The annual Tourism Leaders' Summit – 2017, which takes place in line with the United Nations’ World Tourism Day,  commenced yesterday at the BMICH, under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.

The objective of this summit is to create a national discourse on tourism, with the assistance of scholars and professionals in the tourism sector, and implement national policies regarding the sector. Scholars and professionals in the field can present their research reports and proposals at the International Research Symposium which is being held parallel to the Summit. 

This event is organized for the third time by the Ministry of Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs and the University of Colombo, under the theme ‘Sustainable Tourism for Development – Way Forward for Sri Lanka'.

The keynote address of the event was delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Colombo University Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake.

A souvenir stamp was issued to mark this occasion and the President presented awards to those who rendered a great service to the tourism industry. Accordingly, Vedda Chief Urivarige Vanniyale Aththo and the senior chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe received awards.

Minister of Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga and the Secretary to the Ministry Esala Weerakoon were also present at this occasion.