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| Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe |
In a landmark recognition of cross-border academic and cultural collaboration, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, has been awarded a Professorship by Sichuan University in China. This prestigious appointment celebrates Prof. Ranasinghe’s pioneering work in cultural heritage research and tourism development, and it marks a powerful moment in the strengthening of Sri Lanka’s global tourism footprint.
Prof. Ranasinghe, who completed his PhD in Tourism Management at Sichuan University in 2017, has long been a champion of education-led transformation. Upon his return to Sri Lanka, he founded the Department of Tourism Studies at Uva Wellassa University and served as both its first Head and later as Dean of the Faculty of Management. His academic legacy paved the way for his appointment as Deputy Minister of Tourism, where his work continues to shape the nation's tourism strategy.
Advancing Bilateral Academic and Tourism Cooperation
The recent conferment ceremony in China was more than symbolic—it opened the door to deeper academic and tourism ties between the two countries. During his visit to Sichuan University, Prof. Ranasinghe participated in a high-level symposium hosted by the School of History and Culture. Discussions centered on Sri Lanka’s tourism revitalization, with a focus on sustainability, heritage conservation, and technological innovation.Dean Prof. Lv Hongliang and other university officials welcomed the Sri Lankan delegation and applauded the island nation's rich cultural potential. Prof. Ranasinghe presented a dynamic roadmap for elevating Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, emphasizing the role of digital tools and global academic partnerships.
A standout initiative was the proposal to integrate Sri Lanka’s National Tourism and Hospitality Research Institute into the China-Sri Lanka Interdisciplinary Research Center for Cultural Heritage and Tourism, an institution first envisioned during Prof. Ranasinghe’s doctoral years.
Embracing Innovation in Tourism Research
The event also featured dialogues on the sri of tourism, with Chinese academics presenting research on AI-powered marketing, student exchange opportunities, and cross-cultural tourism studies. Prof. Ranasinghe addressed topics such as rural tourism innovation, female traveler safety, and the importance of cultural understanding in destination development.Sichuan University’s leadership, including Deputy Secretary Li Zhengchi and International Office Director Li Zhiqiang, voiced their support for long-term collaboration with Sri Lanka, reinforcing the shared vision under the Belt and Road Initiative.
A Symbol of Vision and Dedication
The Professorship, jointly conferred by the university’s School of History and Culture, School of Tourism, and School of Archaeology and Museology, honors Prof. Ranasinghe’s unique position as the first international graduate of the department to ascend to a national tourism leadership role.This milestone not only recognizes his contribution to tourism and education in Sri Lanka, but also affirms a growing partnership between two nations committed to cultural preservation, academic excellence, and sustainable tourism development.
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau
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