“The Mega Tourism Caravan” continued its promotional events in Odessa,Ukraine for the second day at the “Riviera Shopping Mall” on Thursday. Shopping and entertainment center "Riviera" is by far the largest in Ukraine. There are over 230 shops of the famous Ukrainian and international brands, cozy cafes and restaurants, 9 screens, including IMAX, bowling on 16 lanes, an entertainment center for children and much more. "Riviera", is located close to the most densely populated area of the city of Odessa - Kotovskogo which has a population of about 400 thousand people. "Riviera” offer its visitors a wide range of goods and services in an atmosphere of comfort and celebration all year round. SEC “Riviera “is a relaxation and fun for the whole family under a one roof.

During the shopping mall activation once again introduction to Sri Lanka was carried out with description of places of tourist attractions. The mini spa conducted by the Siddhalepa and demonstration by Laksala on preparation of traditional masks were well received by the visitors where as dance items and “PEREHERA” of the dancing troupe was the major attraction at the mall. These items which exhibited the culture of the country were thoroughly enjoyed and vehemently applauded by the visitors to the mall throughout the day. During the event the spectators were issued with tourism promotional materials, gift items and tea sachets. Also the question and answer session on Sri Lanka attracted many visitors to the Sri Lanka stand where gifts were presented to the winners. In addition continuing with the tea promotion, the liquid tea service and distribution tea sachets were also conducted extensively at the mall.

During the afternoon hours of the day His Excellency the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation and Ukraine had a meeting with Mr. Alexey A. Kostusev, Mayor of Odessa. During the meeting the Sri Lanka envoy briefed mayor on Sri Lanka Tourism, promotional activities carried out by the Embassy, tourism campaigns conducted in Ukraine and on other topics of general interest to both nations.

To promote tourism in the CIS region another project undertaken by the Embassy is the video CD on Sri Lankan Tourism. The theme behind the video CD is to broaden the horizons of knowledge about Sri Lanka among Tourists, Tour/ Travel managers, operators and travelers, the Tourism Promotion Department of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russia is in the final stages of producing a Video Guide about Sri Lanka in Russian Language. This CD will be corresponding with the Audio Guide the Embassy published in 2010. Watching the video guide, one can explore Sri Lanka; history, cuisine, souvenirs, demographics, and the tourist attractions in Anurahapura, Polonnaruwa, Colombo, Mihintale, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Peradeniya, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Pinnawela, and also the National Parks, Beaches, Traditional Dances, Masks and Tea.