Thivanka is an accomplished academic with a background in travel and tourism. Holding a Doctorate in Tourism Studies, Thivanka has conducted extensive research in sustainable tourism and its impact on climate and the environment. With a passion for promoting eco-friendly travel practices, Thivanka aims to educate and inspire future leaders in the field. As a chapter leader, Thivanka plans to foster a community focused on sustainable tourism, encouraging innovative solutions to environmental challenges within the industry.

Charmarie began her tourism career as the Head of Marketing for the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, subsequently working as the Director of the London Office in the UK and the Director of Research and International Affairs. She advanced to the role as Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Promotional Bureau (SLTPB), where she led destination marketing efforts. She was instrumental in establishing the Responsible Tourism Partnership in Sri Lanka and recognized as the architect of the “Greening Sri Lanka Hotels” initiative, focusing on energy optimization and natural resource management to mitigate Climate Change. She has also developed the National Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme for Sri Lanka. She is an advocate of sustainable and climate friendly tourism industry. 

Linked in : https://lk.linkedin.com/in/charmariemaelge

Dinushka Peiris is a tourism research and sustainability professional with over nine years of experience at the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), where she currently serves as Assistant Director of Research. With a background in Sociology from the University of Colombo, she has built her career around tourism research, policy development, and sustainable tourism, supported by early experience in foreign-funded projects focusing on gender and research. She has played a key role in advancing sustainable tourism, including serving as an auditor for the country’s first National Sustainable Tourism Certification Programme. Dinushka has enhanced her knowledge by completing the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) Sustainable Tourism Training Programme, Green Destinations’ sustainability standards programme and other related training courses to equip her with the tools to foster responsible tourism practices. She has also supported initiatives such as the Sigiriya Sustainable Destination initiative. In 2025 she was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a PG Diploma in Climate Friendly Travel through SUNx Malta in collaboration with ITS Malta. She aspires to advance tourism research through stronger data-driven and policy-relevant studies, while also deepening her contribution to sustainable tourism by promoting climate-resilient, responsible, and inclusive destination development practices. 

Kevin Chandrasena is a young social entrepreneur from Sri Lanka dedicated to advancing responsible and regenerative tourism practices that support environmental conservation and community well-being. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Sustainable Tourism Development at Umeå University, Sweden. Kevin has professional experience in the wellness and luxury hospitality sectors and is actively involved in sustainability-focused initiatives and volunteer projects. He is a recipient of the Climate Friendly Travel Diploma awarded by the Institute of Tourism Studies, Malta, in collaboration with SUNx Malta. His work focuses on promoting climate-friendly tourism, conservation efforts, and inclusive economic development through tourism. Kevin is passionate about building partnerships between local communities, tourism stakeholders, and international organisations to create a positive and lasting impact. 

Website:kevinchandrasena.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-chandrasena-975740217/