Tribute at Annual General Meeting recognises a leader who championed collaboration, regional MSMEs and the growth of Sancharaka Udawa 

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) paid tribute to its Past President, Mr. Harith Perera, at its Annual General Meeting held recently at Cinnamon Life City of Dream, recognising his years of service to the Association and his contribution to the development and promotion of Sri Lanka as a tourism destination. 

The tribute was delivered by fellow Past President Nishad Wijetunge, who worked closely with Perera during his tenure and later went on to lead the Association himself. 

Harith Perera joined the SLAITO Committee in 2009 and served in several positions before being elected President in 2017. He took office at a time when the industry was evolving rapidly and facing new challenges and opportunities. 

“From the outset, he approached the responsibility not simply as an honorary position, but as an opportunity to create greater value for the industry, its stakeholders, and the members he represented,” said Wijetunge. 

During his presidency, Harith focused on strengthening industry collaboration and promoting Sri Lanka as a destination. He believed tour operators, hotels, government institutions and tourism authorities needed to work together to present Sri Lanka to the world as a compelling, sustainable and competitive destination. 

A central part of his legacy is the growth of Sancharaka Udawa, SLAITO’s flagship event. Under his leadership, the event was developed into a more sustainable platform, with a particular focus on giving MSMEs from across the regions, especially those offering lesser-known tourism products, a wider and more affordable route to broader markets. 

He also strengthened engagement between the private sector and government, building closer relationships with ministries and tourism institutions while advocating for inbound tour operators. He placed strong emphasis on developing human resources, raising service standards and deepening cooperation among tourism associations. 

“Sometimes, the greatest achievements are the platforms we create for others, the relationships we build, the opportunities we open for the next generation, and the institutions we leave stronger than we found them,” Wijetunge said. “That is why Harith Perera deserves our recognition today.” 

Reflecting on their time working together, Wijetunge added that the lessons he learnt from Harith proved invaluable when he later served as President of the Association. 

Newly elected President Bobby Jordan Hansen said: “It is fitting that we honour Harith at the very meeting where a new committee takes office. The foundations he helped lay, in collaboration, advocacy and support for smaller operators, are ones we intend to build on. As we look ahead, his example reminds us that leadership is measured by what we leave behind for the industry and for Sri Lanka.” 

“Harith never saw the presidency as a title. He saw it as a responsibility to the whole industry” concluded Wijetunge.

Harith was presented with a token of appreciation in recognition of his service by President of SLAITO Bobby Jordan Hansen and immediate Past President Nalin Jayasundera