The Sri Lanka Presidential Task Force for Tourism Development is a high-level initiative aimed at boosting the country’s tourism industry over the next five years. Formed through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2450/27 issued on 20 August, the task force is responsible for overseeing key tourism policies, projects, and partnerships. This collaborative body includes both public and private sector representatives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the growth and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
Under the leadership of Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism, the task force is set to align various government agencies and stakeholders. The initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays and create a unified strategy for tourism development, ultimately contributing to economic growth, foreign exchange earnings, and employment in Sri Lanka.
This article provides a complete list of the Presidential Task Force members, including their roles and responsibilities, shedding light on the people leading this critical development program.
Presidential Task Force - Members
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Program
Vijitha Herath
Chairman
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
LeadershipProf. Ruwan Ranasinghe
Vice Chairman
Deputy Minister of Tourism
LeadershipSecretary
Secretary of the Task Force
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
LeadershipSecretary to the President
Government Official
Public SectorTreasury Secretary
Government Official
Public SectorSecretary – Ministry of Public Administration
Public SectorSecretary – Ministry of Environment
Public SectorSecretary – Ministry of Agriculture
Public SectorSecretary – Ministry of Transport
Public SectorUrban Development Authority Chairman
Public SectorSri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman
Public SectorSri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Chairman
Public SectorDirector-General – Department of Coastal Conservation
Public SectorDirector-General – Department of Wildlife Conservation
Public SectorDirector-General – Department of Irrigation
Public SectorDuminda Hulangamuwa
Country Managing Partner
EY Sri Lanka & Maldives
Private SectorKrishan Balendra
Chairperson-CEO
John Keells Holdings PLC
Private SectorNihal Muhandiram
Vice President
EKHO Hotels & Resorts, Galle Face Hotels Group
Private SectorNalin Jayasundara
Managing Director
Aitken Spence Travels Ltd
Private SectorShiromal Cooray
Chairman & Managing Director
Jetwing Travels (Pvt.) Ltd
Private SectorSuranjith Wevita
National Tour Guide Lecturer
Private SectorResponsibilities of the Sri Lanka Presidential Task Force for Tourism Development
The Sri Lanka Presidential Task Force for Tourism Development has a broad mandate to oversee and guide the implementation of the country's five-year tourism growth strategy. Below are the key responsibilities entrusted to the task force:
- Policy Formulation and Implementation: Developing and executing policies to enhance tourism in Sri Lanka.
- Coordinating Across Ministries: Ensuring alignment of various governmental departments, local authorities, and ministries involved in tourism development.
- Public and Private Sector Collaboration: Engaging stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to drive sustainable tourism growth.
- Overseeing Tourism Projects: Managing and supervising the execution of high-impact tourism projects across the country.
- Ensuring Accountability and Efficiency: Streamlining processes to minimize bureaucratic delays and foster a transparent, results-driven approach.
- Regular Progress Reports: Providing updates directly to the President, ensuring effective oversight and prompt action on challenges.