NDB Bank embarks on ‘Jeevana’ to enhance hospitality trade amongst youth in the south

At a recently concluded event in Tangalle, the third group of 31 students were enrolled under the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Development Scheme, in Hotel Operations, in association with the International Hotel School of Mount Lavinia Hotel.  

The initiation of the Jeevana Program in Tangalle is in response to the high demand for trained staff in hospitality trade in the South.  

Located in the deep south of Sri Lanka, Tangalle is an important tourism location, widely known for its tranquillity, beaches and unique eco system. With the surrounding bay, Tangalle is densely populated with boutique hotels and beaches used for water sports.

The number of hotels being built in the area is increasing at a rapid pace in order to cater to the increasing number of tourists that are visiting Tangalle and its surrounding areas

Further, this initiative of NDB Bank is also in line with the national goal emphasised by the Ministry of Economic Development to have 70,000 direct and indirect employees to cater to a target of 2.5 million tourists set by President Mahinda Rajapaksa by the year 2016.

The NDB Jeevana Livelihood Scheme aspires to provide skilled training for youth which will in turn enable them seek jobs, in a bid to address the growing need for skilled employees amongst Sri Lakan youth, being created by the rapid economic development taking place in the country.

The programme provides a six month comprehensive training course, covering four months of theory followed by two months of practical training in the selected vocation in partnership with industry leaders in the respective field; in the case of hotel operations, all candidates are provided with on the job training at star class hotels while in the case of motor mechanism, practical training is provided by the  partnering organisation DIMO itself.

Commenting on the expansion of the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Development Programme to the South, NDB Bank CEO, Russell de Mel said, “The Government perceives immense growth potential in the South and it was of utmost importance to extend our operations to the Southern Province. The Jeevana initiative has proved to be source of not only youth skill development but financial inclusion. At a time when Sri Lanka is well poised in achieving rapid economic development, NDB Bank’s Jeevana Livelihood initiative will help nurture youth in the South by creating an opportunity for them to find a vocation in the booming hospitality industry. We hope to continuously grow our NDB Jeevana Livelihood Development Scheme and reach out to youth across the country, as they are our future leaders.”

Initiated in September 2010, the NDB Livelihood Development Program showcases NDB Bank’s commitment to national development with special emphasis youth empowerment.

The first programme, initiated in collaboration with the International Hotel School of Mount Lavinia Hotel, proved to be an instant success in Trincomalee, where hospitality trade has already indicated clear signals of resurgence and dearth of skilled manpower continues to be an obstacle.  

The second batch of students trained in hospitality trade will pass out this month as well making it a total of 45 students passing out after completing the academic and practical training in hotel operations under the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Development Scheme.

In addition, under the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Development Scheme, 22 youth from Jaffna underwent training in automotive service and maintenance under the guidance of the industry leader Diesel and Motor Engineering Company (DIMO).  

The passing out ceremony of these youth was held in Colombo recently.  

Under the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Development   Scheme, NDB Bank aims to identify and cater to specific career opportunities that play a vital role in the current development momentum. In partnership with industry leaders, NDB Bank hopes to provide expert guidance and practical training which will undoubtedly equip youth to gain employment immediately upon completion of their selected vocational training.