srilanka Avurudu with foreign visitors

Sri Lanka Tourism celebrates ‘Avurudu’ with foreign visitors............

Under the theme of “Sri Lanka Hospitality 2013”, Sri Lanka Tourism celebrated Sinhala and Hindu New year (Avurudu) at Negombo beach (Opposite Hotel Camelot) today. The celebration was rich with Sinhala and Hindu ‘Avurudu’ rituals, which are exclusively found in Sri Lanka.
Under the guidance of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has already taken steps to provide exposure of the unique Sri Lankan culture and rituals to the world and thereby to convey the message that Sri Lanka is a very positive destination. The ‘Avurudu’ celebrations were also done with this purpose.

The selection of ‘ Avurudu Kumara’ and ‘ Avurudu Kumari’ or the New year Prince and Princess, among the other events, was the most eye-catching event. Miss Yevegenia Kotenko from Russia and Mr Shota Kiladze from Russia have been able to secure ‘ Aurudu Kumari’ and ‘ Aurudu Kumara’  titles for the year 2013 respectively. The event also offered the experience of ‘Aurudu’ sports to the participants who enjoyed pillow fighting, tug of war, bursting of balloons and climbing the grease pole and marking the eye on elephant etc......

see more:- http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=166

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Gathering Up

                                                      GATHERING  UP.......................

Under the cool climes of the setting sun up to 100 elephants or so converge upon the idyllic Minneriya  reservoir  where they play,graze, bathe, feed and most importantly quench their thirst.
              

As the annual drought begins, the interior of the Park dries up and subsequently the water level of the Minneriya reservoir also drops, revealing a tank bed full of foliage and precious water, perfect for hungry and thirsty, pachyderms.

Due to this availability of water, the Gathering attracts elephants from far off sanctuaries such as Kantale, Somawathi and Wasgamuwa, who all emerge around sunset to enjoy the spoils

Referred to as 'the Gathering' by many, the months of August and September reveal the true extent of the park interior's lack of foliage, as the reservoir is surrounded by a magical spectacle of well over 100 elephants, the largest grouping of wild Asian elephants at any given time, anywhere.

To ensure the longevity of such a spectacle always ensure to registered, reliable and professional safari operator. During the hour leading to sunset, the park can become very congested with traffic and it is important to allow enough space for the roaming giants, considering that you are in their domain.

Always ensure the your travel party is quiet and does not disturb the surroundings, as elephants are often very sensitive animals, who dislike loud noises and other distractions that confuse and disorient them.

Never, ever alight your travel vehicle.The Gathering at Minneriya National Park is to be witnessed every sunset during the months of August/ September.......

see more :-  http://www.srilanka.travel/wild_safaris/index.php?route=common/search&keyword=minneriya%20national%20park

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