Trailblazer of Sri Lanka Tourism: Chandra Wickramasinghe marks five decades of innovation

THIS year marks a golden milestone for Wickramasinghe Arachchige Don Chandrasiri Jayalath Wickramasinghe, fondly known as Chandra Wickramasinghe, who celebrates 50 years of remarkable contribution to Sri Lanka's tourism industry.

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Born on 5 June 1953 in Kurunegala and educated at Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, Chandra's story is one of vision, courage, and enduring passion for hospitality.

His early journey into tourism began in 1975, when he started following a Diploma in Tourism from the Sri Lanka Technical College, Colombo 10, while also studying French at the Alliance Française de Colombo. Immediately after completing the Front Office Management Diploma at the Ceylon Hotel School, he started his career as a receptionist at Hotel Samudra, gaining invaluable frontline experience. Thereafter he flew to France, where he completed his Certificate in Spoken French at the Alliance Française de Paris. Returning with both practical skills and international exposure, he obtained the National Tour Guide Diploma from Tourist Board and started practicing as a guide lecturer and freelance tour guide for French operators such as Jet Tours and Kuoni, immersing himself fully in the world of travel and tourism. These formative years equipped him with invaluable knowledge and a deep appreciation for the potential of Sri Lanka as a world-class destination.