New Tourism Promotion Chief assumes duties

Thursday, 7 June 2012 09:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Bhashwara Senank a Gunarathna yesterday assumed duties as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

New Chairman of Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Bhashwara Senanka Gunarathna (right) being congratulated after assuming duties by his predecessor Dr. Nalaka Godahewa who remains Chairman of Tourism Development Authority. SLTPB Managing Director Rumy Jauffer (left) looks on

At present he is working as a Director General of the Ministry of Economic Development and covering duties as the Director of the National Zoological Gardens, where his contribution has been remarkable towards the successful completion of many rapid developments initiated by Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa within Dehiwala Zoo, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Hambantota Ridiyagama Safari Park and Pinnawala Vagolla new zoo development. He has obtained a B.Sc. (Built Environment) and M.Sc. (Architecture) degrees from the University of Moratuwa.

He is an Associate Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and also a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Since 2010 he has been a Board Member of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Sri Lanka Tourism and Hotel Management Institution. In addition he is also a Board Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Nano Technology (SLINTEC).

He previously served as the Chairman and Director General of National Youth Services Council during 2005-2010, where he was able to rejuvenate the Youth Council with new programs as well as resume all abandoned major youth development programs. He has also covered duties as the Director of National Folk Art Centre under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage.

In addition he rendered a valuable service as the President of the Sri Lanka Federation of Youth Clubs, National Youth Services Cooperative Society, Youth Services Company Limited. He was a Vice President of Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation and a Board Member of Sugathadasa National Sports Complex Authority.