Colombo: Sri Lanka will host the 11th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards and a 20Twenty match between Bollywood stars and Asian cricketers during the three-day Event.The award function will be held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium here from June 2-4, reports 'dailynews.lk'Sri Lanka has been chosen from among countries such as South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and South Korea.
Parallel to the IIFA awards, an international fashion will also be held.
"This is a very rare and wonderful opportunity for Sri Lanka. Thanks to the prevailing peace, Sri Lanka has
received international recognition,"
---As May draws to a close, Colombo is gearing up for the most glamorous event set to take place in Sri Lanka this year, the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) brought to you by Sri Lanka Tourism. Things are abuzz behind the scenes for the glamorous three day extravaganza whose itinerary includes a star-studded awards ceremony and fashion show. The Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium and the BMICH premises and the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) will be the main venues respectively.
Head of Logistics IIFA Amesh Panawala has been entrusted with the challenging task of ensuring that everything goes well behind the scenes in terms of infrastructure, security and city beautification. "Infrastructure is our main priority in terms of the Awards and there are two categories, indoor and outdoor infrastructure. The greatest challenge was in terms of converting the stadium into an entertainment venue", he said elaborating on the transformation taking place in and around the sports complex.
According to Mr. Panawala, three major operations are taking place at the venue, which are set to be completed by next week. "Increasing the cooling capacity was a huge concern as we had to reduce the air conditioning from the previous 24 degrees to 18 after installing extra chillers". The venue is being revamped and upgraded in term of facilities with brand new sound-absorbing curtains, carpets, re-tiled bathrooms and freshly painted walls. Financial commitment for the project is being channeled through the government.
Guests walking in can anticipate state-of-the-art lights and sound system at the stadium with LED power cams and beautifully lit pre-cocktail areas which are poised to match the glam of the Indian superstars gracing the occasion. This Logistics team is working hard to achieve this, paying attention to the minutest details ranging from green room requirements to health care for the stars.Other activities are in progress to beautify the city of the Colombo. Speaking to Shafraz Farook, who is heading city beautification, said that the city of Colombo will be lit up and glamour for the IIFA weekend with lights and pennants along the roads and roundabouts.
Sponsors will cover several of the city roundabout and embedding their own style into it, he explained. Namely, the Lipton Circus in Town Hall will be decorated by Odel Unlimited, Hotel Galadari will cover the roundabout there, and Etisalat will take over the Bridgets Circus near Horten Place.Senior DIG Illangakoon is heading the security team under the direction and guidance of IGP Mahinda Balasuriya. Thirty nine DIGs have been assigned to respective divisions of the comprehensive security plan that will come into action during the high profile event. Security will be ensured in terms of the two main venues in various capacities ranging from route security, ensuring safety of the celebrities and their places of accommodation at some
of Colombo’s finest hotels.
Colombo city facelift continues for IIFA
Colombo Chief City Administrator Omar Kamil said despite the rain, work is continuing on giving a facelift to the Colombo city for the 11th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards.Kamil told the Daily News that the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) had been called upon to beautify the environment and refurbish the roads.Roads from the outer areas of the city leading to some of the main venues of the Videocon IIFA Weekend and Micromax IIFA Awards will be redeveloped, he said.This includes the roads leading to the BMICH where the fashion extravaganza will take place, the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) where the T20 celebrity cricket match will be held on June 4 and the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium where the star-studded awards night will be held on June 5.
Road networks from Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake to hotels where the visitors will be residing will be improved. Additional lighting and landscaping are done. Around 70 percent of the groundwork is complete.“The showers restricted our work to some extent. We had difficulties in exporting material from other areas but we have now solved the problem.We are positive that we will be able to achieve our target on time,” Kamil noted.
Sri Lankan prisoners help groom the city of Colombo for IIFA Awards in June
In a bid to develop and beautify the city of Colombo in preparation for the Indian International Film Awards (IIFA) awards in June, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has employed prisoners to assist with the road development work.Chief City Administrator of the Colombo Municipal Council, Omar Kamil has said that 60 prisoners have been employed for this purpose.The prisoners working for the CMC are provided with daily meals and other basic necessities.Kamil has also said that the road development work in and round Colombo has been hampered due to the recent weather conditions, but has expressed optimism on meeting the Scheduled deadline.
Treasury allocates Rs. 450 m for IIFA 2010
The Treasury has allocated Rs. 450 million towards Colombo's hosting of the 2010 International Indian Film
Academy awards presentation, said deputy minister of economic development Lakshman Yapa Abeyywardena.Speaking to the media yesterday (May 22), he said the government was giving top priority to the event which would bring much honour and accolades to the country.Nearly 2,000 Bollywood films stars, directors, producers and journalists are expected to attend IFFA 2010.
Micromax bags title sponsorship for IIFA Awards
Domestic handset manufacturer, Micromax bagged the title sponsorship rights for the upcoming 11th IIFA Awards to be held at Sri Lanka from June 03 to June 05, 2010.To leverage from the deal, Micromax will launch limited edition of IIFA Wards mobile phone and also provide content on it for its consumers.Mr. Vikas Jain Business Director, Micromax, said, “Micromax is delighted with its association with the IIFA Awards – a platform that is synonymous with innovation and appeal as is Micromax. Our partnership with IIFA will provide a unique experience for our consumers thereby strengthening our relationship with the Indian Diaspora across the globe specially the youth. We are sure that the Micromax IIFA Awards will reach new heights as never seen before.”Mr. Sabbas Joseph, Director- IIFA said, “IIFA is pleased to artner Micromax as the title sponsor of the IIFA Awards 2010. We believe that this partnership lend a unique flavour to the IIFA celebrations. The Micromax IIFA Awards will enthrall audience, viewed by over 500 million viewers worldwide
RAW in Sri Lanka To Provide Security To Indian Stars
According to government sources several Indian intelligence services including Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) have already arrived in Sri Lanka to make necessary security arrangements for cinema stars who would attend the IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) ceremony to be held from 3rd to 5th June. A government spokesman said deploying Indian intelligence services in Sri Lanka Indian government expects to beef up security...
Srilankan Elite forces will provide extensive security cover throughout.
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