J. P. R. C. Ranasinghe’s scientific contributions

In the contemporary world, Street food is emerging as one of the most vital areas for the tourism industry. Thus, the street food industry can create a great impact on a tourist destination. However, this industry encounters challenges and opportunities in sustaining the quality of street food experiences for tourists. Hence, this research aimed to explore the Challenges and Opportunities for Street Food Experiences in Sri Lanka. Thus, utilizing the purposive sampling method, 27 structured interviews were conducted, and data was analyzed via content analysis. Hygiene issues, food quality Issues, regulatory issues, collaboration issues, Inadequate infrastructure facilities, and lack of food choices were identified as the challenges. Increasing popularity, availability of ingredients, unique food culture, availability of events, and social media support were identified as opportunities for street food experiences. Conducting regular training and inspections and enhancing collaborations among stakeholders contribute to enhancing street food experiences. Moreover, Future researchers should conduct more studies in developing nations on economic impacts, cultural exchanges, and tourist behaviors related to street foods.

Street food is a vital component of the tourism industry. It offers authentic food experiences and cultural engagements with the host community. Thus, Street food has the potential to create favorable impacts on a destination. However, this sector encounters challenges in offering quality experiences for tourists. Hence, this study aimed to explore the Challenges for Tourists’ Street Food Experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the qualitative design was employed in this study. The research utilized the purposive sampling method and conducted twenty-seven structured interviews with Street food Vendors, Government officials, and foreign tourists. Data were collected from Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, and Trincomalee. In addition, data was analyzed using content analysis. Thus, hygiene, issues, food quality issues, regulatory issues, collaboration is-sues, lack of infrastructure facilities, and lack of food availability were identified as the challenges to tourists’ experiences in Sri Lanka. This research recommends arranging training programs for street food vendors. Collaborations between government and tourism organizations, developing a website or smartphone application, creating online advertising initiatives, and encouraging vendors to differ their traditional menus. The findings of this study may benefit government officials and tourism organizations in developing training programs and making policies. Moreover, the findings contribute to the existing knowledge of challenges in the Street food Experience and assist undergraduate and postgraduate students in completing their final theses.

Following nearly three decades of civil war, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, has faced numerous socioeconomic and psychological challenges, highlighting the requirement of effective reconciliation and rebuilding strategies. This study explores the role of community-based tourism (CBT) in promoting reconciliation in the post-conflict region of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The primary objective is to understand how CBT can contribute to these processes by enhancing economic development, social cohesion, and cultural preservation. A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was used to capture the experiences of 20 participants, including community members, tourists, and tourism operators. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation, providing detailed insights into the impact of CBT initiatives. The collected data were analyzed using the thematic analysis. The findings showed that CBT significantly improves economic stability through job creation and local business growth, enhancing residents' quality of life. Socially, CBT fosters community cohesion, social integration, and individual empowerment through capacity building and participatory governance. Culturally, it aids in preserving and revitalizing traditional practices and heritage. Additionally, CBT plays a crucial role in reconciliation by facilitating dialogue, building trust, and promoting intercultural understanding among diverse ethnic groups. However, challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies, community resistance, and inconsistent government support must be addressed for sustainable development. This study highlights the essential role of CBT in post-conflict recovery and provides practical recommendations for policymakers, tourism practitioners, and community leaders to leverage CBT for sustainable peace and development in Jaffna.

Challenges of Eco-tourism

Community development through tourism

Women empowerment through tourism

Cultural and Heritage Tourism (CHT) is a widespread alternative tourism sector that encompasses all aspects of travel, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the history and lifestyles of different cultures. It significantly contributes to the economic development of developing countries in Asia. Sri Lanka also benefits economically from CHT. However, CHT activities in the Northern Province have experienced a decline due to external shocks such as the Easter Sunday Attack and the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the region's great potential to attract tourists with its culturally rich heritage sites, which have been well-known since ancient times. This study examines the critical success factors and challenges for CHT development in the Northern Province using a qualitative research method. Sixteen tourism stakeholders were selected through purposive sampling, and in-depth structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that infrastructure facilities, integration and accessibility, hospitality and treatment, biodiversity, and diversification are critical success factors contributing to CHT. Moreover, the findings identified erroneous promotional activities, lack of proper planning, and poor awareness among the natives as challenges that must be addressed comprehensively. Furthermore, the study concluded that adopting an exclusive and focused CHT strategy, involving the private sector in the promotion of CHT, and promoting unique products and resources by showcasing them are recommended for the development of the CHT industry. The findings could inform various stakeholders, including the government, policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and residents, about addressing the sustainable development of Cultural and Heritage Tourism (CHT) in the Northern Province.