Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE)

February tourist arrivals up by 67.7%

The end of the three decade long war which created a peaceful environment in Sri Lanka prompted
visitors to intensify their arrival to the country. Easing of travel restrictions imposed on foreigners travel
to Sri Lanka, led arrivals to increase during the post war season. Tourist arrivals for the month of
February raised 67.7%YoY to reach 57,300 visitors. Thus far, the total arrivals to the country accounted
for 108,057 visitors, an increase of 48.8%YoY.
High-net worth Western European segment contributed significantly towards the February arrivals with
26,850 visitors (+71.7%YoY). U.K and German visitors made the highest and second highest
contribution to the Western European segment arrivals with 10,703 (+46.3%YoY) and 5,656
(+121.9%YoY) arrivals during the month.
Arrivals from South Asian region, the second highest contributor for the February foreign arrivals
witness 66.6%YoY increase to 11,869 visitors in Feb 2010 from 7,125 visitors in Feb 2009. Indian
arrivals accounts for major promotion amongst the region raised by 94.9%YoY to record 8,383 guests &
Maldives visitors up by 20.4%YoY to reach 2,500 guests during the month. Cumulative arrivals of South
Asians to the country jumped 54.3%YoY in Jan-Feb 2010. Regions such as Africa, Middle East and
Australasia altogether accounted for 8.5% arrivals out of the tourist arrivals to the country in Feb 2010.
Sri Lanka has seen a surge of tourist arrivals with the industry reporting packed hotels till two months
ahead. The European winter season is the peak tourist season for Sri Lanka. Hence, we expect that all
present favorable conditions prevailing in the country to go ahead and grab the attention of world wide
tourist flow to the country in the future.

Always remember the following seven critical facts:

If investment success was easy, everyone would be wealthy!

Focus on the long term:

Ttrying to make a “fast buck” is the fastest way to lose money!

Understand and believe that your two major enemies are panic and greed!

Realize that, depending on personal attitudes, the market is always either “half-full” or “half-empty”!

Never invest on “tips!”

Nobody can see the future! And finally,

The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is the servant to the lender!