2025 Research Contributions by Sandushmi Nirmani Luwis Hewa
Posted on Monday, 29 December 2025
Posted on Monday, 29 December 2025
As an Assistant Lecturer in Tourism and CRM in the Department of Archaeology, Sandushmi Nirmani Luwis Hewa focuses her scholarly inquiry on the critical intersection of tourism development, environmental sustainability, and the management of cultural resources. Her 2025 research portfolio reflects a sustained commitment to evidence-based discourse, offering innovative strategies for preserving and promoting Sri Lanka’s heritage.
In 2025, Ms Luwis Hewa’s research was featured at several prestigious national and international forums, contributing to the advancement of tourism studies through the following works:
Cultural Landscapes and Religious Heritage (ICH 2025). In her study, “A Cultural Study of Dewndara (Devinuwara) Area – Based on Devinuwara Upulwan Dewale,” presented at the International Conference on the Humanities, Ms Luwis Hewa explores the historical and cultural significance of the Devinuwara region. Her research examines how religious landmarks serve as focal points for regional cultural identity and their potential role in heritage-driven tourism.
Sustainable Bridges: Connecting Past and Future (JASS 2025). Presented at the Junior Academic Staff Research Conference, her paper, “From Heritage to Experience: Sustainable Cultural Tourism as a Pathway to Connect Past and Future Societies in Sri Lanka,” addresses the evolution of heritage management. This work advocates for a shift toward "experiential tourism," ensuring that ancient traditions remain relevant and accessible to future generations through sustainable practices.
Strategic Tourism Promotion and Regional Growth (ITRC 2025). At the International Tourism Research Conference organised by the University of Colombo, she presented “A Study of Strategies for Promoting Tourism Activities – Based on Galle Area, Sri Lanka.” This research identifies high-impact promotional frameworks tailored to the unique cultural and historical profile of Galle, striking a balance between commercial growth and the preservation of the area’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
Ms Luwis Hewa’s work is driven by the goal of aligning national tourism objectives with global sustainability standards. By examining the socio-economic and environmental implications of tourism, her research provides a blueprint for managing Sri Lanka's cultural resources in a way that supports both local communities and the long-term integrity of the nation's heritage.