Shahmy Shaheed, a young man from Beruwala, who captured national attention by walking 1,500 kilometers around Sri Lanka in just 45 days, was honored by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the 28th of August at the President’s official residence in Colombo, as reported by the President’s Media Division.
Shahmy’s extraordinary journey began in Beruwala and took him through a diverse array of major cities and scenic locations across the island, including Ambalangoda, Ranna, Mirissa, Hambantota, Wellawaya, Monaragala, Siyambalanduwa, Pottuvil, Nilaveli, Mulathivu, Paranthan, Point Pedro, Chunnakkam, Mannar, Medawachchiya, Anuradhapura, Puttalam, Marawila, Negombo, and Colombo, before he finally returned to his hometown. His journey was a testament to the peace and safety of Sri Lanka, with the aim of encouraging both locals and international tourists to explore the country without hesitation.
Throughout his journey, Shahmy utilized social media platforms to share his experiences, promoting lesser-known tourist spots and showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and natural heritage. His online presence not only highlighted the beauty of the country but also significantly boosted its tourism industry by drawing attention to these hidden gems.
During their meeting, President Wickremesinghe praised Shahmy for his dedication and the positive impact of his journey on the nation’s tourism sector. As a gesture of appreciation, the President presented Shahmy with a special commemorative gift and expressed his desire to involve Shahmy in future initiatives aimed at further promoting Sri Lanka as a top tourist destination.
Shahmy’s remarkable achievement stands as an inspiring example of how individual efforts can contribute to national pride and economic growth, particularly within the tourism industry.
~PMD~
