Classic Destinations (Pvt) Ltd recently hosted a delegation of around 30 leading travel agents from the Punjab Travel Agents Association (PTAA) of India, as part of a familiarization programme designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings.
The delegation visited Sri Lanka to experience the destination firsthand, explore key tourism attractions and hospitality properties, and identify opportunities for future business partnerships. During their stay, the PTAA representatives also held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sri Lanka.
A key highlight of the visit was a Networking and Destination Presentation held on September 8, 2026, at Nuga Gama – Cinnamon Grand Colombo. The event brought together members of the PTAA delegation with representatives from Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sectors, industry stakeholders and media.
The programme, organised under the leadership of Chalaka Gajabahu, Head of Classic Destinations, highlighted the importance of collaboration between Sri Lankan tourism stakeholders and international travel trade partners.
The initiative also provided an opportunity to strengthen existing ties between the tourism industries of Sri Lanka and India while creating new avenues for business cooperation and promoting Sri Lanka as a destination among Indian travel professionals.
Citrus Leisure PLC Prepares for Its Next Growth Phase with Leadership Transition
Citrus Leisure PLC has announced the appointment of Nirekshe Perera as Group Chief Executive Officer – Designate, effective September 1, 2026, as the company prepares for the next phase of its development.
Nirekshe brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across the hospitality and leisure sectors, including luxury hotels, integrated leisure complexes, large-scale MICE operations and banking CRM. His professional career has included senior roles at several prominent local and international hospitality organisations, including Monarch Imperial, Shangri-La Hotel Colombo, Waters Edge Limited and Hilton Colombo Residences.
Throughout his career, he has gained experience across a range of areas including events, sales and marketing, strategic partnerships and hospitality operations, working with diverse customer segments and business environments.
Commenting on the appointment, Samantha Ranatunga, Chairman of Citrus Leisure PLC, said Nirekshe joins the Group at an important stage for both the company and Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
He highlighted Nirekshe’s experience across the hospitality and leisure sectors and noted that the new CEO-designate would build on the foundations established under the leadership of Chandana Talwatte.
Chandana Talwatte will conclude his tenure as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Citrus Leisure PLC on November 11, 2026. Nirekshe will subsequently assume the position of Group Chief Executive Officer of the Citrus Group, effective November 12, 2026.
The leadership transition marks a new chapter for Citrus Leisure across its hospitality portfolio, which includes Citrus Waskaduwa, Citrus Hikkaduwa and The Steuart by Citrus, as well as food and beverage establishments including Ceylon Curry Club.
Classic Destinations Welcomes 30-Member Punjab Travel Agents Delegation to Sri Lanka
