The Asian Mountain Tourism Alliance held its sixth summit in Guiyang, Guizhou, China, on 17 -18 August 2022 and was graced by a range of high level officials from the central, provincial and city Governments and diplomatic and business representatives. It was interesting how a range of  products of the province, especially handicrafts, were highlighted at a very professional display.

Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona, in his presentation said that while Sri Lanka lacked snow covered peaks, it possessed perhaps the only high peak in the world sacred to three of the key religions of the world, Sri Paada to Buddhists and Adam's Peak to Christians and Muslims. Thousands climbed the mountain to express their religious fervour and others to experience the fantastic sunrise. He also invited visitors to experience the incomparable sense of freedom and serenity by climbing up the Sri Pada.

Dr. Kohona also invited travellers to savour the soothing beauty, lush greenery, the aroma of fresh tea engulfing the ranges and the gushing revulets and water falls of the tea country of Sri Lanka. The mountainous tea country was attracting increasing numbers of visitors and the bungalows, now converted to boutique hotels, were beginning to fill up.

The Greeks called the island "Serendip". This word gave rise to the English word serendipity - a pleasant surprise around every corner. In Chinese it is Yuan Feng. Dr. Kohona invited the audience for a yuan feng experience in Sri Lanka.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beijing

19 August 2022