Tourism stakeholders recently honoured the Chairperson Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Kimarli Fernando on International Women’s Day. Fernando spoke of her journey and tried to pave the way for more female participation in the tourism industry.
Fernando was the first and only female at the time in the country to complete a six-mile sea swim. She placed six in a pool of around 56 men. Fernando was speaking to students of the Center for Excellence in Travel Tourism & Hospitality and Sri Lanka Technological Campus on 8 March.
On her confidence to be able to compete in such a difficult event she said, “I trained with all the boys, so I don’t see why I couldn’t do it.” Fernando praised her parents for giving her self-belief and not limiting her potential. Fernando called on society to recognise the work of women. She said, “We are all multi-tasking multiple roles. I am no different to every other woman who has achieved something.”
Fernando noted that work currently undertaken by females was not solely confined to professional careers. She said, “Career doesn’t mean you have to sit in a boardroom. A career can be that you are an amazing mother, teacher, dancer etc.”
Fernando’s career was mostly involved in banking with a significant proportion at Deutsche Bank. Fernando was the first Asian to be transferred to Germany. At the time it was unusual as Germans are sent to Asia. Asians aren’t sent to Germany.’ During her time in Germany, she relished the opportunity to work at all levels of the bank and thereby gain exposure to all the operations. Fernando said, “You need to volunteer to do things. You get exposed to new areas. Never be shy to do something below your level.” Fernando called on women to more proactively network at workplaces. Fernando was invited to join Viyathmaga and considered it an honour to help formulate the current policy on pepper, milk, and tea. Viyathmaga facilitated bottom-up decisions that involved all stakeholders.
Fernando said, “The president’s intention was good and he has a desire to make a difference in the country.” Fernando does not draw a salary or any compensation for the work she does. Like other members of Viyathmaga, she considers it an honour to be of service to the country.
To her detractors, she said, “I know what people think. They judge me based on their standards. They think if you take a job you do it to rob. Some of us are different. It is difficult to understand. Some of us work for the love of our country and the respect for the President.”
Fernando said, “People will try to bully you. We have a habit in our society to say what is wrong is right.” She added, “I am a staunch Buddhist and a vegetarian for many years. Many people like me would like to leave a legacy. I would like to see a change that I and most of us voted for. The journey is going to be tough.”
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