University of Colombo’s Sustainable Tourism Unit marks a milestone for Sri Lanka tourism

The Faculty of Arts at the University of Colombo inaugurated its Sustainable Tourism Unit (STU) on October 2, 2023, at the Senate Hall, College House, marking a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
The chief guest of the inauguration ceremony was University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne and the guest of honour was University of Colombo Faculty of Arts Dean Senior Prof. L. Manawdu.

Aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the establishment of the UOC-STU signifies a paradigm shift from unsustainable practices towards integrated, inclusive and eco-conscious tourism development in Sri Lanka. 
The unit’s motto, ‘Wisdom Enlightening for Sustainable Tourism’, encapsulates its commitment to integrating industry best practices and global standards into Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape. 
The primary objective of the UOC-STU is to serve as a knowledge hub, offering evidence-based insights, outcome-oriented training, public awareness campaigns and intellectual contributions to drive inclusive and integrated sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka.

Prof. Karunaratne said the UOC-STU would contribute significantly to capacity-building endeavours to cater to the development of the booming tourism industry in Sri Lanka. 
“Sri Lanka’s tourism product still needs improvement in many fields to reap its full potential. I believe the new UOC-STU will be able to expand human resource development, product development and entrepreneurship development to contribute actively to the tourism industry of Sri Lanka and the overall economic growth in a sustainable way,” he added.
He also commended the leadership and immense contribution of Prof. Suranga Silva, Coordinator of the STU and first-ever Tourism Professor in Sri Lanka to the University of Colombo and the industry development.

Prof. Manawdu said by leveraging the expertise of 13 departments and multiple teaching units in the social sciences, the STU is poised to make a substantial impact on sustainable tourism development.
He also hinted that the UOC-STU unit will likely be converted into the 14th department of the University of Colombo, under the leadership of Prof. Silva.  Prof. Silva expressed his vision for the UOC-STU, under the direction of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo and recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Arts, emphasising the unit’s unique initiation and commitment.

“The ultimate aspiration of UOC-STU is to emerge as the premier centre of excellence, fostering innovation, sharing knowledge and catalysing actions to propel Sri Lanka tourism to the forefront of the global stage. This milestone inauguration sets a promising trajectory for the future of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Prof. Silva also emphasised the pivotal role of social sciences in understanding human behaviour, cultural dynamics and economic factors underpinning sustainable tourism. 
An industry-policy and diplomatic dialogue themed ‘The Future of Wisdom Enlightening for Sustainable Tourism Development’ was also held concurrently at the launch, to mark UNWTO World Tourism Day Celebration 2023. 

The panel featured University of Colombo Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences Professor Emeritus Sarath Kotagama, Honorary Consul of Belgium in Maldives Dr. Mariyam Shakeela, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Priantha Fernando, Asian Development Bank Private Sector Development Unit Head Santhosh Pokharel and the session was moderated by University of Colombo visiting lecturer and Shangri-La Hambantota Learning and Development Manager and Head of Department Damsi Dharmaratne. 
The dialogue shed light on striking a balance between reaping economic benefits from tourism and safeguarding the environment as well as supporting local communities, to encourage a more conscientious and mutually beneficial form of travel. 
The inauguration of the UOC-STU recognised the critical importance of evidence-based knowledge, data-driven insights, stakeholder awareness and industry implementation of sustainable tourism practices in Sri Lanka.