SLITHM inaugurates first degree programme to bridge 600,000 tourism vacancies

Newswire reports that the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) launched its inaugural Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management (Hons) course on October 27, 2026, at Cinnamon Lakeside in Colombo. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, and representatives from government, universities and the hospitality industry attended.

Newswire reports that 65 students have enrolled, most of them women. Amarasuriya highlighted tourism’s contribution to the economy and encouraged greater participation by women. SLITHM and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi described the course as practically oriented. University of Colombo Professor Suranga Silva said the four-year programme combines classroom learning with industry training, internships, thesis research and foreign-language study, with the aim of meeting international standards.

Newswire reports that officials presented the programme as a response to an estimated 600,000 unfilled jobs across the growing tourism sector. Herath said Sri Lanka recorded its largest number of tourist arrivals in 2025 and set goals of welcoming four million visitors and generating USD 8 billion in tourism revenue by 2030.

Newswire reports that Herath outlined plans to upgrade SLITHM with World Bank support and extend its branches to every district. He also announced a proposed regional Tourism Training and Research Centre in Habarana, to be established under an agreement with the North Central Provincial Council.

Newswire reports that Herath cited expanding air links, including British Airways’ return after an 11-year absence, more flights from Vietnam and direct flights between Beijing and Katunayake planned for 2027.