International recognition for Srilal for work in sustainability and eco-tourism
Srilal Miththapala, senior tourism industry personality, has been appointed to the Board of the Asian Eco-tourism Network, (AEN) with effect from January 1, 2019.
He will initially function as a non-voting member on the board, for a period of six months, after which he will be appointed as full board member at the AGM in June 2019.
Srilal joins another Sri Lankan on the board, Hiran Cooray, Chairman of the Jet Wing group.
The Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) is head quartered in Bangkok, and the founding member countries comprise of Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, China, South Korea, Mongolia, India, Laos, Pakistan, Bhutan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, and Australia. It is a regional initiative of Global Ecotourism Network (GEN).
The key objectives of AEN includes:
Connecting with AEN ecotourism stakeholders for knowledge transfer, and marketing and business opportunities Creating new networking opportunities for AEN ecotourism stakeholders. Providing AEN eco-tourism stakeholders with modern e-learning tools, training opportunities, and market data. Influencing policy makers and emphasise the importance of embracing the international branding and certification. AEN endorses the Global Sustainable Tourism council (GSTC) and its sustainability criteria for sustainability for travel providers, accommodations, destinations, and public authorities in Asia and beyond.
Commenting on this prestigious appointment, Miththapala said: “I am deeply humbled, and at the same time proud, to receive this international recognition for the work I have done to promote sustainable tourism development in our country. It is indeed a great honour. I will now try to share my knowledge, and experience I have gained, and the lessons I have learned in trying promoting sustainable tourism development in Sri Lanka, with other interested countries in Asia. ”
“Ironically sometimes it is people in other countries who recognise your efforts,” perhaps giving vent to his frustrations with the tourism authorities in Sri Lanka with whom he has gained little traction to further the cause of sustainable tourism development.
“The private players are the ones who are currently spearheading this. There is no clear policy or focus by the authorities”
Now retired, he engages in various consultancy assignments in Sustainable Tourism Development, Environment and Wild Life. He has worked with many private sector organisations, including several leading NGOS and a short stint with a World Bank project in India.