Sri Lanka Small Miracle – Sri Lanka Tourism’s new brand launched
New look and feel in keeping with the repositioning strategy
His Excellency President Mahinda Rajakapasa declares 2011 as a “Visit Sri Lanka Year”
Sri Lanka Tourism officially launched its new logo and tagline “Sri Lanka Small Miracle” today, ushering in a new era for Sri Lanka Tourism.
The rebranding is an integral part of the repositioning strategy of Sri Lanka Tourism, and comes at an opportune time with the dawning of a new era of peace in Sri Lanka, where there are much expectations and opportunities in the tourism industry.
The new brand of Sri Lanka Tourism was conceptualized following months of research by A C Nielson, and strategic planning sessions intended to replace the current tagline “Sri Lanka, Land like No other”. As part of the communication campaign, many promotions, road shows and press conferences were planned across the fifteen cities in ten countries leading up to the local launch- a move that is expected to attract and generate more tourists into the island.
Mr. Dileep Mudadeniya, Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said “The objective of the Sri Lanka Tourism re-branding exercise was to create a single core idea that can change people’s perception of the country. The challenge faced by Sri Lanka Tourism during the brand strategy planning session in 2006 was to find an idea that embraces the truth of the country, which is relevant to the potential visitor; then communicate that idea through every material item produced, thus establishing an integrated marketing communication approach.”
Mr. Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said, “Sri Lanka Small Miracle denotes the mysteries of Sri Lanka and how it holds so many different features in such a small geographical area. The positioning strategy was arrived at based on the key aspects of the destination – Diversity, Compactness, Authenticity and an Island which differentiate the destination from other competitors. Sri Lanka truly combines rich and diverse treasures so amazingly concentrated to provide the most pleasant diverse and authentic holiday experience no other Asian destination could so conveniently offer”.
Leading up to the rebranding, Sri Lanka Tourism launched an island wide programme in May titled, “Making of the Small Miracle”. The main objective of this programme was to get all Sri Lankans to be a part of the rebranding. Local communities were asked to provide pictures, artifacts, and other collectables that they believed was a good example of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Tourism ended this programme successfully last week, having collected thousands of items.
The collectables were displayed at an exhibition on the day of the launch while some of the best items were used by the communication agency for the new print campaign.
Coinciding with the new brand launch, all communication material of Sri Lanka Tourism have been revamped .The website was re-launched with a new look and feel in keeping with the brand strategy while brochures with eight different themes unique to Sri Lanka have also been printed. Posters, stationary and other memorabilia will be available.
In addition a new print campaign will be launched in prominent international trade magazines as well as TV campaigns on BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera and Discovery Travel & Living.
To mark the launch, Sri Lanka Tourism introduced value additional offers for tourists. A postcard campaign will be launched the day after the rebranding, where 250,000 post cards will be distributed while a discount booklet campaign will also launched with over 50 discount offers in a booklet. 10 postcards and a discount booklet will be bundled together and packed in a gift box and handled over to tourists arriving in Sri Lanka from June 24thfor a period of one month.
In addition, a cyber competition for the blogging community is planned to be launched for six months beginning this week
A radio campaign to promote lesser known places in Sri Lanka was also launched locally through Narambamu Sri Lanka – the domestic campaign.
A commemorative stamp was also launched at the Press Conference which symbolized the new brand- Small Miracle.
Meanwhile addressing the guests and media via a live feed from Temple Tress at the launch of Small Miracle at the BMICH, His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared 2011 as a “Visit Sri Lanka Year”. In keeping with this theme, a series of activities and events have been planned in 2011 to lure in more tourists to the island.
President Rajapaksa in his address stated that “Having regained peace, my vision for development of tourism has become a reality. Every effort will be made and all resources will be provided to Sri Lanka Tourism to meet the target of 2.5 million tourists by 2016, as envisaged in the tourism strategic plan”
June 24, 2009
June 25, 2009 at 10:36 am
A clarification to the news items on currency devaluation or IMF bailout published in media on 18 January 2009.
The attention of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is drawn to certain recent media reports that there would be a imminent currency devaluation and that Sri Lanka will have to seek an IMF bailout package.
