The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is the official body responsible for promoting Sri Lanka as a destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. It provides support for event planning, venue selection, and logistics coordination to ensure seamless international and local events.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) is the premier government-approved institution for hospitality and tourism education in Sri Lanka. Established in 1964, SLITHM offers a range of courses in hotel management, travel, and tourism to equip students with industry-relevant skills.

The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, also known as Dehiwala Zoo, is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Asia. Established in 1936, it is located in Dehiwala, Colombo, and spans 10.1 hectares. The zoo is home to over 3,000 animals across 350 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic life.

Key Features

• Location: Dehiwala, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Size: 10.1 hectares
• Best Time to Visit: Morning hours (to see feeding and animal interactions)
• Wildlife:
  • Mammals: Sri Lankan leopard, Bengal tiger, sloth bear, Asian elephant
  • Birds: Parrots, hornbills, flamingos, peacocks
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: Crocodiles, pythons, monitor lizards
• Historical Significance: Founded by John Hagenbeck, later taken over by the Sri Lankan government in 1936.

Visitor Information

• Entry Fees: Required (varies for locals and foreigners)
• Nearest City: Colombo

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a captive breeding and conservation center for wild Asian elephants, located in Pinnawala village, 13 km northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province. Established in 1975, it is home to the largest herd of captive elephants in the world, with 71 elephants as of 2023.

Key Features

• Location: Pinnawala, Rambukkana, Sabaragamuwa Province
• Size: 25 acres
• Best Time to Visit: Morning hours (to see feeding and bathing)
• Wildlife:
  • Elephants: 30 males and 41 females from 3 generations
  • Other Animals: Limited, as the orphanage focuses on elephant care
• Historical Significance: Founded to care for orphaned and injured elephants

Visitor Information

• Entry Fees: Required (varies for locals and foreigners)
• Daily Schedule:
  • 08:30 AM: Open to visitors
  • 09:15 AM & 13:15 PM: Bottle feeding
  • 10:00 AM & 14:00 PM: Herd leaves for river bathing
  • 12:00 PM & 16:00 PM: Return from river
  • 17:30 PM: Ticket counters close
• Nearest City: Kegalle, Rambukkana