Kishu steps down from SLTDA

Kishu Gomes has resigned from the chairmanship of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), and from now on will only function as Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in order to fully focus on re-building Sri Lanka’s tourism brand in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. 

Gomes, who is a marketer, has been heading both SLTPB and SLTDA since February this year. 

“…given the current crisis situation, it is obvious that SLTPB’s efforts in the global arena should be strengthened with an acutely focused PR effort and an aggressive marketing and brand communication strategy to regain Sri Lanka’s position as the preferred destination for travel in 2019,” a SLTPB press communiqué said.

Meanwhile, Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga appointed Johanne Jayaratne as SLTDA Chairman. 

Jayaratne up to the time of his new appointment served as Managing Director of SLTPB.

“Both SLTPB as well as SLTDA are facing new challenges since the Easter Sunday attacks that dealt a serious blow to the tourism industry. 

“Given the enormous workload thrust on the two tourism entities and the critical importance of restoring the industry in the shortest possible time, it was decided that each entity should have its own chairman to drive the institutions which are responsible for managing the country’s third highest revenue generator,” a Tourism Ministry statement said.