According to such reports, some economists have been quoted as saying that the current reserve position is similar to the one that prevailed during the times of the controlled economy in 1976. However, there is no truth whatsoever in such statement, as current levels of Gross Official Reserves are well above the levels that prevailed before 1977and are, in fact the reserves are even above the levels as at end 2004. Gross official reserves including ACU balances stood at US dollars 2560.5 million as at end 2008 compared to US dollars 2195.8 million at end 2004. Further, under the latest yen loan package announced in 2008, the Government of Japan has committed yen 35,000 million (US dollar 388 million) for various infrastructure projects and programmes. Accordingly, there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the Government of Japan will reduce or cut the committed funds for Sri Lanka.
At the same time, it is acknowledged that in the face of the global financial crises, there has been a decline in Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves due to the sudden outflows of some foreign investments in Treasury bills and bonds, and the settlement of large amounts of petroleum bills during the months of October and November, 2008. However, the Central Bank has now taken the appropriate measures to build the reserves to a higher level, as already announced in the “Road Map: Monetary and Financial Sector Policies for 2009 and beyond”. In this regard, some of the on-going activities are as follows:
Arrangements of currency swaps with some central banks in order to boost gross official reserves. Some central banks have already responded positively and two such negotiations are at an advanced stage currently.
Promotion of investments in Treasury bills and bonds among the Sri Lankan diaspora. Six lead managers that have been approved by the Central Bank have already taken several steps to promote these investments worldwide.
With effect from 1 February 2009, the payment of a 20% bonus interest on NRFC and RFC deposits as a special incentive to encourage higher levels of inflows into NRFC and RFC accounts.
Consideration of the introduction of a once-and-for-all concessional final income tax for new foreign exchange inflows if such inflows are liable to income tax. This incentive is expected to attract a significant inflow of foreign exchange earnings by Sri Lankans.
The Central Bank is confident that above measures will help build up official reserves to a substantial level and therefore the claims made by certain persons that there would be a significant devaluation or that Sri Lanka will soon apply for an IMF bailout are erroneous and misleading.
January 19, 2009
January 20, 2009 at 9:34 am
Bank Supervision Department
December 29, 2008
The attention of the Monetary Board has been drawn to the recent events in the Ceylinco Group and the difficulties being encountered by Seylan Bank PLC with regard to deposit withdrawals and ensuing liquidity problems. The difficulties of Seylan Bank PLC presented a potential danger to the stability of the financial system. Therefore, the Monetary Board is of the view that immediate measures require to be taken to financial In that context, the Monetary Board has determined, under Section 30(1) of the Monetary Law Act No.58 of 1949, to do the following, with immediate effect.
to discontinue the services of all current directors of Seylan Bank
to appoint Bank of Ceylon to carry on the business of Seylan Bank PLC
to request Bank of Ceylon to appoint the new Board of Directors of Seylan Bank PLC
to continue with the services of the present CEO and all current employees of Seylan Bank.
Seylan Bank PLC will be open for usual business with customers on 30/12/2008. The Monetary Board of the Central Bank wishes to inform the public that they should continue with their normal financial transactions with Seylan Bank PLC and that the Monetary Board assures the public of the safety of deposits and the stability of the financial system.
December 30, 2008 at 5:27 am
Spice Council – Press Release
Sri Lanka Cinnamon Industry in Deep Crisis
Global financial crisis has affected the cinnamon industry drastically. The producers who were getting around Rs.850-900 per kg of fine grades cinnamon have now come down to a level of Rs.500-525 per kg. The course cinnamon, which was selling around Rs.600-650 per kg has come down to Rs.350 per kg.
These are extremely uneconomical levels for the producers. Even at Rs.500 and 350 respectively the producers are finding difficulty in being able to sell the produce. The dealers and exporters are facing severe cash flow problems due to their inability to sell their stocks that they are having in hand even at a loss. Exporters say that for the last 4-5 weeks no export orders have been received.
The buyers have still not paid for most of the exports already made and they have delayed or cancelled the earlier orders placed that were to be shipped.
Since the major buyers are from Central and South America they too are facing the global financial crisis and are unable to meet their current commitments or place new orders. The cinnamon industry which consist of 80% small holders who are in serious difficulties and are unable to meet their day to day needs and also are unable to pay the cinnamon peelers and workers and this would lead to a lot of social unrest amongst the cinnamon peelers, workers and small holders. Cinnamon Small holders and peelers have already decided to have a protest march and also seek the blessing of the Seenigama Devale on the 27 December to resurrect the Cinnamon industry.
