Sri Lanka Tourism commemorated International Women's Day for the very first time by organizing a panel discussion on women in tourism at the SLITHM Auditorium. The welcome address was delivered by Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga while the keynote address was delivered by Mayor elect of Colombo, Rosy Senanayake. The main panelists were: Buddhika Hewawasam, Director General, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Rookamanie Fernando, General Manager, Jetwing Colombo 7, Kasun Abeynayaka, Academic and Consultant, William Angliss Institute, Carmen Niethammer, Program Manager, IFC Women in Work Program.
The discussion was moderated by Anishka de Zylva, Research Associate, Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute. Vote of thanks was delivered by Director Marketing, SLTPB, Madhubani Perera.
Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga said, "I’m pleased to be here this evening at the very first Women’s Day Celebration organized by the Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs. I must thank all the organisers for taking this initiative which has been long overdue."
"Today women form the majority of the population in Sri Lanka with around 10.9 million females as opposed to 10.1 million males. Even in our own work places here,I believe women are in the majority. Therefore this celebration today is a milestone in highlighting the equitable position of women in general and in tourism in particular," the minister said. "Sri Lanka is also one of the few countries in the world to have established a dedicated Ministry of Women’s Affairs almost 4 decades ago with the mandate to ensure the well-being of all females living in this country. Ministry of Tourism will focus on encouraging more women to join the lucrative tourism industry which has the potential to transform the economy of our country through greater female participation," the minister said.
"In conclusion I take this opportunity to once again thank the organisers for organizing this important event and I also hope that more females will contribute to economic activity especially the tourism sector which will help take our country to greater heights."
Add new comment