New heads in tourism

Tourism Minister John Amaratunga yesterday made permanent appointments to several institutions under him relying on industry veterans.

Paddy Withana was appointed as Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, a post he enjoyed previously as well. Prema Cooray was appointed as Chairman of Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau. Sunil Dissanayake was appointed as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management. 

Withana was also made Acting Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau until a suitably qualified person is found for the permanent appointment. The newly constituted Tourism Advisory Committee under the Tourism Act met yesterday and elected tycoon Harry Jayawardena as the Chairman.