The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), the apex body of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka, and The Institute of Migration Sri Lanka (IMSL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29th May 2026 to collaborate on the promotion and implementation of the Global Hospitality Internship Program (GHIP), an innovative initiative designed to connect international hospitality and tourism students with Sri Lanka’s dynamic hospitality industry. 

Under the MoU, IMSL and THASL will work together to promote Sri Lanka as a premier destination for hospitality learning and practical industry training. The collaboration will focus on encouraging participation by THASL member hotels and resorts, facilitating industry engagement, strengthening linkages between academia and the hospitality sector, and creating opportunities for international students to gain hands-on experience in Sri Lanka’s world-renowned tourism and hospitality establishments. In addition, the two organizations will collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills base of Sri Lanka’s hospitality workforce through international knowledge exchange, capacity building, and specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) initiatives delivered with the support of international hospitality professionals and institutions.

The Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed by Mr. Asoka Hettigoda, President  of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), and Mr. Shantha Kulasekara, Executive Director of the Institute of Migration Sri Lanka (IMSL), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to advance international hospitality learning, workforce development, and industry collaboration in Sri Lanka.

Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to position Sri Lanka as a leading regional hub for international hospitality internships, experiential learning, and hospitality skills development, while supporting the growth, competitiveness, and global connectivity of the country’s hospitality sector.