Visit of “UP FOR DOWNS – China” to Sri Lanka – 26th July 2025
Special Tours for Children with Down Syndrome, Their Families, DS Associations, and Supporters
We were honored to welcome the historic visit of “UP FOR DOWNS – China” to Sri Lanka on 26th July 2025.
This visit stemmed from a personal invitation extended to Ms. Lina (Chairman) and Ms. Mali (Secretary) of “UP FOR DOWNS – China”, along with their team, children with Down syndrome, their families, and supporters. They warmly accepted the invitation and arrived in Sri Lanka for a meaningful cultural and social exchange.
During their stay, the group expressed a strong desire to meet officials of our organization, children with Down syndrome, and their parents. Accordingly, we organized a 7-night, 8-day special tour program, which included a memorable visit to one of our Homes for the Elderly, where a few elders with Down syndrome reside.
Tour Itinerary: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Day 1 – 26th July 2025
Welcome the group at the airport.
Overnight stay at Golden Star Beach Hotel, Negombo.
Day 2 – 27th July 2025
After breakfast, enjoyed sightseeing in Negombo.
Visited St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapotha – also known as the Heart of Little Rome.
Visited St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya, the site of the tragic Easter Sunday bomb attack on 21st April 2019.
Explored the famous Fish Market and a few other places of interest in Negombo.
Proceeded to Pinnawala.
Overnight Stay: Queen’s Hotel, Kandy
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Open Zoo.
After lunch, the group proceeded to Kandy, where they were officially welcomed by officials of JRCFDS.
Jinendhi and Menula warmly received the children with Down syndrome.
- Night visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
Day 3 – 28th July 2025
Breakfast at The Queen’s Hotel, Kandy
Visit Jinendhi’s Home
Visit Commonwealth War Cemetery, Kandy
Visit University of Peradeniya
Proceed towards Nuwara Eliya
Stop at Rothschild Tea Factory and Lounge / Tea Centre / Tea Estate
Visit Lake Gregory and enjoy sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya
Overnight Stay: National Holiday Resort – Nuwara Eliya (SLTDA Tourist Board Rest House / Country Club)
Visit of Up for Down’s China Travel Group to Jinendhi Garden Villa (27th July 2025)
The Up for Down’s China Down Syndrome Association travel group made a very special visit to our home, Jinendhi Garden Villa, at Wattarantenna Passage, Kandy. At first, I was a little reluctant, as our road is quite narrow — but thankfully, everyone managed to reach safely.
The group spent about 45 minutes with us, and the visit carried a deep and touching meaning, as they mentioned it was to honor Jinendhi.
Over tea and homemade cake, the visitors enjoyed our hospitality and admired the beauty of the garden — for which Sunethra deserves a special salute. Their smiles, happiness, and heartfelt appreciation made the day truly unforgettable.
It was indeed a memorable and cherished visit for all of us.
Visit to the University of Peradeniya.
Visit to Tea Centre.
Visit to Gregory lake park and sight seeing in Little England.
Day 4 – 29th July 2025
Breakfast in Nuwara Eliya
Visit Moon Plains (Sandathenna) – 6 km from Nuwara Eliya
Visit The Farm (“Little New Zealand”) – 17 km from Nuwara Eliya
Proceed towards Ella
Visit Nine Arches Bridge
Explore Ella Town
Proceed to Hambantota
Overnight Stay: The Oasis Beach Resort, Hambantota (Beachside Hotel)
- Echoes of a Moon Plane Journey.
- Ambewela New Zealand Farm.
- Nine Arach Bridge – Ella
Day 5 – 30th July 2025
Breakfast at The Oasis Beach Resort, Hambantota
Optional activities:
Safari at Yala National Park (for part of the group)
Relax and enjoy the beach and resort environment (for others)
Overnight Stay: The Oasis Beach Resort, Hambantota
Day 6 – 31st July 2025
Breakfast at The Oasis Beach Resort, Hambantota
Proceed along the southern coast to explore highlights:
Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa – a stunning viewpoint overlooking the ocean
Galle Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history and culture
Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center – learn about turtle conservation
Arrive at Hotel Citrus (Beachfront) in the evening
Overnight Stay: Hotel Citrus, Beachfront
- Coconut Tree Hill – Mirissa
- Coconut Tree Hill – Mirissa
- Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Centre – a great place to learn about turtle conservation.
- We arrived at Hotel Citrus Hikkaduwa, a beautiful beachfront property facing the sea. The group had ample time to relax and enjoy their surroundings. Glimpse of Our Stay at Hotel Citrus Hikkaduwa.
Day 7 – 1st August 2025
Breakfast at Hotel Citrus, Hikkaduwa
Visit Home for the Aged for People with Down Syndrome
Lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Colombo
Check-in at Mount Lavinia Hotel – a property renowned for its rich history, colonial architecture, romantic legends, and continued significance as one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic seaside heritage hotels
Overnight Stay: Mount Lavinia Hotel
- Visiting the National Museum and sight seeing in Colombo.
- Relaxing and enjoying a stay at this colonial heritage hotel, which boasts over 200 years of history.
- Final day sightseeing in Colombo and Negombo before heading to the airport.
