Biography and expertise
Biography
I am an experienced academic and industry professional with extensive expertise in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. I hold a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Tourism from Victoria University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from La Trobe University, and a Master of Education from Victoria University. My professional qualifications are further strengthened by Advanced Certifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the completion of Computing Examinations with the Australian Computer Society. I am also a Qualified Member of the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO).
Currently, I serve as a Course Coordinator (Undergraduate Courses ) at The Hotel School Australia of Southern Cross University. My academic career includes roles as Subject Convener and Lecturer at Victoria University (Sessional), Head of Education at the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), and Senior Lecturer and Program Director at NSBM Green University.
I have also made significant contributions to tourism curriculum development. I designed three units for the Tourism MBA Program at University of Peradeniya and developed an undergraduate tourism unit for Victoria University.
In the corporate sector I have served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NKAR Travels and Tours, overseeing large-scale travel and tourism operations. My leadership experience also includes serving as Director General Manager at DMS Universal / Bliss Travels, where I demonstrated strong strategic and operational capabilities. In addition, I held the position of Project Controller at SriLankan Airlines.
My research and teaching expertise spans tourism, hospitality, international business, economics, marketing, and event management. As a tourism researcher, I have presented and published extensively at international tourism conferences, with particular emphasis on tourism demand forecasting, economic determinants of tourism demand, sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism, and destination management. My academic and industry contributions continue to bridge the gap between higher education and the evolving global tourism industry.