COLOMBO / KATHMANDU – The Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) successfully convened its 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 17, 2026, at the Dusit Princess Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal, marking a historic chapter for Sri Lanka’s travel trade sector with the election of Ms. Chamila Wijethunge as President.
The event brought together representatives from over 50 member companies alongside key regional stakeholders, underscoring strong industry unity and highlighting growing bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Historic Leadership Transition
A central milestone of the 51st AGM was the election of Ms. Chamila Wijethunge, representing Acorn Travels (Pvt) Ltd, to the helm of the Association. Ms. Wijethunge becomes only the second woman President in TAASL’s 50-plus-year history, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to advancing equal representation and leadership opportunities within the travel and tourism sectors.
In her inaugural address to the membership, Ms. Wijethunge stressed the vital role of internal harmony and cross-industry cooperation:
> “The continued progress of TAASL depends on members working together with a shared purpose and maintaining strong relationships across the industry.”
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She expressed her gratitude to the general membership for their vote of confidence, while acknowledging the support of her team at Acorn Travels.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
Her Excellency Ruwanthi Delpitiya, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal, honored the occasion as Chief Guest, emphasizing the importance of expanding tourism and commercial linkages between the two nations.
The AGM saw active engagement from major aviation and trade authorities, including:
* Aviation & Trade Partners: Representatives from SriLankan Airlines, General Sales Agents (GSAs), and digital travel platforms.
* Host Country Authorities: Delegates from the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA).
Strategic Outlook
Following formal proceedings, TAASL hosted a high-level networking session attended by more than 100 industry leaders. The forum provided a strategic platform for Sri Lankan delegates and Nepalese tourism authorities to explore joint promotional initiatives, discuss pressuring industry challenges, and build direct B2B ties.
With Ms. Wijethunge at the helm, TAASL enters its next operating year with a clear mandate focused on inclusivity, international partnership development, and sustained advocacy for Sri Lanka’s travel agency community.
About TAASL
The Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) is the apex body representing Sri Lanka’s outbound and travel trade agents. Established over five decades ago, TAASL plays a central role in maintaining professional standards, regulating trade practices, and partnering with international tourism boards and airlines to advance Sri Lanka’s travel sector.
