The 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA)** took place at the Anantara Kalutara Resort on [specific date], marking another milestone in the association’s history. Recognized for its contribution to the hospitality and tourism industry, SLHGA continues to set standards and provide invaluable service to its members and the wider community.

The event was graced by several distinguished guests. Mr. Shirantha Peiris, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM), served as the Chief Guest. The Guest of Honor was Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), accompanied by Ms. Jeewanthie Senanayake, Director General of SLITHM.

A significant highlight of the AGM was the appointment of Mr. Patrick Perera as the new President of SLHGA. Mr. Perera, currently the Vice President of Learning and Development/Rooms Division at Aitken Spence Hotels, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. Alongside him, Mrs. Gitanjali Chakravarty, General Manager of Hilton Yala Resort, and Mr. Dinesh Hettiarachchi, General Manager of Mandarina Colombo, were appointed as Vice Presidents. Mr. Dickson Kumara, a Senior Lecturer and Cluster Head of Food & Beverage at SLITHM, was appointed as General Secretary, and Mr. Thakshila Galappaththy took on the role of Treasurer.

In his inaugural address, President Patrick Perera commended past presidents and previous committees for their unwavering dedication and hard work in elevating the association to its current esteemed position. He emphasized the renewed hope brought about by a consistent rise in tourism arrivals to Sri Lanka and a heightened focus on tourism. He highlighted that this juncture presents a significant opportunity for SLHGA to expand its horizons, evolving into a regional professional association and fostering a community of hospitality professionals capable of showcasing the brand of Sri Lankan hospitality on the global stage.