Thousands participate as tourism, culture, food, and heritage take centre stage
MANNAR — A grand three-day World Tourism Day festival designed to showcase Mannar’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, traditional arts, cuisine, and natural attractions concluded successfully on Sunday (27), drawing thousands of visitors.
Organised by the Northern Province Tourism Bureau in collaboration with the Mannar District Secretariat and local stakeholders, the event was originally scheduled to take place at Keeri Beach. Strong winds and unfavourable weather forced a last-minute venue change to the Al-Fatha Sports Ground in Uppukulam, Mannar.
Held from September 25 to 27, the celebration featured traditional cultural performances, sports, a food festival, exhibitions of regional handicrafts, and a variety of live entertainment.
Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayahan attended the opening day as the chief guest, joined by Northern Province Tourism Bureau Chairman Dr. J. Vivekananthan, Mannar District Secretary K. Kanakeswaran, and senior government officials. Before taking to the main stage, the Governor toured the local food and handicraft stalls.
A key highlight of opening day was the trial run of a new tourist boat service operating out of Talaimannar, offering visitors views of the eight sandbanks along Adam’s Bridge (known locally as Ramar Palam). Following the successful trial on September 25, authorities announced the official launch of the service for September 28.
The second day welcomed Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senavi as the guest of honour.
The festival concluded on Sunday with visits from Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament Mayilvaganam Jagatheeswaran, Mannar Division Senior Superintendent of Police Eric Ranjith, and officials across the local administration and security sectors.
During the festival, a foundation stone-laying ceremony was held in Talaimannar to mark the start of tourism infrastructure projects around the Talaimannar Lighthouse, including a proposed coastal park.
Throughout the three days, attendees enjoyed traditional dance, martial arts demonstrations, villu paattu (traditional storytelling song), magic shows, and musical performances. Interactive traditional sports and regional cuisine stalls proved particularly popular.
Organisers noted that the event successfully highlighted Mannar’s beaches, historical sites, and local artisans to both domestic and international visitors. Attending members of the public called for similar cultural and tourism events to be held in Mannar on a regular basis.
By Rohini Nishanthan
