Ministry of Economic Development in association with Sri Lanka Tourism and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan has organized an International Forum on Community Based Sustainable Tourism as a key activity under the Community Development Programme of the Tourism Resources Improvement Project.

Two Japanese experts, Prof. Yoshiki Hompo and prof. Monte Cassim who have wide experience and knowledge in this field participated in the conference in order to share their experiences in community based tourism with Sri Lankan experts representing the Government, private sector and Non government organizations.

Month of October has been declared as the month of Community Based Tourism Promotion under Visit Sri Lanka programme in Sri Lanka.

This Forum was held yesterday (6) at Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Colombo under the patronage of Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic development. Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Dr. Suranga Silva, Director General, Sri Lanka Hotel School and officials of Ministry of Economic Development participated in the occasion.

An exhibition on Community based tourism activities in Sri Lanka was also held at the institute.