As the Head of the Department of Tourism Management at the Faculty of Management Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, I recently had the privilege of interviewing one of our distinguished alums, a retired development officer and a parliamentary candidate in the upcoming general election. With a degree in Tourism Management, he represents a new generation of leaders who embody the expertise and vision our faculty strives to instil in its graduates. Given his background and commitment to public service, our discussion focused on his strategic plans for advancing Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. This interview offers valuable insights into how he intends to drive sustainable growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance Sri Lanka’s global standing as a premier tourist destination.
Q: As a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary election, can you share why you’re mainly focused on the tourism industry in Sri Lanka?
A: Tourism is a vital part of Sri Lanka’s economy, with extensive benefits for employment, income, and infrastructure. I am committed to supporting this sector because of its broad impact, from creating hospitality, transportation, and agriculture jobs to uplifting rural communities through local entrepreneurship.
Beyond economic growth, tourism allows us to share Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and biodiversity, highlighting the need for eco-friendly practices that preserve our environment for future generations. Additionally, tourism fosters international connections, strengthening Sri Lanka’s global relationships and diplomacy. My vision is to promote sustainable tourism that benefits local communities, safeguards natural and cultural assets, and enhances Sri Lanka’s standing as a premier travel destination.
Q: What challenges have you foreseen in the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, and how do you plan to address them?
A: Sri Lanka’s tourism industry faces significant challenges requiring a focused and strategic response. One of the main issues is the lack of infrastructure and amenities in many key tourist areas, particularly in rural regions where inadequate roads, limited public transportation, and insufficient facilities obstruct the overall visitor experience. To address this, I intend to advocate for substantial infrastructure development, working alongside local governments and private investors to improve road quality, expand transportation options, and upgrade essential facilities like accommodation, eating places, and developing recreational possibilities for extending the visitor’s length of stay.
Another unyielding concern is environmental degradation; many of our beautiful sites, such as beaches, national parks, and heritage areas, are threatened by over-tourism, pollution, and unregulated development. To combat this, I plan to promote eco-friendly tourism practices and push for strict environmental regulations focused on sustainable practices like waste management, conservation, and restricted development in sensitive areas to preserve these treasures for future generations.
Additionally, Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions need more vital branding to remain competitive in the global tourism market. Many potential visitors are unaware of our country’s unique offerings—from wildlife safaris and cultural sites to adventure tourism and wellness retreats. I aim to support initiatives prioritising international marketing campaigns, spotlighting Sri Lanka’s diverse experiences to attract a broader range of travellers, especially having better coordination with SLTPB and SLTDA.
Lastly, the tourism workforce requires skill enhancement; many workers lack adequate training in hospitality, language skills, and customer service, affecting the quality of service offered to visitors. To tackle this, I propose enhancing the educational experience in tourism and hospitality degrees in state universities, vocational training centres and language programs dedicated to tourism, equipping workers with the skills needed to provide exceptional service. Through these targeted solutions in infrastructure, environmental protection, marketing, and workforce development, I foresee a thriving, sustainable, and competitive tourism industry that benefits the economy and communities across Sri Lanka.
Q: What drives you to focus so intensely on the tourism industry in Sri Lanka compared to other candidates from your party?
A: I earned my bachelor’s degree in tourism from the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka in 1996, which gave me the vision to contribute meaningfully to the tourism sector. Many of my university colleagues from that time have advanced within the Department of Tourism Management—the pioneering state institute for tourism education—and now serve as professors, doctors, and senior academics. Together, we frequently hold forums and discussions, focusing on strengthening the tourism industry in Sri Lanka to benefit the country. Our shared aim is to attract high-value tourists, focusing on quality over sheer numbers.
With the insights gained from these discussions, I have developed a detailed proposal with input from my expert colleagues, outlining strategies for advancing the tourism sector. This proposal addresses the need for sustainable tourism and highlights essential reforms that can lead to long-term industry growth. I am committed to presenting this proposal to my party and parliamentary representatives responsible for tourism and hospitality, aiming to drive impactful changes for Sri Lanka.
Tourism is not just an industry I support; it is a field deeply rooted in my education, which I was privileged to receive through my country’s free education system. As a politician, I feel a solid duty to strengthen tourism and tourism-related education to honour my background and advance Sri Lanka’s future.
By:
Dr. K.R.H. Lal Gunasekara
Head, Department of Tourism
Management, Faculty of Management Studies
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
