Sri Lanka, Nov. 3 -- Investing in people and developing professional skills are essential to strengthening Sri Lanka's tourism industry and creating better employment opportunities for young people, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Addressing the awards ceremony of the Nestle Golden Chef's Hat Competition 2026 at Cinnamon Life - City of Dreams, Colombo, on November 1, the Minister said Sri Lanka's culinary traditions could play an important role in attracting international tourists.

He said the country should promote its distinctive cuisine, local ingredients and cultural heritage internationally while preserving their authenticity and maintaining international standards.

The Minister highl...