards for Quality and Environment Management Systems. With
over 40 years of experience in the industry, their staff excels at handling and coordinatinggroup movements, whilst its dedicated transportation fleet is the largest in the island.
Walkers Tours’ resources and strength is supported by its sister company, John Keells Hotels
and Resorts (Cinnamon & Chaaya Hotels), which has the largest room inventory island-wide
enabling services and products at competitive rates. Walkers Tours is the perfect solution tocompletely experience the business and the leisure side of Sri Lanka.

Walkers Tours Limited
130, Glennie Street, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka.
Telephone : +94 11 2306420
Fax: +94 11 2423065
E-mail: info@walkerstours.com

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NotesNotes