Achieving Sri Lanka’s tourism ambitions by 2030 will require more than infrastructure development and investment, with a skilled workforce, strong institutions, innovative thinking and a commitment to excellence identified as key drivers of sustainable growth, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has emphasised.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating at an event at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) in Colombo.

Highlighting the importance of developing skilled human resources to meet the future demands of the tourism industry, Prime Minister Amarasuriya stressed that investment in professional education and institutional capacity would be essential to achieving the government’s tourism targets for 2030.

The Prime Minister also emphasised that tourism extends beyond economic activity, serving as a bridge between cultures, a platform for international engagement and a source of livelihood for thousands of Sri Lankan families.

She said the tourism industry Sri Lanka seeks to develop must generate quality employment, strengthen local enterprises, empower young people, expand opportunities for women and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach communities across the country.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya further highlighted the need to increase women’s participation in the tourism sector by creating opportunities for them to contribute to and benefit from its continued development.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, ministry officials, SLITHM board members, representatives of the University Grants Commission and higher education sector, tourism and hospitality industry representatives, academic staff, parents and students attended the ceremony.