SLTDA Chairman Jayaratne steps down

A Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) statement yesterday said Johanne Jayaratne tendered his resignation from the position of SLTDA Chairman and Acting Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

Jayaratne was appointed SLTDA Chairman on May 15 by the former Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga. 

The SLTDA statement said Jayaratne was successful in implementing a significant amount of initiatives for the development of the country’s tourism industry
in the past six months.

“Full automation of the Standards and Quality Assurance Division where the tourism service providers get registered, improving the Enforcement Unit functions, setting up new business models for the operation of national holiday resorts and rest houses across the country, positioning the Research and International Relations Division as the primary source of data for the industry at large, and inter-divisional transfers/rotation of staff to increase efficiency and productivity, are some of the initiatives to name a few,” the statement said. 

Jayaratne also played a key role in bringing down the ground handling and embarkation fees at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for a six-month period to support the recovery of 
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry in the aftermath of Easter Sunday attacks. 

Prior to joining SLTDA, Jayaratne who is an aerospace and aviation professional with International experience, served as the Executive Director of Airport & Aviation Services. He successfully managed the overall runway overlay project at the BIA, and is credited with the establishment of the Silk Route Service. 

He was also responsible for the overall management of the Mattala International Airport construction and commissioning during his tenure at Airport & Aviation Services.
The Royal Aeronautical Society, the only Society of its kind in the world, with a history of over 150 years, awarded its 2018 Global Silver Medal to Jayaratne in recognition of his innovations, achievements, excellence, and contributions to the advancement of Aerospace Science and Engineering.