The Minister has made the President aware that the use of the word "small" is not suitable for a great nation like Sri Lanka. However, Gunathilaka's clan earlier opposed power sharing on the basis that Sri Lanka is a small island.
Lakbima News reported that a promotional documentary film on Sri Lanka Tourism (for marketing purposes) produced by a company named Red Ice, Bombay, claimed a staggering Rs.29 million while Phoenix Ogilvy (Phoenix O&M Pvt Ltd.) the advertising company was paid a thumping Rs.40 million for creating the brand name and producing promotional material, such as brochures and posters. The minister had pointed out that the brand launch at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) cost Rs.17.7 million.
The Minister sees that this as an extravagance. As far as we know, the international marketing of tourism is not "a simple task" as the Minister sees it. "If leading scholars in the country involve in creating a brand name, it could be done within few days," says the Minister. The marketing specialists will definitely be amused with the Minister's naivety.
It is true that the capitalist advertising is too much bragging and full of falsehood. Yet, Gunathilaka's "socialist" option is sure to be failed. International tourism marketing should be based on a science and should not be like the production of "Ayuboweva - Maharajanane" song.
We will not wonder if this new venture will finally end up with a new multi-million contract offered to the advertising company owned by Minister Sarath Amunugama's daughter.
View Sri Lanka; Small Miracle documentary
