A year has passed since the dreadful day that took away the lives of many and maimed the souls of us all. Easter 2019 remains a painful scar inside each of our hearts but we Sri Lankans have always been a nation of survivors. Rebuilding on the ashes of despair, Sri Lanka has risen as one, together to mend broken hearts, to lend a helping hand, to build the nation once again.
We do apologize for the trauma that tragedy has marked on you. We apologize if any of your loved ones had been affected and we apologize that we are unable to offer you anything other than an apology. We understand your sentiments, but all that we can give you is that we will make sure that your heart will never be broken again in our hands. We are back on our feet and this beautiful island paradise welcomes you back with open arms, with reassurance of its safety, songs of its beauty and smiles reminiscent of the tropical sun.
Terrorism is an ugly word and the world has seen too much of it over the past few years. After the 30 year old reign of terror and the glorious years of rebuild and abundance afterwards, we never thought that the black tendrils of terror affecting different parts of the world would ever reach this island in the sun. Terror has always been so far away from us that in our blissful sun-kissed existence, things have always been tranquil as the sapphire seas that surround our country. But it came for us too, just as the tourists on the London Bridge, just as the Westminster Bridge. A reminder that it can happen anywhere at any given time.
But with the new government, new hope has come. Security is tightened while at the same time, not hindering your convenience, intelligence units are constantly on the lookout with lessons learnt in mind. Sri Lanka has a lot to offer you. The golden, sandy beaches fringed with coconut trees in the coast, rolling green hills adorned with cascading waterfalls, rainforests with an unrivalled wildlife population that is second to none. The great folklores of this land will attract you to the depths of this tropical island’s mystic caves and its most enchanting forests. The vibrant hues of its traditional costumes, the vigor of its dances, the thump of its drum beats will keep you mesmerized and leave you wanting more and more, and more.
While the land will bewitch you with its charms, beautiful sea life awaits you in the island’s clear blue waters. Glistening corals, multihued fish frolicking amongst the sea plants while the turtles, manta rays and various other sea creatures will watch you curiously as you swim amongst them. Only here in Sri Lanka you can see the biggest animal on land as well as the biggest animal in the sea. Elephants, grand tuskers roam free in the jungles while the magnificent whales grace the seas. This is your only chance to see them both, with your very own eyes.
When we bring our hands together and greet you “Ayubowan” as you step foot in Sri Lanka, we bless you with a long and healthy life. And this is a promise we consistently keep. Sri Lanka is safe, Sri Lanka is beautiful and it is rebuilding from the debris of catastrophe.
We are all facing greater dangers at the moment, however when things get settled we need you more than ever. Sri Lanka is ready for you. We will welcome you back with open arms.