Mr. Prema Cooray, the imMediate Past Chairman of Aitken Spence PLC counts well over 30 years’ experience in travel and tourism. He led the Hotel Sector of Aitken Spence for several years making a significant contribution in making Aitken Spence a leading player in the development of resorts both in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

He is acknowledged for the pivotal role played in the development of sustainable tourism and especially for his leadership in developing the renowned Kandalama Hotel which has won many global accolades for its contribution to environmental management, food and beverage excellence and service standards of a truly exceptional nature. These attributes signaled the entry of Sri Lanka’s tourism to the world map of the hospitality industry.

He also led the pioneering effort of large scale expansion to the Republic of Maldives in early ‘90s and this regional development contributed exceptionally to the overall profile and growth of Aitken Spence.

He is the current Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and also chairs a rainforest initiative partnered by the private sector which bench-marks the best practices for Eco Tourism development in Sri Lanka. He serves as a Member of the Grants Board of ICTA, and as a board member of Light House PLC, Fort Hotel Group and Ramada Colombo.

Mr. Prema Cooray was awarded the “Legend of Tourism” by the Ministry of Tourism in 2011.

He is the Past President of the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (1998-2000) also served as the Secretary-General/ CEO of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (2003- 2008)

Mr. Cooray has an MBA from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, is a Certified Management Accountant and he is also a Member of the Institute of Hospitality, UK.