In view of the improved macroeconomic environment, greater stability in the external sector as well as the development of a more effective and comprehensive regulatory and surveillance framework, several Exchange Control Regulations have been liberalized over the past few years. In keeping with the above policy trend, a series of further relaxation measures as follows, will be implemented with effect from 28 May 2014. Such measures are also expected to further enhance the external competitiveness of Sri Lanka in the global market.

The origins of the Arcade Independence Square, initially built as the Cinnamon Gardens Asylum which later came to be known as the Jawatta Asylum and finally, the Colombo Asylum date back to Governor Gregory’s initiatives to build a state of the art landmark asylum in Ceylon in 1875. There were disagreements between the Superintendent of the asylum, Principal Civil Medical Officer, Governor, Colonial office, Lunacy Commission, Crown agents and the Commission appointed to review the plans for the asylum. Identifying an accessible site with adequate water supply and drainage, designing an asylum based on Western concepts for a tropical climate, designing clinical spaces for patients in a different culture, limiting the construction costs to the available funds and meeting expectations of different segments of the society posed formidable challenges.

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts together with SriLankan Airlines and the Professional Travel Bloggers Association (PTBA) will be organising Asia’s first-ever Travel Bloggers Conference (TBC) from 14 to 18 November, to promote Sri Lanka to the forefront of tourist destinations among future holiday makers.

COLOMBO – July 9, 2014 - In keeping with the ever changing world of information technology and web development, Serendib Leisure is proud to announce the launch of its new website, www.serendibleisure.com. Featuring our four hotels, AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa, AVANI Kalutara Resort, Club Hotel Dolphin and Hotel Sigiriya, the website provides a portal to these properties each with their own signature location and distinct characteristics. A subsidiary of blue-chip conglomerate Hemas Holdings, Serendib Leisure offers idyllic escapes around Sri Lanka that let you truly get a feel of holidaying in an island paradise and experiencing a rich and exotic culture.