The first ever Presidential Awards for Tourism was held amongst
a large gathering of industry personnel at the Cinnamon Grand last week.  Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda and Sri Lanka Tourism Brand Ambassador Arjuna Ranatunga graced the pre event gathering as the guest of honour.

“This was a much awaited event for the tourism industry, where most of the top industries in the country already carry Presidential Awards in respective areas.

“this is a great step taken to uplift the industry’s morale”

These awards will be judged with no political interference, Naleen Artigalla said, where every thing was done by technical professionals in the industry lead by him.

His team included Additional Secretary to Tourism Ministry Jorge Michel and Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Authority Renton de Alwis.”

Renton de Alwis said that they wish to develop the tourism industry into a billion dollar industry by making the biggest foreign currency earner to the country.  He further added that this was a great step taken to uplift the industry’s morale, and thanked the Minister of Tourism for taking the initiative.  “They will award all sectors of the industry from small restaurants to star class hotels, international and local travel and tour operators, and airline operators”, he said.