News
Shanthikumar takes over THASL leadership
By Harischandra Gunaratna
Tourism industry veteran M. Shanthikumar was elected to head The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) following his appointment as the President of the association on Thursday at THASL’s 56th anniversary celebrations held at Taj Samudra.Shanthikumar takes over the leadership from Mount Lavinia Group Chairman Sanath Ukwatte whose term ended.
Addressing the anniversary celebrations, Shanthikumar said: “The hotel sector investment in Sri Lanka is by far the highest in the Tourism Industry estimated to be over 15 Billion USD. Further, 70% of the entire Tourism workforce is employed by the hoteliers in the country. Our member hotels and companies continue to spend a large unt of money annually to maintain the plants, for continuous training of staff and for overseas marketing and promotions striving to increase destination arrivals. The highest contribution to the Government coffers are made by the hoteliers.
In terms TDL payments, taxes, levies and all other charges. No one can deny the dominance and the contribution the accommodation providers in the country make to the Tourism industry.
“The hoteliers are already burdened with a series of top line taxes and levies. The topline social security contribution of 2.5% is definitely adding to the burden. We have been without revenues for nearly 18 months still continuing to maintain the employees and the hotels. The industry will lose its competitive edge in marketing the destination with such taxes and there is no doubt it will affect the anticipated tourist arrival growth in to the country.
“Being an industry with dollar earnings we need the Govt to consider exempting the Tourism Sector from the Social Security tax of 2.5% on the total revenue at least until such time we see the Tourist arrivals stabilizing to the country. This is absolutely critical,” he said.
Shanthikumar counts over four decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry and has been a catalyst in driving some of the key initiatives implemented for the betterment of the sector.
Earlier this month he stepped down from his role as President of Colombo City Hotels.
Shanthikumar has been part of the leadership team of THASL for over a decade. He has held the position of Director/CEO of Global Towers Hotel, Global Investment, Global Lanka Hotels and a Director of Ocean Edge Hotel. Shanthikumar has also served as Acting Chairman of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
Commenting on the appointment of the veteran as head of THASL, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) said it is looking forward to working together to uplift the tourism industry during the ongoing challenging period.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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