The Spice Council draws the urgent attention of the Government, the officials and the agencies concerned to the plight of the small holders, workers and cinnamon peelers in particular and the whole cinnamon industry in general of the crisis situation it is facing currently. If these trends are to continue in the next 2-3 months the cinnamon industry will have a natural death. The Spice Council wishes to suggest to the relevant authorities to immediately fund a minimum price support scheme for the cinnamon producers, 30% price support on fertilizer used and give the exporters and dealers who are carrying large stocks a relief on interest paid to the banks.
It is also recommended to give fresh interest free capital from January 1, 2009 for exporters and dealers to purchase the cinnamon produced by the small holders. A charge of cess will only add to the problem of the small holders as the cess will be passed down to them. This scheme should be implemented through a committee appointment by the His Excellency the President consisting of Officials of the Treasury, Ministry of Agriculture, Export Development Board, Department of Export Agriculture, The Spice Council , Ceylon Cinnamon Association and Cinnamon Cultivators Association and Experts of the cinnamon Industry.
The Spice Council in the past few weeks has been trying to meet all the members of Parliament from the Southern Province to appraise them of the grave situation facing the cinnamon industry. The Spice Council thanks His Excellency the President for instructing the Department of Export Agriculture and other Government officials to use the Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume as the botanical name of cinnamon at the meeting held on October 16, 2008.
The Spice Council requests His Excellency the President, Hon Maithreepala Sirisena, and Hon. Hemakumara Nananyakkara, to act speedily to protect the cinnamon industry from a total collapse.
December 23, 2008 at 11:45 am
Press Release – 20 November 2008
Conflict-hit population to receive Indian government aid through ICRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross has received a donation of 80,000 family parcels from the Indian government for distribution to families in northern Sri Lanka affected by the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.The donation comprises almost 1,700 tonnes of hygiene items, clothes and food, which will cover the basic needs of the families for three to four weeks.
The ICRC will be distributing the aid provided by the Indian government directly to displaced people and residents affected by the conflict in the Vanni [northern Sri Lanka]. We will do so in accordance with our own independent assessment of people’s needs,” explained François Stamm, who heads the ICRC’s regional delegation in New Delhi. “By making this donation through the ICRC, the Indian government is acknowledging our organization’s neutrality and independence, and its expertise in delivering aid in conflict-affected areas. That is highly encouraging.”
The ICRC has been working in Sri Lanka since 1989. Although the upsurge in fighting is making it increasingly difficult for humanitarian workers to gain access to the north of the island, the ICRC is maintaining its permanent presence in the Vanni and continuing to provide humanitarian assistance for displaced people, with the agreement of both parties to the conflict.
November 20, 2008 at 6:04 pm
INDIA-SRI LANKA JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Keeping in mind the close bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa sent as his Special Envoy Honorable Basil Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and Senior Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka to visit New Delhi, on 26 October 2008. During his visit, the Sri Lankan Special Envoy held discussions with External Affairs Minister, National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary.
The Indian side appreciated deeply the initiative of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to send his Special Envoy. The discussions were positive and constructive and centered around a range of issues.
India conveyed its concern at the humanitarian situation in the northern part of Sri Lanka, especially of the civilians and internally displaced persons caught in the hostilities and emphasized the need for unhindered essential relief supplies. Mr. Rajapaksa briefed the Indian authorities of the efforts by the Sri Lanka Government to afford relief and ensure the welfare of the civilian population in the North. He assured that the safety and wellbeing of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka is being taken care of.
As a gesture of goodwill, India has decided to send around 800 tonness of relief material to Sri Lanka for the affected civilians in the North. The Government of Sri Lanka will facilitate the delivery. Both sides agreed to consult and cooperate with each other in addressing these humanitarian issues.
Both sides discussed the need to move towards a peacefully negotiated political settlement in the island including in the North. Both sides agreed that terrorism should be countered with resolve. The Indian side called for implementation of the 13 Amendment and greater devolution of powers to the provinces. Mr. Basil Rajapaksa emphasized that the President of Sri Lanka and his Government were firmly committed to a political process that would lead to a sustainable solution.
