NDB ‘Jeevana’ youth empowerment initiative enhances hospitality trade

Thursday, 12 July 2012 01:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The third batch of 23 students, trained in hotel operations under ‘Jeevana’ Livelihood Development Scheme, promoted by NDB, passed out at a ceremony held in Tangalle on 9 July. MP Namal Rajapaksa was the chief guest at the ceremony.

Initiated in September 2010, ‘Jeevana’ Livelihood Development Program endorses NDB’s commitment to national development and the bank’s emphasis on propagating the spirit of entrepreneurship across the island. Accordingly, the first two programs, which were initiated in collaboration with the International Hotel School of Mount Lavinia Hotel, proved to be an instant success in the east coast, where hospitality trade has indicated clear signals of resurgence.

At the end of the 30-year conflict in Sri Lanka, the tourism industry was the first to benefit with increased number of tourists arriving in the country. To cater to this increasing number, the Ministry of Economic Development set a national goal to have 70,000 direct and indirect employees serving a target of 2.5 million tourists by the year 2016, a target set by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. In line with the tourism development goals, NDB has initiated strides to serve the growing needs of employment on a national platform through its ‘Jeevana’ scheme.

Commenting on the NDB ‘Jeevana’ Livelihood Development Scheme, NDBCEO Russell de Mel said, “This scheme was initially introduced by NDB as means of building bridges of trust amongst communities, to help develop a sense of belief amongst them; thus, the focus on the youth of North and East. However with tourism experiencing a major uplift and with the boost of the Sri Lankan economy, NDB ‘Jeevana’ is now introduced to the South as well.”

Endorsing the statement made by De Mel, it is in fact noteworthy to reveal that all students trained under the program had found employment in star class hotels immediately upon completion of the course. He added that the continued need and the significance on the part of the youth empowerment have impelled the Bank to extend the scheme further.

Mr. De Mel also extended a special word of appreciation to Mr. Mahendra Hulangamuwa, the Principal of the International Hotel School of Mount Lavinia Hotel whose commitment and passion for training played a major role towards moulding the fresh school leavers from the southern coastal village to take up responsible positions in the hospitality trade.

NDB with its development banking roots has always placed specific emphasis towards the development of the nation and more particularly towards fostering entrepreneurship amongst the youth. Under the ‘Jeevana’ Livelihood Scheme, the Bank aims to identify careers that play a vital role in the current development momentum and to enter into partnerships with industry leaders, to provide the academic and practical training which will undoubtedly enhance the potential of the youth to gain employment opportunities immediately after the training.

NDB ‘Jeevana’ Livelihood Development scheme signifies NDB’s commitment to empower and uplift the country’s youth while making a valuable contribution towards nurturing leadership in country’s future generation.