About Us

Championing Sri Lanka’s inbound tourism industry through leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and sustainable long-term growth.

WELCOME TO SLAITO

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) is the recognised apex body representing Destination Management Companies (DMCs) operating in Sri Lanka. A non-profit association, SLAITO was first inaugurated in 1975 by several pioneering inbound tour operators to serve as the collective voice of Sri Lanka’s inbound tourism industry.

Originally established as the Association of Group Tour Agents (AGTA), the organisation supported the development of structured inbound travel during Sri Lanka’s early tourism years. In 2002, in response to the industry’s evolution and expanding scope, AGTA was formally reconstituted as SLAITO, reflecting its broader mandate and national representation.

Today, SLAITO plays a central role in shaping Sri Lanka’s inbound tourism landscape. Our members design, manage, and deliver travel experiences across the island, working closely with international tour operators, travel agents, airlines, and global partners. Through continuous engagement with government agencies, tourism authorities, and stakeholders, SLAITO advocates for policy reform, operational improvements, responsible tourism practices, and long-term destination competitiveness.

Our Vision

To be the leading voice of inbound tourism in Sri Lanka, fostering a globally competitive, sustainable, and resilient tourism industry that benefits communities, protects heritage, and delivers exceptional visitor experiences.

Our Mission

To represent and support Destination Management Companies through advocacy, collaboration, capacity building, and responsible tourism initiatives, while strengthening partnerships with government, airlines, and global travel trade stakeholders for sustainable and inclusive industry growth.

Our Core Objectives

  • Advocate for inbound tourism interests at national policy level
  • Strengthen professional, ethical, and operational industry standards
  • Promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices
  • Enhance collaboration with government and industry stakeholders
  • Support long-term growth, resilience, and destination competitiveness

Benefits of Membership

  • Strong industry representation and a unified national voice
  • Direct policy engagement and timely regulatory updates
  • Networking with leading DMCs and tourism stakeholders
  • Access to training, knowledge sharing, and capacity building
  • Commercial value through negotiated benefits, including airline and service discounts
  • Enhanced credibility and recognition within the global travel trade
Our Team

Management Committee


Past Presidents

Past President Mr. Nalin Jayasundara
Mr. Nishad Wijethunga

July 2022 - Oct 2024

Past President Mr. Ben Thompson
Mr. Thilak Weerasinghe

Sep 2021 - July 2022

Past President Dr. Chen Wei
Mr. Mahen Kariyawasan

Sep 2019 - July 2021

Past President Ms. Olivia Smith
Mr. Harith Perera

Aug 2017 - Sept 2019

Past President Mr. Samuel Green
Mr. Devindre Seneratne

Sep 2015 - Aug 2017

Past President Dr. Maria Rodriguez
Mr. Mahen Kariyawasan

July 2012 - Sep 2015

Past President Mr. Kevin Lee
Mr. Nilmin Nanayankkara

July 2010 - June 2012

Past President Ms. Emma Brown
Mr. Chandra Wickramasinghe

Sep 2008 - June 2010

Past President Mr. John Davis
Mr. Dirk Grigson

Aug 2006 - Aug 2008

Past President Dr. Sarah Johnson
Mr. Vasantha Leelananda

Aug 2004 - July 2006

Past President Mr. Michael Chen
Mr. Gehan Perera

July 2002 - July 2004

Past President Ms. Clara White
Mr. Vasantha Leelananda

Aug 2000 - June 2002

Past President Ms. Aisha Rahman
Ms. Shiromal Cooray

Aug 1999 - July 2000

One Industry One Voice Partners

SLWTA Logo

SRI LANKA WELLNESS TOURISM ASSOCIATION (SLWTA)

SKAL Logo

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM PROFESSIONALS (SKAL)

IATA Logo

INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (IATA)

PATA Logo

PACIFIC ASIA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (PATA)

ALUMNI ATEHM Logo

ALUMNI ATEHM UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO

SLAPCEO Logo

SRI LANKA ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE, EXHIBITION ORGANISERS (SLAPCEO)

HOST Logo

HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH (HOST)

HDCC Logo

HAMBANTOTA DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SLAAR Logo

SRI LANKA ASSOCIATION OF AIRLINE REPRESENTATIVES (SLAAR)

Hikkaduwa Hoteliers Logo

HIKKADUWA HOTELIERS’ ASSOCIATION

Kandy Hoteliers Logo

THE KANDY HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION

BAR Logo

BOARD OF AIRLINE REPRESENTATIVES – SRI LANKA (BAR)

RACA Logo

RENT A CAR ASSOCIATION (RACA)

East Coast Hoteliers Logo

EAST COAST HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA

ASMET Logo

ASSOCIATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN TOURISM SRI LANKA (ASMET)

TAASL Logo

TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA (TAASL)

CCRC Logo

COLOMBO CITY RESTAURANT COLLECTIVE (CCRC)

Cultural Triangle Hoteliers Logo

CULTURAL TRIANGLE HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION