Who Is the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Are you curious about the tourism development of this beautiful country? Then, let me introduce you to the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Who is the Chairman of SLTDA?

The current Chairman of SLTDA is Mr. Kimarli Fernando. She was appointed as the Chairman in August 2019 by the Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Honorable John Amaratunga.

Kimarli Fernando’s Background:

Ms. Fernando is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in both public and private sectors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge and a Masters’s degree in International Relations from the University of Colombo.

Before joining SLTDA, Ms. Fernando served as the Head of Corporate Communications at Hemas Holdings PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s leading conglomerates. She also worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held various positions at the United Nations.

Mission and Vision:

Under Ms. Fernando’s leadership, SLTDA aims to make Sri Lanka one of the top tourist destinations in Asia by 2025. The authority focuses on promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities while preserving natural resources.

Key Initiatives:

  • Promoting Local Tourism: SLTDA encourages domestic tourism by promoting local attractions and events.
  • Investment Promotion: The authority works closely with investors to develop new tourism products and services.
  • Sustainable Tourism Development: SLTDA promotes sustainable tourism practices such as eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and responsible wildlife tourism.

Awards and Achievements:

Under Ms. Fernando’s leadership, SLTDA has won several awards for its outstanding contribution to the tourism industry. In 2020, Sri Lanka was named as the “Best Tourism Destination in Asia” at the World Tourism Awards.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Ms. Kimarli Fernando is a highly qualified and experienced professional who leads SLTDA with a clear vision for sustainable tourism development in Sri Lanka. Under her leadership, SLTDA has achieved remarkable success and has won several awards for its contribution to the tourism industry.

If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you can rest assured that your experience will be enhanced by the efforts of SLTDA under Ms. Fernando’s leadership.