Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to establish Sri Lanka – Maldives bilateral business council

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC)considering the importance of Business Councils to promote its goals and objectives in bilateral trade and investment, at the request of the Department of Commerce launch the Sri Lanka – Maldives Bilateral Business Council on May 25, 2007. During the last 28 years CCC, has been successfully operating 18 Bilateral Business Councils under its purview and Sri Lanka – Maldives Bilateral Business Council would be 19th Bilateral Business Council. The main objective of this Council would be promotion of trade, investment, joint ventures, tourism and services between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

‘Maldives being the third largest trading partner of Sri Lanka amongst the SAARC Countries accounting for US$ 45.85 Million, had a longstanding need to establish a strong link between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives, to further strengthen its Bilateral trade ties. The request of Ms. Manel De Silva, Director General of the Department of Commerce to the CCC to form the Sri Lanka – Maldives Bilateral Business Council was timely since CCC too had identified Maldives as a potential market and our members too felt that they need a formal linkage to emerge into this market.

Prema Cooray, Secretary General/CEO, CCC saud that they are happy that this originated as a recommendation of the Sri Lanka – Maldives Joint Commission held last year and felt privileged to have honour in forming the Council.

Tourism is the largest industry in the Maldives followed by the fisheries sector. Manufacturing of garments, boat building and handicrafts too play a vital role in the Maldivian economy..

With regard to trade between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the balance of trade has been in favour of Sri Lanka during the period 1996 – 2004. This could be attributed to the diversity of Sri Lanka’s exports to Maldives. This trend changed drastically in 2005, plunging down by 58 percent. However, it picked up again in 2006 with Rs. 3,053 Million exports and Rs. 2,444 Million imports.

The main exports to Maldives are textiles & clothing, fruits and vegetables, jewellery, ceramic products and tea. Imports mainly comprised Maldive Fish, Cement Clinkers, Yellow Fin Tuna, Flour, Meals & Pellets of Fish and Frozen Fish. Although Tourism is not considered in arriving at the export figures, Sri Lanka’s presence in this export service is very significant with two large conglomerates in Sri Lanka ( John Keells & Aitken Spence) accounting for almost 10 percent of the hotel room in the Maldives.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, coconut and rubber products, vegetable fats, miscellaneous edible preparations, plastic products have been identified as potential export items with rice being the latest addition to the list. Skilled workers to Maldives is another area which Sri Lanka could explore.

‘The CCC considers this launch as a landmark event since it is coinciding with the visit of . Mohammed Jaleel, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Maldives who will grace this occasion and address the gathering. This launch will be under the chairmanship of Mahen Dayananda, Chairman CCC.

Source: Asian Tribune

Maldives ready to rumble with the SriLankan Airlines Pro

Two hundred of the World’s best surfers have arrived in the Maldives for the ASP 5 Star Prime Rated SriLankan Airlines Pro. Warming up is an understatement here today in waters around 28 degrees and with perfect 1.5m surf reeling off the amazing Pasta Point where the event is based.

The action today was extremely hot with surfers like Dane Reynolds (USA), Nathan Hedge (Aus), Simao Romao (Bra) and many pushing their surfing to the limits as they familiarized themselves to the wave. Hedge, fresh off a big win in Scotland is clearly focused on this event having arrived 5 days ago to fully prepare.

“ It was great to win in Scotland but that’s in the past, I’m here to win this event now – It’s a great place and the waves are super fun and I’m ready to go!” Go will be tomorrow with swells pumping through the Indian Ocean and an awesome forecast of surf ahead. Stand by for an explosive start to the Maldives presents SriLankan Airlines Pro tomorrow Sunday 3rd of June.

Watch it online via the link at www.aspworldtour.com The Maldives presents SriLankan Airlines Pro is made possible by SriLankan Airlines, Maldives Tourism, Dhonveli Beach & Spa Resort, Dhiraggu Internet and Atoll Travel

Source: Global Surf News

Big swells, perfect surf on tap for SriLankan Airlines Pro

The Indian Ocean is alive with a thumping swell about to fill the entire ocean with amazing surf and the big winner will be the SriLankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives.

