Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ Srilal Miththapala was recently bestowed with the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award by The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) during its 58th Annual General Meeting. The accolade, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, recognizes Miththapala’s exceptional contributions to the tourism industry.
Miththapala, a Chartered Electrical Engineer, commenced his illustrious career at Richard Pieris & Co Arpico factory before venturing into the tourism sector in 1985 as the General Manager of Riverina Hotel, Beruwala. His journey continued with roles at Confifi Group and later as the CEO of Serendib Leisure Management, where he managed several hotels.
The late Prof. M.T.A. Furkhan, whom Miththapala acknowledges as his mentor, played a pivotal role in his transition into the tourism industry. His tenure as the Project Manager of the EU-SWITCH ASIA Genting Hotels from 2009 to 2013 ignited Miththapala’s passion for sustainable tourism.
Miththapala’s dedication to sustainability is commendable, earning him the Green Jobs’ Environment Award in 2009. His proactive efforts in advocating for sustainable tourism through lectures, presentations, and professional training showcase a commitment to fostering environmentally conscious practices within the industry. By actively engaging in initiatives that promote green practices, Miththapala contributes significantly to creating a more sustainable and responsible tourism landscape.
In addition to serving on various boards, including Rainforest Eco Lodge Sinharaja and Laugfs Leisure, Miththapala held the position of President at THASL in 2009/2010. He holds a unique distinction as perhaps the only individual to be a Fellow of both the Institute of Hospitality UK and the Institute of Electrical Engineering UK.
In his retirement, Miththapala remains engaged in consultancy assignments related to sustainable tourism development, environment, and wildlife. His impact extends to collaborations with organizations like MDF, S4IG, YouLead, UNDP GEF Project, and GiZ Evolvers Project.
