Prime Minister stresses quality tourism jobs as SLITHM launches degree programme

Sri Lanka's tourism industry must create quality employment, support local enterprises, empower young people and expand opportunities for women, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach communities across the country, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

She spoke while taking part in the inaugural ceremony of the Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management (Honours) Degree Programme at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) in Colombo yesterday (27). The first batch of the programme comprises 65 students.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described the launch as a historic milestone for SLITHM. She said it reflected the institution's transformation from a centre of vocational excellence into a recognised contributor to higher education and professional development in Sri Lanka.

Tourism, she emphasised, extends beyond economic activity, serving as a bridge between cultures, a platform for international engagement and a source of livelihood and opportunity for thousands of Sri Lankan families.

Referring to the Government's tourism sector targets for 2030, the Prime Minister noted that achieving these goals would require more than infrastructure development and investment. A highly skilled workforce, strong institutions, innovative thinking and a commitment to excellence would be essential to ensuring sustainable growth in the industry.

She also highlighted the importance of strengthening women's participation in tourism by creating more opportunities for them to contribute to and benefit from the sector's continued development.

The introduction of the Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management (Honours) Degree Programme marks an important step towards strengthening professional education and developing the skilled workforce needed to support the future growth of Sri Lanka's tourism and hospitality industry.

The event was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, the Ministry Secretary and officials, the Chairman and members of the SLITHM Board of Directors, representatives of the University Grants Commission and the higher education sector, tourism and hospitality industry representatives, academic staff, parents and students of the inaugural batch.