The Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA), in collaboration with NSBM Green University and the International Centre for Tourism & Hospitality (ICTH), successfully held the first-ever International Hospitality & Tourism Conference – I-Host 2025 on 4th September 2025 at NSBM Green University.

Under the theme “From Heritage to Horizons: Tourism and Education in Sri Lanka”, the landmark event brought together students, academics, and industry leaders to shape the future of tourism and hospitality.

The program featured two key themes – Future-Ready Hospitality Graduates and Personal Branding for Success – with insights from top voices in the sector including Darhs Gallage (City of Dream), Ishara Naufal (Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts), Dinesh Hettiarachchi (Mackson Hotels), Maheesha Ratnayake (Aitken Spence Hotels), and Niroshan Silva (Institute of Hospitality / Laughs Leisure), among others.

Beyond keynotes and panels, the day included cultural performances, a knowledge challenge, and networking sessions that connected future professionals with senior industry figures.

This inaugural collaboration between SLHGA and NSBM Green University marked a milestone in bridging academia and industry, reinforcing the shared goal of nurturing graduates ready to carry Sri Lanka’s hospitality and tourism forward on the global stage.

Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Lasitha De Silva, who spearheaded the organizing efforts, and to Mr. Patrick Pereira, President of SLHGA, for his leadership and guidance.

I-Host 2025 is only the beginning—a platform that will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of hospitality leaders.