Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a major reshuffle within Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, the government has appointed new Chairmen to lead four prominent tourism bodies. The appointments come as part of an effort to rejuvenate and steer the country’s tourism industry toward recovery and growth.
Buddhika Hewawasam has been named the new Chairman of both the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). Hewawasam brings extensive experience from the aviation and travel industries, and is expected to leverage his expertise to elevate Sri Lanka’s global tourism profile.
Meanwhile, Dheera Hettiarachchi, a seasoned specialist in tourism management, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB). Hettiarachchi previously served as the SLITHM Cluster Head for Travel and Tourism, a role in which he contributed to the development of hospitality and travel education in the country.
These appointments follow the resignation of the previous Chairmen last week. Both Hewawasam and Hettiarachchi are anticipated to lead Sri Lanka’s tourism sector through a period of revitalization, focusing on post-pandemic recovery, sustainable tourism, and increasing international arrivals.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years due to global disruptions, is now positioning itself for a robust comeback, with new leadership at the helm to guide its future growth.
