Dr. Malraj Bharatha Kiriella Honoured for Lifetime Achievement in Marketing and Hospitality

Strategic Insights -

Dr. Malraj Bharatha Kiriella has been recognised for his groundbreaking contributions to Sri Lanka's tourism, hospitality, and marketing sectors, spanning nearly four decades. The recipient of the National Apex Award of Professional Excellence, Dr. Kiriella's career has been defined by innovation, policy reforms, and pioneering initiatives that have strengthened Sri Lanka's global brand. From his early days at Air Lanka to his current roles as Chairman of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka's Law Students' Skills Development Committee and Vice President of the Sri Lanka Economic Association, Dr. Kiriella has consistently demonstrated his dedication to uplifting professionalism in the field.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Malraj Bharatha Kiriella has received the National Apex Award of Professional Excellence in Marketing and Hospitality at the 4th National Apex Awards 2025, organised by the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA).
  • He has had a nearly four-decade-long career in Sri Lanka's tourism, hospitality, and marketing sectors, marked by innovation, policy reforms, and pioneering initiatives.
  • Dr. Kiriella has held key positions, including Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and multiple Director roles, such as Research and International Relations, Marketing, and Standards and Quality Assurance.
  • He has represented Sri Lanka internationally at forums like the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
  • Dr. Kiriella holds a PhD in Economics, multiple degrees in Law and Economics, and is a Chartered Companion of the Chartered Management Institute (UK), a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), and an Attorney-at-Law.
  • He is actively engaged with numerous professional bodies and has worked to uplift professionalism in the field.
  • Dr. Kiriella is the Founder and Owner of South Asia Multidisciplinary Advisory Services (SAMAS).

Statistics:

  • Dr. Kiriella's career spans nearly four decades in Sri Lanka's tourism, hospitality, and marketing sectors.
  • He has held over 10 key positions, including Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
  • Dr. Kiriella has represented Sri Lanka at over 5 international forums, including the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
  • He holds multiple degrees, including a PhD in Economics and multiple degrees in Law and Economics.

Sources:

  • Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA)
  • United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
  • South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
  • Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
  • Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
  • Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK)
  • Chartered Management Institute (UK)
  • Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Law Students' Skills Development Committee
  • Sri Lanka Economic Association