Over 100 participants representing nearly 20 countries attended the seminar organized by the Sabaragamuwa University’s Tourism faculty. It is the first time such a seminar is being held in Sri Lanka.  Its theme is promoting nature conservation and cultural values through a tourism network. Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake participated as a special guest on the first day of the seminar which will continue till Sunday.

In addition to the Sabaragamuwa University’s Tourism Management Studies faculty, the Tourism Development Authority and the Eastern and Central Provincial Councils assisted in organizing the seminar. Among its objectives is to introduce Sri Lanka to the world as an ideal venue to hold international tourism seminars. Earlier such seminars were held in Spain and Malaysia among other countries.  This is the seventh occasion such a seminar is being held.

Participating countries include Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, China, Singapore, Iran, Tanzania, Britain, USA and Cambodia.  Among the representatives are specialists and researchers in the tourism sphere and a number of university professors.    

The Sabaragamuwa University’s Tourism Studies faculty was established in 1996 thus becoming the first of its kind in Sri Lankan University.  Already it is conducting three degree courses in tourism.

Among the speakers were Minister Dissanayake, Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Eastern Province Tourism and Agriculture Minister Nazeer Ahamed, Sabaragamuwa University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Chandana Udawatte, Organizing Committee Chairman Dr. Iraj Ratnayake, Faculty Head Wasantha Ratnayake and Professor Andrew Church.

A large number of invitees including Tourism Development Authority Chairman Bhashwara Senaratne also attended the seminar.(KH/MED)