Sancharaka Udawa 2026 Participation by the University of Kelaniya Tourism Club

Posted on Tuesday, 26 May 2026 

The Tourism Club of the University of Kelaniya, operating under the Degree Program in Tourism and Cultural Resource Management, proudly participated in Sancharaka Udawa 2026 for the very first time by organising and managing an exhibition stall representing both the university and the degree program. This marked a significant milestone for the club and a memorable achievement for all members involved.

Sancharaka Udawa 2026 was organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), the apex body representing the inbound tour operator community in Sri Lanka. The event was held on 15 and 16 May 2026 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Halls of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. Recognized as Sri Lanka’s largest travel and tourism exhibition, the event brought together a wide range of tourism industry stakeholders under one platform. The exhibition served as a major tourism networking and promotional platform where tourism service providers, travel companies, accommodation providers, transportation services, event organizers, entertainment providers, tourism authorities, and many other tourism-related organizations had the opportunity to showcase their products and services.

The event attracted a diverse audience including inbound tour operators, tourism officials, hotel association representatives, travel company executives, tour guides, transport providers, destination management companies, government officials, travel entrepreneurs, embassy and high commission representatives, expatriates, holiday makers, small and medium enterprise representatives, and members of the general public. The exhibition also featured participants representing hotels, resorts, guest houses, tourism authorities, heritage sites, restaurants, event organizers, transport providers, adventure tourism operators, sporting activity providers, and outbound travel agencies.

The main objective of participating in Sancharaka Udawa 2026 was to expose students and club members to the professional tourism industry while promoting the Tourism and Cultural Resource Management Degree Program offered by the University of Kelaniya. The participation aimed to create awareness about the academic and practical opportunities available within the degree program and to demonstrate the contribution of students towards the development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the event provided an opportunity to establish professional connections with industry stakeholders and explore future internship and career opportunities for students.

Throughout the two-day exhibition, the stall showcased various aspects of the Tourism and Cultural Resource Management Degree Program. Information regarding the degree structure, course modules, language learning opportunities, and practical training components was displayed for visitors. In addition, the stall highlighted the activities and achievements of the Tourism Club, including educational programs, field visits, community projects, awareness campaigns, industry interactions, and student development initiatives conducted over the years.

One of the major attractions at the stall was the presentation of an innovative mobile application named Junior Travel Club. The application was designed with the objective of motivating and educating the younger generation about tourism, travel experiences, cultural heritage, and responsible tourism practices. Many visitors showed considerable interest in the concept, providing an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the creativity, innovation, and practical capabilities of the students. The stall also enabled visitors to engage directly with club members, ask questions regarding the degree program, and gain a better understanding of the educational pathways available in the field of tourism and cultural resource management.

Participating in Sancharaka Udawa 2026 provided an exceptional opportunity for students to gain direct exposure to the tourism industry. Throughout the event, students interacted with professionals from hotels, travel agencies, destination management companies, government tourism institutions, tourism enterprises, and various tourism service providers. These interactions helped students understand current industry trends, expectations, challenges, and emerging opportunities within the tourism sector. The experience successfully bridged the gap between academic learning and practical industry applications, enabling students to gain valuable insights into the professional environment. The event also allowed the Tourism Club to network with key stakeholders in the tourism sector and establish professional relationships that may benefit future student development initiatives and industry collaborations.

One of the most valuable outcomes of the participation was the opportunity to explore internship and career prospects. Through discussions with industry representatives, students were able to learn about potential internship placements, training opportunities, and employment pathways available within different sectors of the tourism industry. The exposure helped students better understand the skills and competencies expected by employers while also providing valuable guidance for future career planning. Several organizations expressed interest in engaging with students from the University of Kelaniya, which may create beneficial opportunities for future collaboration.

The participation of the University of Kelaniya Tourism Club in Sancharaka Udawa 2026 was a highly successful and rewarding experience. As first-time participants, the club was honored to represent the university and the Tourism and Cultural Resource Management Degree Program at Sri Lanka’s premier travel and tourism exhibition. The event provided a valuable platform to promote the degree program, showcase student achievements, strengthen industry connections, and introduce innovative initiatives such as the Junior Travel Club application.

The Tourism Club extends its sincere gratitude to the Department of Archaeology, the academic staff members of the Tourism and Cultural Resource Management Degree Program, industry partners, organizers of Sancharaka Udawa 2026, and all students and club members whose dedication and teamwork contributed to the success of this important achievement.