Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo awards scholarships to hotel schools

07The Hospitality Elevating Learning Path (H.E.L.P.) from Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has endeavoured to identify and reward future leaders of the hospitality industry by providing invaluable scholarships to 50 students to leverage the hospitality careers in the destinations.

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo’ scholarships are presented to students who will graduate in the front of house or the heart of house disciplines. After a one year internship at the hotel and passing their graduation, they will join the working team of Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. The curriculum delivered by the hotel school has been created by the Shangri-La hotel team with an emphasis on practical activities. Three institutions have bought into this vision, namely the Swiss Institute of Colombo, the Institute of Hospitality Management in Tangalle and the Sunray Hotel and Chefs Training Academy in Gampaha. Scholarships are available to the aspiring individuals who are selected on their attitude, personality and language skills. 

“Shangri-La recognises the unique opportunity presented to hone a new generation of tourism talent in Sri Lanka. The key objectives of awarding these scholarships are to encourage Sri Lankan youth choose a career in hospitality and to bridge the gap of the shortage of talent in the industry in Sri Lanka. We encourage other institutions to buy into this program and work with us towards these objectives,” stated Shangri-La Hotel Colombo Vice President and General Manager Timothy Wright.

Swiss Institute Managing Director Dr. Rohith Delikhan said, “We adopted the curriculum that Shangri-La created mainly because of the standards, quality customer centricity and the multi skilled practice oriented approach it formulated for talent acquisition. We also felt that Shangri-La was the only organisation that is really helping the youth of Sri Lanka to make a career in hospitality.”

International School of Hospitality Management (ISHM) Tangalle Chairman and CEO Roshini Karunaratne stated, “We are grateful that an opportunity has been given to the Sri Lankan youth to step into the world of hospitality.”

Sunray Hotel and Chefs Training Academy MD Anil Perera said, “The tailor made curriculum created by Shangri-La nurtures the talent in a skills development structured programme with attention given to the practical insight and further generating jobs for Gampaha youth.” 

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo benefits from a prime location between the Galle Face Green promenade and Beira Lake and boasts uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. The site occupies 10 acres of land and will part of a mixed-use development including an office tower, two residential towers and a high-end shopping mall. The hotel will feature 500 rooms and suites, and 41 serviced apartments. Unlocking a new social and dining scene in the city, the seven restaurants, bars and lounges will offer an uncompromising selection of local and international cuisine, al fresco dining, daily live entertainment, innovative menus and trendy destinations. Shangri-La Hotel Colombo will have the most extensive and versatile events space in Sri Lanka, catering for over 2,000 people.

For more information on Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo visit: www.shangri-la.com/colombo/shangrila/pre-opening.