The demise of Prema Cooray is a great loss to the Tourism industry in Sri Lanka. His passion for the industry was known by all. An individual who never hesitated to take a lead role in addressing challenges that threatened industry growth.
He contributed immensely to the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. He was an executive committee member of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and thereafter was appointed to serve as the President of THASL from the year 1988 to 2000.
Cooray served on many high-profile boards and committees which addressed issues of national interest, especially during the 30-year civil conflict in the country and post-return of peace. He was the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau (SLCB) where he pioneered the efforts to target the Indian MICE market which he believed had the potential to make a huge difference to the growth in tourism in Sri Lanka. Thereafter, he went on to be the Director General/CEO of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
In recognition of his contribution, he was awarded the ‘Legend of Tourism’ award by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2011. In the year 2022, Cooray was the recipient of the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from THASL.
A past Chairman of Aitken Spence and Company, he also led Aitken Spence to be a leading player in the development of resorts in both Sri Lanka and then entering the Maldives as the 1st Sri Lankan Hotel Company. He played a pivotal role in pioneering sustainable development with its flagship Kandalama Hotel, which became a global case study. Continuing his active role in 2022, he authored his book ‘KANDALAMA The Untold Story’ which gives a vivid description of the challenges and the perseverance which led to building this world-renowned property by none other than Architect Geoffrey Bawa. It is stated that the Kandalama Hotel was the best expression of Bawa’s works, which won many global accolades.
Prema Cooray is remembered for his contribution to the development of the Rainforest Lodge near Sinharaja forest and his voice on the importance of private sector representation in the national tourism development process which was brought about by the 2005 Tourism Act.
He also played a lead role in re-profiling Sri Lanka as a destination going beyond the beaches by identifying the Island’s diverse attractions for tourism.
We will miss this highly respected industry professional whose contribution will be remembered with gratitude by all of us in the tourism industry.
May his soul rest in eternal peace!
President and The Management Committee of The Hotels
Association of Sri Lanka (THASL)
