Ceylon Hotel School Graduate Association holds 44th AGM in Sigiriya

Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Affairs John Amaratunga was the Chief Guest of the 44th AGM of the Ceylon Hotel School Graduate Association (CHSGA) which is the alumni association of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (SLITHM). The AGM was held recently at Aliya Resort and Spa Sigiriya.

The following comments were made by the Minister: 

“I am thankful to the CHSGA for inviting me for this function and giving me the opportunity to address the industry professionals of the country gathered here today for the 44th AGM.

Taking a look at the history of CHSGA and its contribution towards the industry since its inception in 1971, as the Minister for Tourism Minister in Sri Lanka I am proud to be associated with this strong association which has served the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in a big way over the past 44 years.

The Ceylon Hotel School which is now known as the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism Management SLITHM is the most recognised institute for hospitality management in the country and they have continuously delivered professionals of very high standards for the development of the industry in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is identified as one of the best countries in the world for the Hospitality sector mainly because of the friendly nature and high hospitality standards they maintain satisfying their customers. 

However I am thankful to the CHSGA for their support extended in different ways to support the development of the SLITHM while offering scholarships for the students to progress in their career and also initiating and continuing several CSR programs for the benefit of the country.

As the Tourism Minister I would like to mention that my vision is to further upgrade the facilities and infra structure of the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka and look forward to reach the mark of 3.5 million tourists by the year 2020.Also we need to make the tourism Industry of Sri Lanka the number one foreign exchange earner in the country.

I would also like to mention that as the Minister I would give my fullest support to the CHSGA and all other tourism related associations working jointly for the betterment of the countries tourism industry.”

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Paddy Vithana was the Guest of Honour of this prestigious event. Vithana is also a member and past president of the CHSGA.

The event was attended by over 400 CHSGA members who comprised from Middle to Senior Management in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector including CEOs and hotel owners. 90% of the senior management of all hotels in Sri Lanka are graduates of the SLITHM and members of the CHSGA.

BMICH Director/Chief Executive Sunil Dissanayake was elected as the President at the AGM while Bentota Beach Hotel General Manager Sanjeeva Perera and Zinc Hotels & Resorts Lanka Ltd Chief Operating Officer Samantha Gunaratne were elected as the Joint Vice Presidents.  JYSPER Marketing Services Managing Director Priyal Perera was appointed as the Treasurer and Hunnas Falls General Manager Asela Wawita was appointed as the General Secretary for the term of year 2015/16.