Every year since the inaugural event began in 2001 the Maldives has delivered outstanding waves to the best of the ASP World Qualifying Series competitors but this years signs indicate we’re in for something really special with the event set to go on Sunday.

How special? Try 17 second period swells at 3 meters predicted for Pasta Point and some Indian Ocean perfection! ASP Australasian Tour Manager Glenn Best has seen every event in the Maldives and had this to say about the forecast -

“We are ready for something really amazing this year. Every year we’ve seen perfect waves up to 6 feet but this year looks like we’re going to top that in a big way” commented Best from Pasta Point at the beautiful Dhonveli Resort today.

“It’s perfect for us with a full scale live webcast now in preparation to go from day one! Vision, audio, live scores from paradise. The web team will be perfectly set up on the bar deck at Dhonveli Beach and Spa Resort overlooking Pasta Point. Viewers will feel like they are right there on the deck!”

Of the forecast Best added “Of course it’s just a forecast at this minute but we know how accurate wave forecasting science has become in the past few years, especially for open ocean island locations like the Maldives – Let’s bring on the biggest waves yet for this event!”

The Maldivian community has embraced their biggest sporting event and today the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahamood Shougee said “ASP WQS 5 star prime rating surfing is a seal of approval by surfing professionals that the Maldives is a Quality surf Destination”.

In the next few days ASP Australasia will assist the rapidly developing Maldives Surfing Association (MSA) in the running of their coveted trials event which will award four surfers positions into the main WQS event field.

16 local Maldivian surfers will contest the MSA Trials in Male, the beautiful capital of the Maldives, the local beach provides a thumping hollow beach break with multiple ‘A’ frame peaks and the local guys such as Hussein Areef, Mohamed Azly, Mohammed Areef, Ismail Miglal and Moahmed ‘Pele’ Fayaz will all be looking to cement a spot in the WQS event.

The growth of the sport has been amazing in the Maldives since the event began with the locals surfing ability escalating largely due to their involvement with this event since it’s inception and in years to come expect to see some Maldivians competing full time on the WQS!

Stand by for an explosive start to the Maldives presents SriLankan Airlines Pro on Sunday 3rd of June. The Maldives presents SriLankan Airlines Pro is made possible by SriLankan Airlines, Maldives Tourism, Dhonveli Beach & Spa Resort, Dhiraggu Internet and Atoll Travel. The event begins on June 3rd and runs through to June 9.

Source: Global Surf News

The Regent Maldives to Open in 2008

Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific has confirmed plans to develop a Regent resort in the Maldives, in partnership with Maalefushi Investment Co. The Regent Maldives, which is due to open in late 2008, will be a 50-villa luxury resort on a secluded coral island, just 50 minutes by seaplane from the capital city of Male.

The Regent Maldives will occupy the entire Maalefushi Island, an unspoiled 8 hectare island paradise with lush tropical vegetation fringed with flawless white sand beaches.

Paul Kirwin, president and managing director of Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific said, "Everything about this resort – from the breathtaking location and distinctive architecture to the spectacular beautiful spa – will be the embodiment of The Regent Experience.”

Maalefushi Island sits at the heart of the Thaa Atoll, a natural wonderland of crystal clear waters, coral reefs, brilliant white beaches and spectacular sunsets. The Regent Maldives will feature 23 beach villas and 27 over-water villas, including two presidential villas, which will allow guests to observe the abundant marine life directly beneath their rooms. All villas are designed with private plunge pools and expansive timber decks offering breathtaking views across the turquoise lagoon.

The individual villas are designed to maximize privacy and comfort, and combine traditional Maldivian architecture with internationally-sourced materials and contemporary fabrics and furnishings selected by renowned interior designers Hirsch Bedner Associates. The bathroom of each villa opens to either a lush private garden area or ocean vistas and features indoor and outdoor showers. The two exclusive Presidential villas set over the coral lagoon include extra indulgences such as a luxurious dining pavilion with a viewing and relaxation platform, spacious bedroom suites with walk in wardrobe and private sun decks.

