Lassana Flora launches Sri Lanka’s first-ever floral designing course

Friday, 11 October 2013 02:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Blazing yet another trail in Sri Lanka’s thriving floral décor industry, Lassana Flora broke new ground recently and launched Sri Lanka’s

first-ever floral designing course. “This to me is a dream come true”, said an elated Lassana Flora Chairman Dr. Lasantha Malavige. “This has been a long felt need. Floral designing is a well sought after profession both locally and internationally. There is a massive demand for professionally qualified florists locally, in the Middle-East and many other parts of the world. A trained florist can often earn more than many other professionals. “There is however a dearth of trained florists in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, even though we have a lot of talent, many cannot secure floral designing jobs overseas since they do not have any professional qualifications. This has resulted in Sri Lanka sending many unskilled labourers to the Middle East,” Dr. Malavige explained. The first in a series of three-month introductory courses commences on Saturday 12 October at the Lassana Flora Floral Design Academy in Nawala. It also offers scholarships for students with financial difficulties while also offering internships for training. Permanent jobs will be offered to talented students who successfully complete the course. The Certificate in Floral Designing will be offered to those who complete both written and practical exams successfully. “We have on earlier occasions even got down professionals from overseas to train our own staff. We now aim to share our 15 years of learning in this industry with our fellow Sri Lankans who want to become professional florists. We have been working on this course for over three years. We strive for excellence in everything we do and have thus done a lot of ground work to design the syllabus and select the best lecturers. “Our faculty consists of more than 25 internal and external lecturers and trainers. Students will have the unique opportunity to learn about the best practices in floral designing, using modern techniques and accessories. External lecturers include highly respected figures like Harris Wijesinghe, Dayan Witharana, Pemasiri Hewawasam and Hasini Gunasekara”, Dr. Malavige added. “Our vision is to add value to our talented young men and women though proper training and guidance. We would be happy if have done our bit for the country and our people. More information can be obtained from the Course Co-ordinator Rohan Wijesiriwardena on 0773130433”, he concluded.