Colombo, 29th May 2024 – The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector’s Sustainable Tourism Certification Awards took place today at the BMICH’s Jasmine Hall, celebrating the outstanding contributions of local businesses to sustainable tourism practices.
The event commenced at 8:45 am with the arrival and registration of invitees, followed by a welcome refreshment at 9:00 am. The ceremony officially began at 9:10 am with the arrival of the Chief Guest, distinguished VIPs, and the Guest of Honor, all escorted to the venue by traditional Kandyan dancers, symbolizing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
The traditional lighting of the oil lamp at 9:30 am marked the official start of the proceedings, followed by the national anthem. Mr. R. Sariffodeen, Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), delivered the welcome speech, setting the tone for the event.
Mr. Priantha Fernando, Chairman of SLTDA, gave the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in the tourism sector. His sentiments were echoed by Mr. H.M.B.P. Herath, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, and Ms. Azusa Kubota, the UNDP Resident Representative, in their respective speeches.
The Honorable Minister Harin Fernando, overseeing the Ministries of Tourism, Lands, Youth Affairs, and Sports, emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism. Following his speech, the first round of certificate distribution began, with notable participation from international dignitaries, including the UK Ambassador and representatives from Germany and France.
Subsequent rounds of certificate distribution continued until 11:15 am, involving ambassadors from the EU, Netherlands, and various local and international officials. The awards highlighted various categories such as SDG Compliance, Overall Performance, and Unique Concept, recognizing exceptional contributions to sustainable tourism.
Ms. Azusa Kubota awarded the SDG Compliance Award, underscoring the role of tourism in achieving sustainable development goals. The Overall Performance Award was presented by the Hon. Minister Harin Fernando, while the Unique Concept Award was given by the Chairman of the Green Building Council.
The event concluded with remarks from Ms. Abbie Trinidad, Regional Technical Advisor for Global BioFin, followed by an appreciation letter to the Country Coordinator and auditors of Green Destination, acknowledging their vital role in the certification process. Mr. Upali Rathnayaka, Deputy Director General of SLTDA, delivered the vote of thanks, bringing the ceremony to a close at 12:15 pm.
Attendees then enjoyed a networking lunch, fostering connections among stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka. The event was a significant step towards reinforcing the country’s dedication to eco-friendly tourism and recognizing the SME sector’s vital role in this endeavor.
