Skal International President pays tribute to Colombo Skal Club

Skal International President Mok Singh paid tribute to the Skal Club of Columbo, under the presidency of Keethi Jayaweera and his team.

Sri Lanka is no stranger to Skal Congresses, having hosted the 15th Skal Asia Congress in 1986 and the 23rd Skal Asia Congress in 1994. In between these two Asia Congresses, Sri Lanka also hosted the 51st Skal World Congress in 1990. Skal Asia accounts for 12% of Skal International’s worldwide membership of 18,000 members in 450 clubs in 85 countries.

President Singh in his opening remarks commented: “I thank all of you who have made the effort to come and participate in this very important Skal Congress. I celebrate your dedication to the principals of Skal and to its core values of friendship, amicability, and doing business among friends.

“However, we must also keep in the forefront our vision to be ‘A trusted voice in travel and tourism,’ through meaningful participation in the world bodies of which we are a part. Also through our mission, which is ‘Through our leadership, professionalism, and friendship, work together to enhance our vision, maximising networking opportunities, and develop a responsible tourism industry.’”

Protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism practices around the world are very important elements to ensuring the survival and growth of the industry into the future. Singh finalised and said, “I know you all enjoy the camaraderie of your local clubs, in your own countries, but I am delighted that many of you are here at this congress to reach out and to enjoy the wider benefits of your Skal membership.”

Asian President Gerry Perez in his last congress, prior to completing his term after four years at the helm, commented on behalf of the Board of Officers and the Organising Committee, “Welcome to Sri Lanka and to the 42nd Skal Asia Congress. Our hosts have gone out of their way to make this a productive and memorable congress,” he said.

Over 100 delegates attended the Asia Congress from 30 May to 2 June 2013, including delegates from many of the 31 clubs that make up the Skal Asia area.