Sri Lanka readies for IIFA show

The International Indian Film Academy weekend will open many opportunities for Sri Lanka to promote tourism around the globe.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) discussed opportunities open to Sri Lanka as the host destination for IIFA 2010, the International Indian Film Academy weekend, scheduled to take place in June.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said the country can expect 14 times the benefits of the investment with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) being held in Sri Lanka. This is the first international event Sri Lanka is hosting after the end of terrorism.

He said this will create many economic benefits to the country especially to the tourism industry. Colombo being selected to host the IIFA will change the attitude internationally. This is an opportunity to show that the country is peaceful, stable and comfortable.

With a significant investment pledged by the Sri Lankan Government, the country will focus on infrastructure development, primarily the restoration of city roads and the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, which will be the official venue for the IIFA Awards.

SLTPB Manging Director Dileep Mudadeniya said “Each year the host destination of IIFA 2010 will be placed on an international platform as over 300 media from around the world congregates in the country for the much anticipated event of the Indian Film Industry.

”Sri Lanka anticipates a boost in the tourism and hospitality industries, where employment opportunities are expected to increase, with a distinct rise in tourist arrivals taking place within this period”.

Infrastructure development has already commenced to facilitate transport, accommodation and the staging of the event, at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

The Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium will be re-modelled to meet international standards with a long-term goal of hosting regional and global events.

The high-profile FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum is also scheduled during the IIFA weekend will invite India’s key businessmen, offering a dynamic global platform to Sri Lankan industries to deliberate on a diverse range of businesses and bilateral economic issues.

DailyNews, Colombo - Sri Lanka