SLITHM focuses on protecting the environment

Sri Lanka’s premier hospitality training institution the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) marked World Environment Day 2017 with a tree planting program at its premises in Colombo 3 recently.

The Chief Guest at the event was Minister of Tourism Development John Amaratunga. SLITHM Chairman Sunil Dissanayake, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Paddy Withana and Additional Secretary to the Ministry Deepthi Fernando also participated in the symbolic ceremony, the purpose of which was to inculcate in students the message of protecting the environment.

Speaking following the tree planting ceremony Minister Amaratunga drew attention to the importance of sustainable tourism. “Our tourism industry is dependent upon the sustainability of our natural assets. It is extremely important that the future hoteliers who will drive our tourism industry are made aware of this reality at an early stage. It is important that hotels lead the way in the efforts to protect our environment as they are situated in the most scenic locations,” noted Minister Amaratunga.

SLITHM is a leading advocate of environmental protection and its students are regularly made aware of sustainable practices through curricular and co-curricular activities during their academic training at the institution.