Shanthikumar calls for stronger branding, policy reforms, investment boost

THE Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) outgoing President M. Shanthikumar on Monday in his final address to Government and members called for stronger global promotion, dearer regulations and investmentfriendly policies to safeguard the sector's future.

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M. Shanthikumar Delivering his final speech before handing over leadership to Asoka Hettigoda at THASL's 60th anniversary Shanthikumar said the dominance and contribution of formal-sector hoteliers "cannot be underestimated, noting that the industry continues to be the country's largest privatesector contributor to tourism development, revenue and employment.

He highlighted that hotels generate the highest tax and levy income to the Government from the private sector, including significant contributions through the Tourism Development Levy (TDL).

"The hotels employ over 70% of Sri Lanka's tourism workforce and have invested over $15 billion over the past 60 years. Beyond capital investments, member hotels collectively spend billions of rupees annually on overseas promotions and millions on training to keep staff aligned with international standards," he pointed out.