The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM), the premier institution for Tourism and hospitality education in the country, held its’ 44th Convocation at the main hall of the Bandarenaike Memorial International Conference Hall recently under the auspices of Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. He was joined by Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, and Eksath Wijeratne, Chief Executive Officer of Browns Hotels & Resorts, was the Guest of Honour
SLTHM takes pride in its role in shaping a new generation of professionals, problem solvers and visionaries- individuals who are prepared to tackle contemporary challenges and contribute to the growth of the Tourist Industry.
At the Convocation sixty-two graduates who have successfully completed their specialized training in various key disciplines of the hospitality industry. These graduates are now stepping into executive roles in the fields of Culinary Arts, Accommodation, Operations, Food & Beverage Management, poised to contribute meaningfully to the growth and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s dynamic tourism industry.
The Minister addressing the gathering reassured of the government’s strong commitment to empowering the tourism and hospitality sectors through quality education and professional development. He highlighted the importance of skilled human resources in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, particularly as the nation continues to recover and grow in the post-pandemic era. He praised SLITHM for its vital role in shaping competent professionals who are already making a positive impact across the hospitality and tourism value chain.
Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of SLITHM, also addressed the gathering commended the graduates on their achievements and acknowledged the dedication of the academic staff in equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive hospitality landscape.
He reaffirmed SLITHM’s commitment to providing internationally recognized education that meets the demands of both local and global tourism markets. “We are proud to see our students emerge as leaders ready to elevate the Sri Lankan tourism industry to greater heights. SLITHM remains dedicated to being the cornerstone of tourism and hospitality education in Sri Lanka,” he stated.
Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe commended the graduates for their perseverance and dedication, encouraging them to remain committed to excellence, innovation, and ethical service delivery in their professional journeys. Guest of Honour. Eksath Wijeratne, CEO Browns Hotels and Resorts shared valuable industry insights and emphasized the increasing demand for professionals who are not only qualified but also agile and creative in addressing the evolving needs of global travellers.
With its strong presence across all nine provinces, SLITHM has expanded its reach to ensure equal access to high-quality tourism and hospitality education throughout the island. Its provincial branches play a crucial role in developing regional talent, thereby supporting the broader national agenda of inclusive tourism development.
All 62 graduates who received their credentials at the ceremony are already employed in executive positions across leading hotels, resorts, and hospitality establishments in Sri Lanka. Their successful transition from academic training to professional engagement is a testament to SLITHM’s practical, industry-aligned curriculum and its emphasis on experiential learning.
The management and faculty of SLITHM expressed their heartfelt congratulations and pride in the graduates’ achievements. In a collective message, they stated, “We believe in the potential of every student we train. It is our sincere wish that this new generation of professionals will contribute to raising Sri Lanka’s tourism sector to new heights, both regionally and globally.”
As Sri Lanka sets its sights on becoming a top-tier tourism destination in Asia, institutions like SLITHM continue to play an essential role in shaping the future workforce—producing leaders who are not only academically competent but also passionate about serving and promoting the island’s unique heritage, culture, and hospitality.
C.I.M
