GALLE : The fifth programme of the “Ruhunu NextGen Tourism Day” series, organised by the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau as part of the World Tourism Day 2026 celebrations, was held yesterday (05) at the Galle Town Hall under the patronage of Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
The programme highlighted the importance of using digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the tourism sector, in line with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
The official website for the Ruhunu NextGen Tourism School Tourism Clubs was launched at the event. The “Travel Sri Lanka AI” hotline was also introduced jointly by the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau and Dialog Axiata PLC. Tourists can access travel information and assistance 24 hours a day in more than 12 languages by calling 011 778 8288.
The Minister also stressed that tourism should not be limited to hotels and tourism institutions, and that people at the village level should also be given opportunities to participate in the tourism economy and generate income. He further noted that establishing school tourism clubs is an important step towards developing an interest in tourism among children from an early age.
He also said that work has commenced on preparing a new Tourism Act to modernise the sector and respond to new technological developments.
While advancing tourism through technology and Artificial Intelligence, the Minister stressed that Sri Lanka’s unique hospitality must continue to remain one of the sector’s key strengths.
The event, which was organised in a grand manner by Mr. Jayan Godakanda, Chairman of the Ruhunu Tourism Bureau, together with its officials, was attended by by Dr. Susiripala Manawadu, Governor of the Southern Province; Ms. Hasara Liyanage, Member of Parliament and Galle District Coordinating Parliamentarian for the Ministry of Tourism; Mr. Nishantha Samaraweera, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE); Mr. T.K. Jayasundara, Member of Parliament, along with other public representatives; the Chief Secretary of the Southern Province and senior government officials; Mr. Harvinder Singh, Consul General of India in Hambantota; Supun Weerasinghe Director /Group Chief Executive Officer , Dialog Axiata PLC, Mr. Suranjith Wawita, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority; Provincial Clean Sri Lanka Cordinator Mr Sanjaya Danushka, representatives of SLAITO, SLINTGL and Hotel Associations; principals, teachers, schoolchildren and a large gathering of stakeholders and participants.