Integral to the theme of indulgence is the 850 square-metre Spa which resides over the lagoon, with the eight private treatment pavilions open to the ocean breezes. Specializing in innovative spa treatments, each pavilion will feature a plunge bath, outdoor shower and relaxation deck.

Dining options at The Regent Maldives will include the Maldivian Chic over-water signature grill restaurant/bar, showcasing local seafood prepared using variations of grill cuisine from nations surrounding the Maldives. Complemented with spectacular views over the water and to the sunset, The Café will offer continental style buffet for breakfast and a wide range of a la carte dishes while a more casual dining experience by the pool is available at the Ocean Terrace and Lounge. For private dining each guest villa features both indoor and outdoor dining facilities.

For recreation, a myriad of water sports and activities will be available such as scuba diving, with a fully equipped dive school and qualified dive masters, snorkelling on the reef, wind surfing, parasailing, deep sea fishing or romantic picnics on nearby uninhabited islands. There will also be a fitness centre with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

On the beachfront is a 38 metre infinity pool, while the lush sculpted gardens include a tennis court, volleyball court and yoga pavilion. Those with a taste for adventure can explore the remote and seldom-visited atolls of the Maldives in the comfort of the resort’s luxury motor launch. A library and lounge will also provide a full range of business services.

Source:

The Regent Maldives to Open in 2008

Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific has confirmed plans to develop a Regent resort in the Maldives, in partnership with Maalefushi Investment Co. The Regent Maldives, which is due to open in late 2008, will be a 50-villa luxury resort on a secluded coral island, just 50 minutes by seaplane from the capital city of Male.

The Regent Maldives will occupy the entire Maalefushi Island, an unspoiled 8 hectare island paradise with lush tropical vegetation fringed with flawless white sand beaches.

Paul Kirwin, president and managing director of Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific said, "Everything about this resort – from the breathtaking location and distinctive architecture to the spectacular beautiful spa – will be the embodiment of The Regent Experience.”

Maalefushi Island sits at the heart of the Thaa Atoll, a natural wonderland of crystal clear waters, coral reefs, brilliant white beaches and spectacular sunsets. The Regent Maldives will feature 23 beach villas and 27 over-water villas, including two presidential villas, which will allow guests to observe the abundant marine life directly beneath their rooms. All villas are designed with private plunge pools and expansive timber decks offering breathtaking views across the turquoise lagoon.

The individual villas are designed to maximize privacy and comfort, and combine traditional Maldivian architecture with internationally-sourced materials and contemporary fabrics and furnishings selected by renowned interior designers Hirsch Bedner Associates. The bathroom of each villa opens to either a lush private garden area or ocean vistas and features indoor and outdoor showers. The two exclusive Presidential villas set over the coral lagoon include extra indulgences such as a luxurious dining pavilion with a viewing and relaxation platform, spacious bedroom suites with walk in wardrobe and private sun decks.

Integral to the theme of indulgence is the 850 square-metre Spa which resides over the lagoon, with the eight private treatment pavilions open to the ocean breezes. Specializing in innovative spa treatments, each pavilion will feature a plunge bath, outdoor shower and relaxation deck.

Dining options at The Regent Maldives will include the Maldivian Chic over-water signature grill restaurant/bar, showcasing local seafood prepared using variations of grill cuisine from nations surrounding the Maldives. Complemented with spectacular views over the water and to the sunset, The Café will offer continental style buffet for breakfast and a wide range of a la carte dishes while a more casual dining experience by the pool is available at the Ocean Terrace and Lounge. For private dining each guest villa features both indoor and outdoor dining facilities.

For recreation, a myriad of water sports and activities will be available such as scuba diving, with a fully equipped dive school and qualified dive masters, snorkelling on the reef, wind surfing, parasailing, deep sea fishing or romantic picnics on nearby uninhabited islands. There will also be a fitness centre with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

On the beachfront is a 38 metre infinity pool, while the lush sculpted gardens include a tennis court, volleyball court and yoga pavilion. Those with a taste for adventure can explore the remote and seldom-visited atolls of the Maldives in the comfort of the resort’s luxury motor launch. A library and lounge will also provide a full range of business services.

Source: Asia Travel Tips