Stakeholders of tourism value chain being mobilised to create value

EFECS is a joint development project funded by the Government of Canada and implemented in Sri Lanka by SANASA International Ltd. with the management support of the Development International Desjardins (DID). The project aims to support the development of Micro, Small and Medium scale Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) especially women, along identified value chains. 

Tourism is one of the value chains identified by the project. By developing a substantial size of local businesses, the project expects to enable local communities gain better economic advantage from the tourism industry. To achieve the objective, EFECS has conducted an in-depth study in selected four provinces in Sri Lanka; Northern, Southern, North-West and Sabaragamuwa to understand the existing challenges and opportunities of the tourism value chain. 

The inaugural stakeholder forum to present findings and insights of the study with the key stakeholders of the value chain was held on 1 October at The Kingsbury Colombo. The forum was participated by over 90 participants from private and public stakeholders of the tourism industry extending their cooperation for this project. Delegates from the Canadian Government, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Cooperation Daniel Joly and Senior Development Officer/Agent principal development Trevor Ludowyke also participated at the forum.

Demonstrating the fact that Sri Lanka has a consistent vibrant and unique culture practiced by generation to generation, the official commencement of the occasion was marked by lighting the traditional oil lamp by the distinguished guests. Daniel Joly, EFECS Project Director René Fréchet, Trevor Ludowyke, EFECS Project Value Chain Advisor Martin Mailhot, Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in Tourism President Justin Karandawala, Ministry of Tourism Additional Secretary Waruna Samaradiwakara, and EFECS Project Tourism Value Chain Officer Harshi Abeynayake, participated at this traditional ceremony.

As a tribute to the victims of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks, the forum observed a moment of silence. EFECS project specifically selected Hotel Kingsbury which was affected by the attack to host the event, delivering a live message for Sri Lanka tourism: “Let’s start from the point we stopped”.

The forum was officially welcomed by SANASA International Managing Director Samadani Kiriwandeniya. “This forum will assist to obtain expert views and ideas to develop a five-year joint action plan to be implemented in collaboration with private/public and civil societies using their valuable inputs,” said Kiriwandeniya addressing the audience.

Rene Frechet explained the EFECS Project Implementation Strategy and Tourism Value Chain addressing the forum as the keynote speaker. “We expect an improved and sustainable financial and business management by stakeholders of targeted value chains, particularly women, in selected provinces of Sri Lanka,” mentioned Fréchet.

Presentation of findings of the Tourism Value Chain Study

Meeting the key objective of the event, EFECS Project Value Chain Officer (Tourism) D.M.H. Abeynayake, presented the findings of the research conducted on demand and identification of market opportunities in the tourism value chain with reference to Northern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka. Abeynayake further stated that the successful implementation of the five-year joint action plan which will begin with this inaugural step would increase the financial security of entrepreneurs engaged in tourism.

Participants were actively engaged in presenting their ideas and proposals to draft the Joint Action plan discussing under the key topics presented at the presentation.

 All inputs and suggestions given by the audience were presented by the project team at the forum.

EFECS Project Value Chain Advisor Martin Mailhot steered the wrap-up session of the forum summarising all inputs given by the stakeholders.

Counsellor (Development) and Head of Cooperation Daniel Joly expressed his fruitful thoughts at the forum highlighting the importance of value chain approach. Sabaragamuwa University Senior Lecturer (Tourism) Professor Dr. M.S.M. Aslam further commented on the importance of developing community, towards sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka.

 A number of other entrepreneurs, senior officials from the government related to tourism shared their views on the project.

EFECS Value Chain Officer (Tourism) Harshi Abeynayake stated that the successful implementation of the five-year joint action plan which will begin with this inaugural step would increase the financial security of entrepreneurs engaged in tourism. 

EFECS Project Team Leader – Value Chain Development Chopadhithya Edirisinghe conveyed his sincere gratitude for all the participants on behalf of the team of EFECS Project concluding the session. Stakeholders were given the opportunity to meet different levels of MSMEs and other institutions during the lunch.