Sri Lanka Tourism felicitates Minister Amaratunga on UNWTO appointment

Tourism Minister John Amaratunga was felicitated by Sri Lanka Tourism on his election as a Vice President of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) at the 22nd General Assembly that took place in Chengdu, China last week.

The felicitation was held at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), amidst a distinguished gathering on Monday (18).

Tourism Ministry Secretary Esala Weerakoon welcomed the Minister on his arrival. Those present included Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Kavan Ratnayake, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Udaya Nanayakkara, SLITHM Chairman Sunil Dissanayake, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Prema Cooray and industry representatives from both the public and private sectors.Speaking during the event the Minister stated that the appointment signalled Sri Lanka’s importance in the world tourism industry. He noted that the two-year term as Vice President of UNWTO would allow him to showcase Sri Lanka to the rest of the world. He said that following the appointment Sri Lanka will represent the Asian region at the UNWTO. Seven other Vice Presidents will represent the other geographical areas. “There were many contenders for this post but the outgoing General Secretary Dr. Taleb Rifai had nominated me for this prestigious position,” he said.

The Minister said his appointment was a great honour for Sri Lanka as it is the first time a Sri Lankan has held such a post at the UNWTO.