The inaugural National Sustainable Tourism Conference (NSTC 2024) was successfully held on December 17, 2024, at the Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya. Organized through a collaboration between the Department of Trade, Commerce & Tourism, Central Province, and the Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya, the conference attracted a diverse group of academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and students. The event explored sustainable tourism practices under the theme “Harmony of Culture, Heritage, and Nature: Towards Sustainable Tourism in Sri Lanka.”
The conference was co-chaired by Mrs. Sandamali Hewage, Director of the Department of Trade, Commerce & Tourism, Central Province, and Prof. T.W.M. Tilak Wijethunga Bandara, Head of the Department of Geography at the University of Peradeniya. It featured a series of insightful technical sessions covering five crucial themes:
- Cultural Heritage Preservation and Tourism
- Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism
- Community Empowerment and Engagement
- Sustainable Tourism Policy and Planning
- Innovation and Technology in Tourism
A highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion, moderated by Prof. M.S.M. Aslam, that explored the complex relationships among culture, sociology, economics, governance, and tourism. Distinguished panelists, including Prof. H.M.D.R. Herath, Dr. Poornika Seelagama, Dr. Samanmala Dorabawila, and Mrs. Sandamali Hewage, offered a range of insightful perspectives on these interconnected issues.
NSTC 2024 served as a powerful demonstration of the impact that collaboration between academic institutions and government bodies can have in fostering meaningful dialogue and developing actionable strategies for sustainable tourism. The conference has laid a strong foundation for the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, emphasizing the preservation of cultural heritage, the protection of biodiversity, and the empowerment of local communities.
