Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the inaugural ceremony of the Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management (Honours) Degree Programme at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) in Colombo on 27 October 2026. The first batch of the degree programme comprises 65 students.
Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that the launch of the degree programme marks a historic milestone for SLITHM, reflecting the institution’s evolution from a centre of vocational excellence into a recognised contributor to higher education and professional development in Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister emphasised that tourism is far more than an economic activity. It serves as a bridge between cultures, a platform for international engagement and a source of opportunity for thousands of Sri Lankan families. She noted that the tourism industry Sri Lanka aspires to build must create quality employment, support local enterprises, empower young people, expand opportunities for women and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach communities across the country.
Highlighting the Government’s ambitious targets for the tourism sector by 2030, the Prime Minister stressed that achieving these aspirations would require more than infrastructure development and investment. A highly skilled workforce, strong institutions, innovative thinking and the commitment to excellence would be essential to achieving sustainable growth in the sector.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the need to strengthen women’s participation in the tourism industry, emphasising the importance of creating opportunities for women to contribute to and benefit from the sector’s continued development.
The introduction of the Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management (Honours) Degree Programme represents an important step towards strengthening professional education and developing the skilled human resources required to support the future growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Mr. Vijitha Herath, Secretary and officials of the Ministry, Chairman and Members of the Board of Directors of SLITHM, Representatives of the University Grants Commission and the Higher Education Sector, the tourism and hospitality industry, academic staff, parents, and students who form the first intake of this degree programme.
Prime Minister’s Media Division