Tourism Minister Gamini Lokuge said his ministry has already sought cabinet approval to initiate consumer driven public relations exercises in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in China while tapping the potential of the Buddhistpilgrims market.

In addition, there are joint exchange programs on the cards to train locals in the Chinese language and culinary skills.

A batch of 50 graduate trainees are to undergo skills in Chinese language, and will be subsequently enlisted as tourist guides with the Sri Lanka Tourism Board.

A similar exchange program will get under way for culinary exposure with a team of students from the hotels schools to be sent for training.

"All theses initiatives are part of a larger drive to facilitate and improve the conditions for Chinese tourists to visit Sri Lanka. We have much to offer the Chinese travellers but it is essential to develop these areas to tap the huge potential in the Chinese market," the minister said.

(People's Daily March 31, 2003)