Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Tuesday, 28 April 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
SLITHM Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi (centre)
The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) announced the launch of a new training model aimed at transforming the country’s tourism experience, with the launch of a specialised “National Tourist Interpreter” program.
The initiative is designed to move beyond conventional tour guiding by equipping professionals to deliver deeper, knowledge-based engagement with visitors, particularly in areas related to Sri Lanka’s ecological systems, cultural heritage and community livelihoods.
Speaking at the event SLITHM Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi said the program will enable tourists to better understand the environmental and social significance of destinations, promoting responsible behaviour, while supporting long-term conservation efforts.
“By translating complex local knowledge into accessible and engaging narratives, the model seeks to shift tourism from passive sightseeing to a more immersive and educational experience,” he added.
The program also responds to growing concerns around environmental pressure and misuse of sensitive sites, particularly in biodiversity-rich and culturally significant locations. Trained interpreters are expected to play a key role in communicating issues such as species conservation, climate risks and heritage preservation.
Structured as a three-month training course with strong emphasis on field exposure, the program is open to academics and professionals with expertise in areas linked to natural and cultural heritage. Participants will be assessed on practical competencies rather than a rigid curriculum.
Upon completion, successful candidates will be eligible for a ‘National Tourist Interpreter Licence’ issued by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), along with a digital certification.
SLITHM officials said the initiative is expected to attract high-level researchers, specialists and professionals, while enhancing Sri Lanka’s tourism offering by adding value-driven, experience-based services that can generate higher economic returns.
