The Department of Tourism Studies (DTS), Faculty of Management, Uva Wellassa University (UWU), contributed to a capacity-building workshop for homestay owners and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) accommodation service providers in the Badulla District, organized by the Provincial Ministry of Tourism – Uva, from 17th to 19th August 2026 at the university premises. The inauguration ceremony, held on 17th August 2026, was attended by Mr. Dhananjaya Nawarathna, Dean of the Faculty of Management; Ms. Chathuri Danthanarayana, Head of the Department of Tourism Studies; Ms. R.H.C. Priyanthi, Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Tourism – Uva; and lecturers of the department and staff members of the Ministry. The programme aimed to enhance service quality, operational efficiency, hygiene, safety, guest satisfaction, and professionalism among tourism entrepreneurs in the Uva Province.
The training sessions, conducted at the university’s Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management (HTE) Laboratory and Rooms Division Management Training Centre, covered Food and Beverage Operations, Personal Grooming and Hygiene, Kitchen Operations, and Rooms Division Operations, including practical sessions. The sessions were conducted by Ms. Sammani Gamage, Mr. Asanka Bandara, Ms. Vindya Hewage, and Mr. Kanishka Lakshan, Lecturers of the Department of Tourism Studies. Their academic expertise and practical guidance enabled participants to strengthen their operational knowledge and improve service delivery standards. The positive feedback received from participants highlighted the relevance and practical value of the training. This initiative reflects UWU’s continued commitment to academic–industry collaboration, community engagement, and the sustainable development of tourism enterprises in the Uva Province.
