SL Tourism Spent Rs.222.3 Million, Free Rooms, Air Ticket &VVIP Treatment For Participants To Hold IIFA In Sri Lanka

It has been revealed that besides the colossal money spent by the government for having IIFA in Sri Lanka, Rs 222.3 million (US $ 1,950,000) has been spent by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and had agreed to provide a host of other concessions including more than 2,600 free rooms and Customs waivers for the Indian International Film Awards (IIFA) ceremony held in Colombo. All meals for those sharing the suites and rooms were provided free after the menu was decided upon by the board in consultation with the franchise holder.

Also given free were 350 Business Class tickets, 300 Economy Class tickets and 100 additional economy class tickets (besides related expenses). These tickets were for flights to Colombo from Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai among other destinations.

According to an MoU signed on behalf of the SLTPB by its Chairman Eranga Basnayake and Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya with ‘Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd.’, which held the franchise for the event, SLTPB had agreed to provide presidential suites, two bedroom suites, one bedroom suite and single rooms free of charge.

Facilities offered from the MoU also included custom waiver for all goods being carried via commercial airlines for usage during IIFA Weekend and Awards 2010, special baggage screening and clearance in Colombo for IIFA Contingent, special baggage allowance for IIFA Contingent in India and Sri Lanka and VIP meet, greet and assist with traditional welcome for IIFA Contingent in Colombo.

Interestingly, SLTPB also had agreed to indemnify Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd. and keep it indemnified against any and all claims or liabilities arising out of any failure by the defaulting party to comply with the governing law in performing its obligations or exercising its rights mentioned in the Agreement and/or in respect of any breach, action, omission or negligence on the part of the defaulting party.