The city is well prepared for the Indian Film Awards (IIFA) to be held this week, said Colombo City Tourist Hotels Association (CCTHA) President, M. Shanthikumar.

Hotels in Colombo would make available 650 rooms-nights per day, on a bed and breakfast basis and 148 suites on a full-board basis, which would amount to a total of 2,600 room-nights, for the period of the glitzy IIFA.

Due to the magnitude of this event, the hotels have also taken the additional step of releasing some of their members to assist the organizers in the varied arrangements, he said to the Island.

"There is no doubt this mega event will be a big boost to the Tourism Industry and the contribution of the 2,600 room-nights will not only benefit the City Hotels, but the tourism industry in general creating an awareness and boosting the image of the country, by giving tremendous exposure," he said.

"India has become one of the largest tourist markets in recent times and this prestigious event, would definitely enhance future arrivals and with its vast potential, Sri Lanka would benefit immensely, even by a small increase.