P. Upali Ratnayake

Deputy Director General and Head of Sustainable Tourism Unit, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Presently serve as the Deputy Director General - SLTDA and Head of Sustainable Tourism Unit (STU) of the SLTDA. Co-training of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Leader and motivator to lead the SLTDA towards its visionary objective to develop a sustainable tourism theme and Projects. 28 years of service at National Tourism Organization (NTO) holding Asst. Director, Director and Deputy Director General of the organisation. Also, the DG of SLTDA during 2018 and 2019.

Graduated from University of Colombo in Economics and post graduate diploma from Belgium (Tourism Planning & destination Management) and Netherlands (Tourism Marketing). MBA from Prince of Songkla University (Thailand) on Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Initiator of National Sustainable Tourism Certification (NSTC) and the STU of the SLTDA for the benefits of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Working nine provinces to establish nine sustainable tourism destinations in the country. Visiting lecture to University of Colombo since 2006 for tourism programs. Also visiting lecture to CINEC campus Malabe. Publish four article including Mangrove ecotourism to use as a tool for conservation.

Expert in Tourism Planning and Sustainable Tourism Development & Management. Green Destination Certified Auditor for Good Travel certification.