Presidential awards for Travel and Tourism will take place for the second consecutive year on January 26th 2009 at the BMICH Colombo. This event is a singular tribute to those who have excelled in the development of tourism in Sri Lanka. These prestigious awards are renowned as the highest accolade for individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions play a significant role in the success of the country’s tourism industry.

According to the committee of inaugural Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism, is aimed “to recognize and reward excellence among stakeholders of the past and present. It also aims to encourage and ensure an even greater contribution from its stake holders in the future, to ensure the sustainable development of the Tourism industry.”


Based on an idea conceived by the Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda, Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism has been an initiative of Sri Lanka Tourism and Tourism Minister appointed last year an advisory council consisting of Deshamanya, Mr.M.D.D.Peiris, Mr.K.A.D. George Michael Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, Mr.Nalin Attygalle, Dr.Daya Hewapathirane, Mr. Ken Balendra, Mr. Anusha Palpita, Director information, Mr. Renton de Alwis & Mr. Prema Cooray to drive the project.


Tourism is the 4th largest foreign exchange earner in Sri Lanka, providing a livelihood for nearly a million people. Tourism has helped underline Sri Lanka’s image as a warm and friendly nation, with a unique natural beauty of its own, with sandy beaches, lush green vegetation, over 2500 years of national heritage and culture and opportunities for adventure. Ministry of Tourism warmly invites all stakeholders of past and present to be a part of this prestigious annual industry gathering.


Presidential awards winners for Travel & Tourism 2007 with Prime Minister Hon. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake.