Sri Lanka, April 29 -- The demise of Prema Cooray is a great loss to the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. His passion for the industry was known by all. An individual who never hesitated to take a lead role in addressing challenges that threatened industry growth.

He contributed immensely to the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. He was an executive committee member of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and thereafter was appointed to serve as the President of THASL from the year 1988 to 2000.

Cooray served in many high-profile boards and committees which addressed issues of national interest, especially during the 30-year civil conflict in the country and post return of peace. He was the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau (S...