New SLTDA Chairman Signals Decentralization of Tourism Investments in Sri Lanka
Suranjith Wevita has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath. This appointment signifies a restructuring of administrative powers within Sri Lanka's tourism sector, as it effectively ends the dual-chairmanship strategy previously held by Buddhika Hewawasam, who will continue as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). The decision to split these roles was made to address internal pressures from provincial service providers who have been advocating for greater representation and a more equitable distribution of tourism resources, arguing that national policies disproportionately favor Colombo-based corporate entities. Wevita, who comes from a grassroots service sector background and has experience in both banking and tourism, is expected to introduce reforms aimed at decentralizing investments under the SLTDA, focusing on updated recovery frameworks and regional ... 
