SLPA

Venue

Colombo City
Situated in the western province of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the island's capital. Diverse and vibrant, the city is the administrative and economic center of the country.

The history of the city itself dates to the 5th century. Due to its prime location on the western coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo grew as a seaport for trade between Asia and the West. It was used by the Moors, Romans, Arabs, Persians, and Chinese ships for the island\s much sought after cinnamon and gems.

The name Colombo was first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505 and is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota (port on the river Kelani) or Kola-amba-thota (harbor with leafy mango trees).

In 1593, the Portuguese, who had gained control of the Western coast of Sri Lanka, made Colombo their center. Subsequently, the Dutch, in 1638, joined with King Rajasingha II (King of Kandy) to battle against the Portuguese, who were defeated in 1639. Colombo remained a central hub for the Dutch and the Dutch Maritime Provinces, controlled by the Dutch East India Company until 1796. At this point, the British captured the city, and in 1815, proclaimed Colombo the capital of Ceylon. It continues to remain so, even after Independence from the British in 1948.

The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, and fine dining and shopping. Its architecture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization. The British influence is clearly visible in the buildings located in the Fort, an area where the larger business houses and the stock exchange are situated. Close by is Pettah, a bustling marketplace with each section of the bazaar selling its own specialty, ranging from food items to shoes to gold; wholesale markets are found here.

The New Parliament is situated at Sri Jayawardenapura on the outskirts of Colombo, while the Old Parliament on Galle Road is now the Presidential Secretariat. Galle Face Green is where the locals gather on the weekend to enjoy the cool breeze from the Indian Ocean and a stroll along the promenade. Nearby are temples, mosques, and churches catering to the diverse population that enrich the culture of the city.

Colombo is also your gateway to Sri Lanka. So, spend a day or two, and enjoy the blend of East and West.

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall

The History
The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall as its name implies was built to honor the memory of Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka from 1956 to 1959. The Hall is an outright gift from the Government and People of the People's Republic of China as a mark of their esteem for the late Prime Minister and a symbol of the ideals to which he was dedicated.

As is well-known, Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike was one of the foremost international statesmen of his time and some of his ideas on international relations, like the concept of dynamic neutralism which he expounded at the U.N. and other international forums, are the foundations of the policy of non-alignment which is today a vital force in internationalism to which almost half the world community of nations subscribe. One of the ideals to which Mr. Bandaranaike was dedicated was the promotion of peace and understanding between nations in order that all nations could work together in a spirit of goodwill, brotherhood and democratic equality for the preservation of world peace and the advancement of mankind.
The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall is the premier location in the paradise island of Sri Lanka for international conferences, plenary sessions, trade & academic shows, exhibitions, beauty pageants and musical & drama events.

Deemed as one of Asia's most up-to-date conference venues and ranked as South Asia's best, the BMICH blends the best of professional facilities with the natural beauty of Paradise offering memories that last a lifetime. Sri Lanka, famed for its profuse natural beauty, from the misty hills to the exotic palm fringed sandy beaches - its evergreen forests untouched by civilizations and the diverse flora and fauna makes it a most sought after milieu of the western traveler.

The rich cultural heritage of more than 2500 years along with the welcoming nature of its citizen, makes Sri Lanka the ultimate destination for MICE Tourism. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall and its surrounding gardens are situated on the Bauddhaloka Mawatha which is one of the main roads in the residential part of the city of Colombo and covers an area of about 37 acres. It is within easy access from any point of the city. The Hall indeed promises to be one of the premier tourist attractions in the country for its striking appearance and as it is one of the few conference halls of this kind in Asia.

Distances from:

Colombo International Airport - 32KM (Via Peliyagoda -> Dr.Danister De Silva Mawatha - Borella)

Sri Lanka Parliment - 8.5KM (Via Rajagiriya)

The Soverign Residencies [BMICH Hotel] - 3.5KM (Via Rajagiriya -> Bauddhaloka Mawatha)