A Lion like No Other

Sri Lanka Tourism’s initiative to support Lion Mahendra Amerasuriya on his installation as world President at the Lions International Convention in Chicago last month, saw the Upuli Channa Performing Arts Foundation presenting a stunning dance recital, showcasing Sri Lanka as a country rich in culture and arts.

The event drew over 30,000 representatives from 200 countries, from a 1.2 million strong Lion’s movement to the “United Centre” Chicago home to the legendary basketball players, the Chicago Bulls. The procession of member clubs were led by batik saree-clad ladies and sarong-clad men waving Sri Lanka flags and Sesaths, earning them the award for “Best Parade” in the procession.

Sri Lanka Tourist Board made use of this historic moment when the first Sri Lankan to be inducted to the high office of world presidency of the Lions Club took place in Chicago to draw positive attention to Sri Lanka. The sponsorship of the sixteen-member dance troupe of the Channa Upuli Performing Arts Foundation was but one aspect; the focus was a total awareness-creating programme of Sri Lanka - A Land like No Other - to the Lions present at the convention.

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board stall at the convention drew many, and the interest in Sri Lanka, was further heightened - amongst Lions at the convention - by Sri Lanka being the venue for their forthcoming 35th ISSAME Forum (Lions regional meeting covering the South African, Middle Eastern and SAARC region). The ISSAME is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka this year from 5th – 8th December, and over 500 members are expected to participate.

Lion Mahendra Amerasuriya will travel to 200 countries during his tenure of World Club Presidency, attending board meetings and Lions movement-related activities. An illustrious Sri Lankan, Lion Mahendra has agreed to the request of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board to showcase “Destination Sri Lanka” on his travels abroad. Audio and video recordings covering Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, scenic beauty, heritage sites, and wildlife will be included in these presentations. These will be reminders to the world that Sri Lanka is still a country of distinguished persons and a destination waiting to delight the traveller.

(Courtesy: Prashanthi Ravindran, Asst Director - PR, Sri Lanka Tourist Board)