Appointment of the new President of THASL for the year 2024/2025
Mr. M. Shanthikumar was unanimously appointed as the President of THASL for the 4th consecutive year.
A veteran in the industry with over 40 years of operational and management experience as a hotelier. He has been an active member in addressing industry issues over the years and held the position of President of Colombo City Hotels prior to his appointment as the President of THASL in 2021, succeeding Mr. Sanath Ukwatte, who now serves as the immediate Past President of the association.
Mr. Shanthikumar, President of THASL, highlighted the significance of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, recognizing the government's unprecedented focus on its development. He expressed gratitude for the leadership that restored stability after the country faced a severe crisis. The tourism sector, which had endured four difficult years due to multiple challenges, is now on track to achieve 1.5 million arrivals by the end of 2023—an achievement that once seemed impossible. He also acknowledged the vital role played by the Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, in rebuilding the country’s image internationally and restoring confidence among tourists.
He further addressed the critical issue of debt, emphasizing that hoteliers, particularly SMEs, require a structured debt restructuring plan with at least a 10-year repayment period to ensure sustainability. The industry's debt has escalated significantly, and without intervention, it could become unmanageable. Additionally, he urged the government to extend the same benefits given to export industries to the tourism sector, as high taxes and other financial burdens hinder its growth. The demand for a 1% turnover tax from hotels by local government authorities was highlighted as an unfair practice, especially when other businesses are only subject to a nominal flat fee. He called for an urgent resolution to this issue to protect the industry’s long-term viability.
Lastly, Mr. Shanthikumar underscored the importance of a strategic consumer marketing approach to attract high-spending tourists rather than relying on low-cost tourism. He stressed that Sri Lanka should follow models like the Maldives and Mauritius, focusing on high-value visitors rather than sheer volume. Selling cheap, he warned, would undermine the sector’s ability to maintain quality, pay competitive wages, and ensure sustainable growth. He also emphasized the need for a renewable energy plan to secure concessionary financing for the industry. Concluding his speech, he reaffirmed his appreciation for the government’s vision and its commitment to transforming Sri Lanka by 2048.
