Multistakeholder consultation on sustainable, inclusive tourism tomorrow

A consultation will be held on 5 January from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management to focus on research, policy and capacity needs that will ensure the sustainability and viability of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. 

The multistakeholder consultation organised by the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) in collaboration with academic institutes and industry partners will bring together industry regulators, policymakers, hoteliers, multilateral and bilateral agencies, industry-related associations, academics and civil society organisations. 

The Minister for Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga will deliver the keynote address while Canadian High Commissioner Shelley Whiting and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Paddy Withana will attend as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

Key actors in the industry Leisure Industry Group - John Keells Group President Krishan Balendra, SLTDA Director General Malraj Kiriella, Sarvodaya General Secretary Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne and Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Economics, University of Colombo Dr. Suranga Silva will provide insights on ‘Moving On: An agenda for research, policy and capacity building’ at a panel discussion chaired by Murtaza Esufally (Chairperson, CEPA; Director, Hemas Holdings Plc; Chairman, Hemas Hospitals Ltd).

Since new avenues for economic development opened up following the end of the war, CEPA has taken a special interest in scrutinising the tourism industry from the perspectives of poverty and the environment. CEPA has focused on the potential and limits of addressing poverty through tourism and its related sub-industries as well as examining the conceptualisation and implementation of eco-tourism projects. Recently CEPA looked at the implications of post-war tourism and whether it benefits or excludes local communities.

The participation at the event is only by invitation and prior registration. Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact Chandima on 0777-912542, [email protected] at the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) 29, R. G. Senanayake Mawatha (former Gregory’s Road), Colombo 7.