Both sides agreed to further nurture the democratic process in the Eastern Province. Mr. Rajapaksa briefed the Indian side of the large development effort underway in the Eastern Province. With regard to issues relating to fishermen, in view of the humanitarian and livelihood dimensions involved, both sides agreed to put in place practical arrangements to deal with bona fide Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and to continue discussions on the proposed MOU on development and cooperation in the field of fisheries. Discussions in New Delhi during Mr. Rajapaksa’s visit were characterized by a spirit of constructive engagement on both sides. Both Governments will remain in close touch.
26 October 2008
October 26, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Media Release 15 October 2008
Ceylon Biscuits takes steps to reassure consumers regarding Munchee Lemon Puff
Ceylon Biscuits Limited today announced that as a responsible corporate they have decided to temporarily withdraw Munchee Lemon Puff from the market in the light of certain adverse news reports coming from overseas regarding their product.
The Company stated that they are taking action to eliminate all doubts regarding the product in the interest of consumers.The Company categorically states that it does not use any milk powder or milk products sourced from China in the manufacture of any of their products. The company confirmed that milk ingredients were sourced only from Australia, Holland and Canada.
The Company maintains that their products have been marketed in Sri Lankaover the last 40 years and in over 40 overseas markets and that Munchee Lemon Puff is manufactured to international standards and has obtained SL ISO 9001, ISO 14001 HACCP certifications
October 16, 2008 at 9:24 am
15 September 2008
STATEMENT
The UN has received assurances from the LTTE that UN and humanitarian
agency staff remaining in Kilinochchi can leave. We intend moving those
staff in a single convoy at 10 am tomorrow morning. We expect that all
staff and this convoy will be given safe passage by the LTTE to the
Omanthai crossing. We reiterate that we have been compelled to temporarily
relocate from Kilinochchi because of our security assessment that the
situation has become too dangerous to remain working from there at this
time. Because of our continuing commitment to and concern for the civilians
of the Vanni, senior staff are in place to mount our humanitarian operation
from Vavuniya.
End.
September 15, 2008 at 8:26 pm
ANNOUNCEMENT – LANKA MARINE SERVICES (PRIVATE) LIMITED (“LMS”)
LMS has handed over the land to the SLPA on 10th September 2008 and has taken all possible steps to remove stocks of oil and lubricants by 12th September 2008 in terms of the orders of Court.
However, due to technical reasons the company was unable to remove oil stocks to the value of approximately USD 184,000 (approximately Rupees Twenty Million), remaining on the land; and in terms of the Court direction the ownership of which will now accrue to the SLPA. Accordingly, approximately Rs. 20,000,000 (Rupees Twenty Million) loss, consolidated, will add to the financial impacts quantified and announced to date.
Oil stocks to the value of USD 416,000 (approximately Rupees Forty Five Million) remain in the pipelines, located outside the premises.
September 15, 2008 at 3:53 pm
JKH IR Press Release
22nd July 2008
Announcement
Judgment was delivered by the Supreme Court of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 21 July 2008, in a Fundamental Rights application regarding the privatization of Lanka Marine Services (Private) Limited (LMS), a wholly owned subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH). The Supreme Court has in its judgment held, inter alia, as follows:
a) The land Grant to LMS dated 19 January 2005 under the hand of the President of the Republic of Sri Lanka transferring ownership of the land on which LMS carries on its business is null and void;
b) The Common User Facilities Agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and LMS dated 20th August 2002 is null and void;
c) All agreements entered into between the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, a statutory corporation, and LMS are null and void.
In view of the foregoing the Court did not think it necessary to make an order regarding sale of shares of LMS by Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to JKH which therefore remains intact and effective.
Accordingly the Court directed
i) LMS to vacate the aforesaid land and restore possession of the land to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, a statutory corporation, within 30 days of the judgement.
ii) That the Sri Lanka Ports Authority may enter into fresh agreement/s for the use of facilities within the Port on equal terms with all parties licensed to supply bunkers.
iii) the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue to recover all taxes as if there was no agreement between LMS and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.
In the aforesaid, JKH and LMS are reviewing the options available to ensure the continuity of business at LMS and also assess the financial impact of this judgement on the two entities.
Further notification will follow.
Investor Relations Team
John Keells Holdings PLC
130, Glennie Street
Colombo 02
Sri Lanka
Tel: 94-11-2306739
Fax: 94-11-2306160
E-mail: investor.relations@keells.com
Website: www.keells.com
July 22, 2008 at 8:51 am
