University of Colombo establishes Sustainable Tourism Unit to empower Sri Lanka’s tourism sector

Vice Chancellor Prof. H.D. Karunaratne cutting the cake to mark the inauguration

Launch of the website

The Faculty of Arts at the University of Colombo inaugurated its Sustainable Tourism Unit (STU) on 2 October at the Senate Hall, College House – marking a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s education and tourism industry.

The Chief Guest of the inauguration ceremony was University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne and the Guest of Honour was University of Colombo Faculty of Arts Dean Senior Prof. L. Manawdu. 

Aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the establishment of the UOC-STU signifies a paradigm shift from unsustainable practices towards integrated, inclusive, and eco-conscious tourism development in Sri Lanka. 

The unit’s motto, ‘Wisdom Enlightening for Sustainable Tourism’, encapsulates its commitment to integrating industry best practices and global standards into Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape.

The primary objective of the UOC-STU is to serve as a knowledge hub, offering evidence-based insights, outcome-oriented training, public awareness campaigns and intellectual contributions to drive inclusive and integrated sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka. 

Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne said the UOC-STU will contribute significantly to capacity-building endeavours to cater to the development of the booming tourism industry in Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka’s tourism product still needs improvement in many fields to reap its full potential. I believe the new UOC-STU will be able to expand human resource development, product development and entrepreneurship development to contribute actively to the tourism industry of Sri Lanka and the overall economic growth in a sustainable way,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the leadership and immense contribution of Prof.Suranga Silva, Coordinator of the Sustainable Tourism Unit and the first-ever Tourism Professor in Sri Lanka to the University of Colombo and the industry development.

Faculty of ArtsDean Senior Prof. L. Manawdu said, by leveraging the expertise of 13 departments and multiple teaching units in the Social Sciences, the STU is poised to make a substantial impact on sustainable tourism development.

He also hinted that the UOC-STU unit willlikely be converted into the 14th department of the University of Colombo, under the leadership of Prof. Silva.

Sustainable Tourism Unit Coordinator Prof. D.A.C. Suranga Silva expressed his vision for the UOC-STU, under the direction of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo and the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Arts, emphasising the unit’s unique initiation and commitment.

“The ultimate aspiration of UOC-STU is to emerge as the premier centre of excellence, fostering innovation, sharing knowledge, and catalysing actions to propel Sri Lanka Tourism to the forefront of the global stage. This milestone inauguration sets a promising trajectory for the future of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Silva also emphasised the pivotal role of Social Sciences in understanding human behaviour, cultural dynamics and economic factors underpinning sustainable tourism.

An industry-policy and diplomatic dialogue themed ‘The Future of Wisdom Enlightening for Sustainable Tourism Development’ was also held concurrently at the launch to mark the UNWTO World Tourism Day Celebration 2023. 

The panel featured University of Colombo Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences Professor Emeritus Sarath Kotagama, Honorary Consul of Belgium in Maldives Dr. MariyamShakeela, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Priantha Fernando, Asian Development Bank Private Sector Development Unit Head SanthoshPokharel and the session was moderated by the University of Colombo visiting lecturer and Shangri-La Hambantota Learning and Development Manager and epartmentHeadDamsiDharmaratne. The dialogue shed light on striking a balance between reaping economic benefits from tourism and safeguarding the environment, as well as supporting local communities, to encourage a more conscientious and mutually beneficial form of travel. 

The inauguration of the UOC-STU recognised the critical importance of evidence-based knowledge, data-driven insights, stakeholder awareness, and industry implementation of sustainable tourism practices and development in Sri Lanka.

Many international universities from the UK, Italy, India, South Africa, Turkey, Portugal and Bangladesh sent their best wishes to the newly introduced UOC-STU.

- Pix by Lasantha Kumara