It’s reported that there are plans to separate the the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Growth Authority (SLTDA), which each fall underneath the Ministry of Overseas Affairs, Overseas Employment and Tourism.
At present, Mr Buddhika Hewawasam chairs each establishments and is entrusted with management of the tourism promotion fund, which is value almost Rs. 17.5 billion, on the directions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, primarily based on the President’s sturdy confidence within the former.
Nevertheless, tourism trade specialists imagine that splitting the 2 establishments might be problematic, particularly in a backdrop the place Sri Lanka is concentrating on 03 million vacationer arrivals and substantial tourism income in 2026.
Below the Tourism Act No. 38 of 2005, obligations throughout the tourism sector are divided amongst a number of establishments, with 70% of the Tourism Growth Fund allotted to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and 14% to the Sri Lanka Tourism Growth Authority (SLTDA).
It’s stated that appointing separate chairmen for the 2 establishments would outcome within the division of economic and administrative powers.
Tourism trade sources say that Mr Suranjith Wawita has been proposed for the chairmanship of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).
Though Mr Wawita is called a consultant of the tourism service suppliers’ sector, trade sources imagine that he lacks expertise in heading an establishment accountable for worldwide market promotion, international branding and the administration of a multi-billion-rupee promotional finances.
In the meantime, it is usually reported that Mr Wawita is an in depth affiliate of Mr Malik Samarawickrama – who was an ex-minister in addition to a shut political and enterprise affiliate of former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
