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Certification Scheme for 100 SMEs in Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector
Over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector were awarded the National Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme (NSTCS), which is a process that recognizes and promotes destinations that are committed to environmental, social and economic sustainability in Sri Lanka.
In line with the overall strategy of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka the certification scheme was established in 2018 in line with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council guidelines.
The certifications were awarded on Wednesday (May 29) in the presence of Tourism Minister Harin Fernando; Secretary to the Tourism Minister H.M.B.P. Herath, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota, Chairperson – SLTDA Priantha Fernando, Director General – SLTDA R. Sariffodeen, and other high-level dignitaries from the tourism and development sector.
The certification scheme aims to involve all tourism stakeholders- government agencies and the private sector, working in partnership to move towards a more sustainable tourism sector in Sri Lanka in line with national priorities. Following the successful completion of the pilot phase in 2019 for the accommodation sector, in 2023 a call for applications was opened for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the sector.
According to the ADB, Small and medium enterprises play a vital role in the country’s economy, contributing more than 50% of the GDP in Sri Lanka. Around 75% of these enterprises belong to the tourism sector. These include hotels and homestays (33%), spas and ayurveda (18%). Souvenirs, handicrafts, cafes, food and beverages make up most of the remaining enterprises.
While tourism growth brings positive outcomes for countries, there could also be negative impacts, with unplanned tourism creating specific challenges. Against this background, the Government of Sri Lanka with its ambitious growth targets of tourist arrivals, is working towards to continue in offering positive tourism experiences ensuring long-term sustainability for the country.
Commenting on the certification scheme, Priantha Fernando, Chairperson of SLTDA stated, “Our commitment to sustainability is not just about meeting the demands of today’s consumers; it is about securing a better future for our nation and the generations to come. What is good for our nation, our future, and our customers is intrinsically linked thus, let us continue to build a sustainable, prosperous, and vibrant tourism industry in Sri Lanka.”
This programme involves a series of steps to assess and validate a destination’s efforts in various sustainability aspects with a special focus on sustainable use of biodiversity including reducing threats to the environment and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a UNDP-managed global collaboration to develop and implement an evidence-based methodology that improves biodiversity outcomes using finance and economics. In Sri Lanka, working together with the Government of Sri Lanka, BIOFIN works on implementing three (3) finance solutions for the sustainable use and management of biodiversity; the development of a Green Lending framework, a sustainable certification for the tourism industry following the establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Unit (STU), and payment for ecosystem services in the mini-hydro power generation sector.
Highlighting UNDP’s role, Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka noted, “Biodiversity must be at the heart of Sri Lanka’s recovery trajectory, from nature-based solutions with investments to let biodiversity flourish, creating jobs and opportunities for communities to secure a sustainable future. Through the success of such certification schemes in the tourism sector, UNDP reaffirms its commitment to working together with all stakeholders in the sector to demonstrate how nature-positive economies can work for people and the planet.”
The national certification scheme will mitigate the negative impacts of tourism but also incentivize tourism businesses to transition toward environmentally and socially responsible business practices. Importantly, generating income, providing skilled employment opportunities, preserving local ecosystems and cultures, and creating positive experiences for local people, tourism companies, and tourists themselves.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
