The 11th edition of the “Sancharaka Udawa” travel and tourism exhibition, organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), was held on the 17th and 18th of May 2024 at the BMICH premises. This event provides a platform for small and medium tourism service providers from various regions to exhibit their products and services. Over the two-day event, more than 240 stalls and over 500 exhibitors showcased their offerings, giving attendees the opportunity to interact with both established and emerging operators. Participants also had the chance to gain insights into the evolving landscape of the tourism industry.
The Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka proudly participated as exhibitors at “Sancharaka Udawa” for the fourth time. This year, the Department collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism, North Central Provincial Council, and the Anuradhapura Hoteliers’ Association.
Apart from showcasing the BSc. Honors in Tourism and Hospitality Management degree program offered by the Department, various initiatives were taken to promote North Central Province as a tourist destination under four main themes:
- Visit Anuradhapura
- Visit Wilpattu
- Visit Habarana
- Visit Polonnaruwa
With the dedicated efforts of the undergraduates, the Department launched customized T-shirts, plaques, mugs, water bottles, stickers, and key-tags. Brochures were distributed to inform participants about the BSc. Honors in Tourism and Hospitality Management degree program and new tourism products in Anuradhapura, including the “Rajarata University Tour.” The University also exhibited “Black and Red ware” pottery products, re-invented by the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. The student-run stall gained significant attention during the event.
During the exhibition, Professor Manoj Samarathunga delivered two speeches for travel agents and participants on “Regional Tourism Promotions: Strategies and Way Forward” and “Career Development in the Tourism Industry,” which were highly successful. The event was organized with the support of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Mrs.) Ginigaddara, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, Prof. PMB. Jayathilake,the Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Mr. KTLUS Dayangana, and the Director Tourism of North Central Provincial Council, Mr.Dilruk Rathnayake. Mrs. Rasanjalie Rathnayake and Mr. Dushan Leelachandra coordinated the event alongside the students under the guidance of Prof. Manoj Samarathunga.
