Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam has tendered his resignation, citing personal and professional reasons. He submitted his resignation to the Minister of Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment through the Ministry Secretary.

Hewawasam served as SLTDA Chairman from October 2024 to August 2026. During his tenure, Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals, despite challenges including natural disasters, global geopolitical developments affecting key tourism markets, and operational limitations at the country's main airport.

In his resignation letter, he also highlighted Sri Lanka's receipt of more than 15 international tourism accolades in 2025, while noting efforts to bring tourism industry stakeholders together around national tourism objectives and strengthen confidence in the government's tourism strategy.

Transparency within the SLTDA was another key focus during his tenure, with Hewawasam describing institutional transparency as an important concern within the tourism industry. He has said he will support an orderly transition to the incoming leadership in the best interests of the authority and Sri Lanka.