Travel Journalists Alliance Launched: A Unified Voice to Champion Sri Lanka’s Tourism Story

Colombo, Sri Lanka, 24th Oct 2025 — Sri Lanka’s tourism industry entered a new era this week with the launch of the Travel Journalists Alliance (TJA) — a pioneering collective bringing together the country’s leading travel media professionals under one banner to elevate the nation’s global tourism profile through responsible and creative storytelling.

A New Chapter for Travel Journalism
Conceptualised by veteran journalist Claude Gunasekera, the Alliance unites editors, writers, broadcasters, and digital creators representing national newspapers, international publications, and online platforms. The initiative marks the first formal association of travel and tourism journalists in Sri Lanka, focused on promoting ethical journalism, collaboration, and sustainability-driven tourism coverage.
“This Alliance represents a new chapter for travel journalism in Sri Lanka,” said Claude Gunasekera, Founder and Secretary of TJA. “By working together, we can share stories that inspire travel while upholding integrity, responsibility, and sustainability. Our mission is to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism with authenticity and purpose across every medium.”

A United Front for Tourism Advancement
Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Sanath Weerasooriya, President of the Travel Journalists Alliance and Travel Editor of Sunday Times and Daily Mirror, underscored the significance of this collaboration.
“We have united under one banner with a single vision — to take Sri Lanka forward in tourism. This collective voice has come together at an important juncture for our nation’s travel industry, as we work to rebuild, reposition, and reimagine Sri Lanka as a must-visit destination on the world map,” he said.
The Alliance aims to bridge the gap between tourism stakeholders and the media, ensuring a unified communication approach that highlights Sri Lanka’s unique cultural, ecological, and experiential appeal to global travelers.

Leadership and Founding Committee
The inaugural meeting also saw the appointment of TJA’s first executive committee comprising some of Sri Lanka’s most respected media professionals:

President: Sanath Weerasuriya – Travel Editor, Sunday Times / Daily Mirror
Vice Presidents:
• Steve Morrel – Deputy Business Editor, The Island
• Dinushka Chandrasena – Editor-in-Chief, Travel Talk Asia
• Geethika Weerakoon – Chief Editor, Serendib News
• Mohamed Rasooldeen – Chief Editor, Colombo Times
Secretary: Claude Gunasekera – Chief Editor, Lankapuvath & LankaTourguide; Journalist, Daily News
Asst. Secretaries: Dharmasri Abeyratna (Daily News) & Inoka Perera (Silumina)
Treasurer: Zanita Careem – Features Editor, The Island
Asst. Treasurer: Buddhika Brahkmanage – Business Editor, Dinamina
Head Digital Media (English): Melkishya Andrew – Senior Journalist, The Morning
Head Digital Media (Sinhala): Harindi Liyanage – Chief Editor, Navaliya
aaHead of PR: Nelum Buddhadasa – Features Journalist, newsasia.lk

Executive Committee Members: Sudath Malaweera (ANCL), Marlon Dharmendra (7plusnews), Shanuka Kadupitiya (Ceylon Today), Nishel Fernando (Daily Mirror), and Glen De Mel (StarMedia).

Hospitality Leadership and Patronage
Highlighting the connection between tourism and the media, Virosh Perera, Director of Marketing & Communications at Cinnamon Hotels Colombo, was unanimously appointed as Patron of the Travel Journalists Alliance. His inclusion reflects the Alliance’s commitment to building bridges between media and the hospitality industry in promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism vision on the global stage.

A Step Toward a Stronger Tourism Narrative
The Travel Journalists Alliance (TJA) represents a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between tourism stakeholders and the media. By combining experience, credibility, and creativity, the Alliance aims to champion stories that capture the heart of Sri Lanka — its people, culture, and natural beauty — while advancing the nation’s reputation as a world-class destination.