The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM), the nation’s premier government institution for tourism and hospitality education, proudly celebrated its 45th Graduation Ceremony last friday at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo.

The ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, as the Guest of Honour. The event also welcomed distinguished guests including Dr. Geethanjali Chakravarthy, President of the Sri Lanka Hotel School Graduates’ Association; Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of SLITHM; Mr. Wasantha Manthripala, Director General of SLITHM; industry experts; general managers of leading hotel groups; and representatives from across Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Established in 1964 as the Ceylon Hotel School, SLITHM has evolved into a UGC‑recognized Degree Awarding Institute, producing more than 6,000 trained professionals annually for hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise operations, and international hospitality enterprises. With regional colleges across the country, SLITHM ensures equal access to tourism education for youth in all provinces.

This year’s ceremony celebrated the achievements of 71 graduates, who now join a distinguished alumni network serving both Sri Lanka and international destinations. Their success reflects personal dedication, the support of families, and the commitment of SLITHM’s academic and administrative staff.

In her address, the Prime Minister congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of human capital development as a cornerstone of the Government’s National Tourism Policy. She highlighted SLITHM’s six‑decade legacy in shaping industry‑ready professionals and its pivotal role in achieving Sri Lanka’s Tourism Vision 2030 targets: 5 million tourist arrivals, USD 10 billion in revenue, and an 800,000‑strong workforce.

Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe commended SLITHM’s enduring contribution to strengthening Sri Lanka’s global reputation for hospitality excellence and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting institutions that drive skills development, innovation, and international competitiveness.

The 45th Graduation Ceremony stands as a testament to SLITHM’s legacy of excellence and its vital role in empowering youth, advancing tourism education, and shaping the future of Sri Lankan hospitality.