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Hon. Minister Basil Rajapaksa
Minister of Economic Development
Dr. Nalaka Godahewa
Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
Dr. Suranga De Silva
Director General Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management
Mr. Sarath Fernando
President Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association
Mr. Trevine Gomez
Chairman, Hotel Show Committee
Mr. Arjun Dharmadasa
Managing Director Lanka Exhibitions & Conference Service (Pvt.) Ltd
Mr. Bandhula Ekanayake
Director General, BMICH
Mr. Lalith Heengama
Chairman, Diamond Sponsor Environmental Resources Investment PLC
Mr. Sunimal Peiris
Managing Director, Gold Sponsor Sperrys Commercial Equipment (Pvt.) Ltd
Mr. Azad Masoor
Chairman/ Managing Director, Gold Sponsor Promo Lanka Marketing (Pvt.) Ltd
Mr. Bary Jaleel
Managing Director, Silver Sponsor M.C. Abdul Rahim & Bros (Pvt.) Ltd
Mr. Hiran Cooray
Chairman, Pacific Asia Travel Association
Mr. Malin Hapugoda
Founder President, Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association
Hotel Show 2010 – Address by the Chief Guest Hon. Minister Basil Rajapaksa
This year’s event was gaining significant each passing day as it was the event in Sri Lanka after decades of problems. And the exhibition was given the due respect with an important government minister arriving as the Chief Guest of the opening day – as the minister in-charge of Tourism & Economic Development in Sri Lanka, Hon. Minister Basil Rajapaksa not only graced the event with his presence but also shared his views which were more encouraging for all industry representatives.
By spending around 3 hours in Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre, Colombo & inspecting all stalls within the premises the Minister showed his personal interest and encouragement towards the industry and its people. Moreover, he was sharing his instant ideas with innovative stallholders which could help them on their improvement.
Earlier on the day, the minister conveyed a clear message to the entire industry during his speech. Stating-off with the troublesome memories of the past he pointed-out Tourism as a worst affected industries of the economy. But at the same time Tourism will be the first to grab the opportunities available after the war, the Minister continued.
With the most suitable business environment created after decades to have a jump start in tourism, Minister was bold enough to comment on the support which could be essential from The Government/ State Authorities. The state authorities need to support effectively in this regard without just waiting for work to happen. He further stressed that any government approval could be effectively granted within 3 hours, if the persons involved would have the enthusiasm to do so. Otherwise, the same issue could be dragged for 3 years which gives a clear indication of not giving proper attention or the lethargic attitude towards same.
Concluding the speech he stressed the importance of the exhibition at this crucial time of the industry and invited all individuals attached to Tourism and others who are interested, to make a visit. This could encourage the people in the industry and also help the general public in the development process of Tourism Industry
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