Big Bikes Convoy Set To Enhance Sri Lanka-Malaysia Tourism And Trade

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz and Tengku Faezah Tengku Yusof KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- The high-powered motorcycles "Sri Lanka friendship ride" is expected to enhance trade opportunities and highlight tourism destinations when the group embarked on an expedition around the island country from March 15 to 26. Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Malaysia Ibrahim Sahib Ansar said the group of 18 riders, who are all businessmen, would start their ride from the capital city Colombo as a follow up to last year’s successful ride. The high-powered motorcycles will be shipped out from Port Klang on Wednesday and expected to arrive in Colombo on March 10, while the riders would arrive in Colombo on March 15, he told Bernama at the High Commission here Monday. Ibrahim said that Malaysia was the biggest investor in Sri Lanka with investments worth over US$1.5 billion, but mostly in telecommunication and infrastructure. As such this tour would help to explore opportunities in other areas because the riders came from different business ventures like oil and gas, herbal products, steel recycling, agricultural and electrical engineering, he said, adding that the riders are also expected to meet officials from Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment. The trip, which took a year to organise with 13 riders from Malaysia and five from Singapore, Indonesia and the UK, would also be a platform for people-to-people contact. “This is a great opportunity for them to explore and experience the real nature of Sri Lanka and its people. “High-powered motorcycles are a rare sight in Sri Lanka and this group will definitely draw attention from the locals and gain publicity for Malaysia in the local media,” he said. Ibrahim assured that the Sri Lankan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur will assist the group throughout their expedition, including police escort to ensure their safety. Tour organiser Leslie Tilak said that during the 12-day trip, the group will visit three United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, namely the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and sacred city of Kandy. Tilak hoped another similar tour could be organised in June this year. Sri Lankan Minister of Tourism and Sports Navin Dissanayake will flag off the expedition, which would would cover a distance of 1,150km. Malaysia's High Commissioner in Sri Lanka is also expected to attend. -- BERNAMA