SLTDA strengthens domestic tourism and community engagement across Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), through its Domestic Tourism and Community Relations (DT and CR) Division, continued to drive inclusive and sustainable tourism development during September 2025 with a series of impactful initiatives spanning youth engagement, capacity building, community empowerment, and environmental conservation.

Kicking off the month’s activities, a School Awareness Program on career opportunities in the tourism industry was held on 2 September in Gampaha, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) and the Gampaha Zonal Education Office. The program attracted 122 students, introducing them to the wide range of opportunities within Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing tourism sector. Held at Covanro Hotel, Naiwala, Veyangoda, the event aimed to nurture future tourism professionals and strengthen youth participation in the industry. 

From 10 to 12 September, the SLTDA conducted a Capacity Building Program in Sigiriya for 64 local Government officials representing the District Secretariats of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Vavuniya. Organised in collaboration with the Northern Province Tourism Bureau, the workshop enhanced participants’ understanding of SLTDA’s functions and guided them in aligning local tourism initiatives with national priorities to ensure coordinated development at the provincial and district levels.

The second phase of the Tourism Development Framework Plan for Haguranketha and Mathurata Divisional Secretariats was implemented on 11 and 12 September at the Haguranketha Divisional Secretariat Auditorium. The session brought together 45 participants, focusing on refining tourism proposals and providing technical guidance to ensure that regional tourism development is both strategic and sustainable.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s unique culinary identity, SLTDA collaborated with the Kithul Development Board on 19 September to promote authentic Kithul-based products such as treacle and jaggery as signature items in the tourism sector. The event, held at the SLITHM Auditorium, drew 58 participants including representatives from ASMET, THASL, SLAITO, the Sri Lanka Chefs’ Association, and the National Craft Council. This initiative strengthened rural-urban linkages, empowering Kithul-producing communities while enriching Sri Lanka’s culinary tourism offerings.

In celebration of World Tourism Day 2025, SLTDA launched a series of initiatives promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship under the theme “Tourism and Peace.” From 20 to 27 September, beach cleaning campaigns were carried out in Dikwella, Mirissa, Palana, and Mount Lavinia as part of the “A Beautiful Coastline, An Attractive Tourism Destination” campaign under the Clean Sri Lanka Program. The clean-up drives, organised with the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), local councils, and the Sri Lanka Police, brought together more than 350 participants, emphasising community collaboration for coastal preservation.

Complementing these efforts, the Tourism and Sustainable Transformation Workshop was held on 27 September at the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo, organised by the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka with the support of SLTDA. The event gathered 200 Government officials to explore the role of tourism in sustainable development. Tourism Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe, attended the occasion, highlighting the Government’s commitment to aligning tourism growth with environmental and community well-being.

Concluding the month’s activities, a Tourist Driver Training Program was organised by SLITHM in on 29 September at Hall De Galle, Galle Fort, with 121 participants in attendance. The session, led by the Director of DT & CR, of SLTDA provided practical guidance on the Tourist Driver Identity Card (ID) application process and emphasised service standards and compliance, ensuring that tourist drivers—vital ambassadors of the country’s hospitality—maintain professionalism and integrity in their work.

The range of initiatives undertaken throughout September reflects SLTDA’s continued dedication to promoting sustainable, community-centred, and inclusive tourism across Sri Lanka. Through targeted programs on youth awareness, local governance, entrepreneurship, and environmental protection, the Domestic Tourism and Community Relations Division continues to strengthen the foundation for a resilient and inclusive tourism sector, one that benefits communities, preserves culture, and celebrates the spirit of Sri Lankan hospitality.