Former utility vessel becomes floating paradise

A ship formerly used for humanitarian effort by the Sri Lanka Navy has now been converted into a glamorous venue for prestigious events. The “Jetliner” presently docked at the Colombo Port will now serve as a venue for social and corporate events.
The “Jetliner” is a water jet driven fast passenger ferry, which has been designed to accommodate 600 passengers and 160 cars at a time.
“It is indeed a great achievement that a vessel that was once used for a resolution of a conflict could now be used as the venue for your next social outing. Sri Lanka Tourism has grown from strength to strength since the conflict was resolved in May 2009 with new products being introduced to the market and this is yet another example of that widening of horizons.” said Hon. Achala Jagoda, Minister of Tourism.
With the decision taken by the Sri Lankan Navy to use the ship for tourism related promotional activities, the vessel has undergone a total refurbishment providing facilities for events such as weddings, corporate functions, meetings, social gatherings and a host of other activities. Effective from February 2010, the ship can be booked for such events to be used alongside Colombo Port, or taken out of the Port within or outside the territorial waters.
Amenities available on board will include a banquet area for 250 guests, mini conference facilities for 50 participants, ballroom facilities for 100 guests with exclusive bar facilities. There is an observation salon that can accommodate 50 guests and a deck area which has capacity for 250 guests.
The “Jetliner” can be hired on hourly or daily basis and for weekend cruises by individuals, tour operators and corporate clients. Tailor made packages can be arranged to suit the needs of clients.
This venture comes close in the heels of both New York Times and Daily Candy Washington both recently declaring Sri Lanka as the No: 1 Tourist Spot for holiday makers. This follows an increasing trend in tourist arrivals figures. The overall tourist arrivals for 2009 increased by a sizeable 2 percent; in an environment of the global financial crisis. The December figures alone registered a 16 percent growth when compared to 2008.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day @ Galle Face

Valentines is a time for love to set sail into your heart in different ways. At the Galle Face Hotel - Sri Lanka’s Heritage in Hospitality every Dining area will be brought alive by melodies of Love & Romance ...........
Love is in the air.......The Verandah Restaurant will offer a exclusive High Tea Buffet with a High Fashion show on the 13th February from 4 pm to 6 pm. Also an extravagant Dessert Buffet will come a live for all legendry lovers at the 1864 - Fine Dining Restaurant from 11 pm to 1 am on the 13th February. Come and enjoy lavish desserts and desserts at the 1864 with your loved ones.
Valentines Day is meant not only for lovers but for friends and family too. The Verandah Restaurant will host a grand Valentine Family Brunch on the 14th of February from 11 am to 3 pm. live entertainment and a kiddies corner with bouncers, movies & Face painting will be offered for all guests and kids who dine at the Verandah on Valentines Day......
If you feel like heading into a totally new experience, step into the 1864 - Fine dining Restaurant on Valentines Day. The exclusive surroundings of this Restaurant will be decorated in hues of silver and red. A candle lit 7 course dinner will be served with live romantic entertainment with Chocolates, Red Roses and Cocktails.
The Verandah Restaurant and the Patio Garden area will also offer a grand Valentines 5 course dinner. The Venue is legendry to lovers, by the side of a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean. The dinner will be on from 7 pm to 10 pm on the 14th February.
The Sea Spray Restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean will offer a spread of culinary delights ranging from the best of Seafood to the finest cuts of meat prepared just for the two of you.
Enjoy the moment with your loved one this Valentines Day at the most romantic venue of the Galle Face Hotel .........