The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), the leading government institution for education in tourism and hospitality under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, achieved a pivotal milestone on June 8, 2026, with the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration (CACTA) from the People’s Republic of China.
The signing ceremony took place at the SLITHM Auditorium, attended by esteemed guests, government representatives, academics, tourism industry stakeholders, and members of the Chinese delegation.
This significant agreement comes after the Sri Lankan Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the Director General of SLITHM to enter into the partnership on behalf of the institution. This collaboration marks a substantial advancement in enhancing bilateral relations in tourism and hospitality education between Sri Lanka and China.
Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe served as the Chief Guest at the event. In his address, he underscored the vital role of international collaborations in promoting educational excellence, encouraging innovation, and equipping future tourism professionals with the necessary skills to meet global industry benchmarks.
The Chairman of SLITHM, Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, along with the Director General of SLITHM, also delivered keynotes that underscored the strategic relevance of this partnership and the long-term advantages it is expected to bring to both institutions and the broader tourism sector.
