GMR issues notice for US$25 fee from Maldives airport

GMR Male International Private Limited has asked airlines to take the Airport Development Fee (ADF) of US$25 from every international passenger, commencing January 1, 2012.

A company official said prior notice was given to the airlines to take the fee, approved by the government under the airport lease agreement, in order to give enough time for the airlines to prepare.

The fee is to be included in the air ticket fare.

“We’re allowed to take the fee from passengers leaving the Maldives, commencing January 1, 2012. We’ve given the notice six months before in order to give enough time for the airlines to prepare,” the official said.

GMR’s decision came hours after the Civil Court held the first hearing of the case filed by the opposition alliance in a bid to block GMR from taking US$27, which includes the US$25 Airport Development Fee and a US$2 insurance fee.

Read more: http://www.maldivestourismupdate.com/#ixzz1N6XzSouO

Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment

Please note if you are planing on going on employment out of Sri Lanka:

the below documents are a mandatory requirement for Bureau clearance:

E ticket

Agreement from the job providing party with the approval of the Sri Lankan embassy in the relevant country.

Work Permit Copy

And valid passport for your intended stay in designated country

and payment for insurance which varies according to job category

please ensure the above are in place to avoid hassle and disappointment at the airport.

Liswith

Taste of Colombo

Sri Lanka is a country that has a rich diversity in terms of its people. Different ethnic groups and the multiple religious backgrounds mainly contribute towards this beautiful mix that has found its right balance through time and age. Our history, heritage, arts and crafts are true evidence to this fact as much as our food. Here we begin the story of “Taste of Colombo”.

The concept of this street fiesta goes a step further from a standard ‘food festival’ as it brings together the elements of history, culture, art, crafts and trade to give the patrons a real taste of our nation. Spanning over three nights this festival has a line up of cultural attractions that is guaranteed to bring back the entertainment we proudly say is original to us as a country. A mini perahera, traditional dance and drum acts, still walkers, fire dancers are some of the many items you can expect here.

Ever famous Green Path Avenue with its history of such celebrations has been carefully selected to be the venue for this inaugural feast where the street will be filled with food vendors ranging from star class restaurants to regular bakeries and the ultimate street stalls. Entrepreneurs from local traditional industries will fill up the remaining slots showcasing their flavors in batik, handicrafts, hand-loom, paintings and many more.

Lanka Event Management, the event planning arm of Lanka Hotels & Travels are the proud producers of “Taste of Colombo”, who have combined the synergies of multiple attractions to put together this mega event, which is scheduled to be held on 31^st March, 1^st and 2^nd April 2011. The last day of this street festival is planned to coincide with the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals where there will also be two giant screens used to telecast the action. Papare music and a DJ is also in place to steer you through the final day as we show the true spirit of Sri Lanka as a nation in love with this beautiful game.

A key objective of this exercise is to promote Sri Lanka tourism to the international community and as such, the event organizers look forward to hosting this event annually. Entrance to the festival is free of charge to everyone while a special invitation is also sent out to all foreign guests who are currently visiting the country. Hence please visit our website www.tasteofcolombo.com for more details on how you can be a part of this national celebration either as a vendor or as a sponsor. This is our invitation for you to taste Colombo through “Taste of Colombo 2011”.

Germaine Perera