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Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday, 7 October 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka, Waters Edge Chairman Chamath De Silva, Waters Edge General Manager Rohan Fernandopulle, Director Human Resources Thushara Hettihamu and Director Sales and Marketing Nirekshe Perera with the first batch of trainees.
Waters Edge, the favourite suburban hotel on the outskirts of Colombo recently initiated and launched an innovative training program designed to enhance and uplift the lives of youth in the area by training and empowering them in the field of hospitality. The program was initiated by Minister of Megapolis Champika Ranawaka and Chairman of Waters Edge Chamath de Silva, and is being implemented by General Manager of Waters Edge Rohan Fernandopulle.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the program, Waters Edge Chairman Chamath de Silva noted, “Waters Edge has always been a hotel that has conceptualised and implemented innovative ideas in terms of food, service standards, promotions, sustainability initiatives and training programs. We have won many international and local accolades for our efforts and constantly strive to give back as much as we can. This initiative is also unique and timely when as a nation we are gearing up to usher in a new era of tourism.”
Waters Edge Human Resource Director Thushara Hettihamu said, “The program itself offers a unique opportunity for youth between the ages of 18 to 30 who are GCE O/L qualified to enter the wonderful world of hospitality. As tourism continues to boom in the country, this program will be a foundation for a fruitful career. Chosen candidates will receive comprehensive training in various areas, under the able and experienced staff at Waters Edge. At the completion of the training, successful candidates will enter the industry as work-ready and skilled employees.”
This initiative extends comprehensive hospitality industry training to those who wish to enter the industry but may not necessarily possess the required qualifications. Conceived as a community service engagement, this will be an ongoing project that will see many youth and new entrants to the industry benefit in the long-run.
“We want to encourage all food and beverage related entities to carry out similar programs in their own establishments. There is a national requirement for skilled professionals in the hospitality sector which is growing at an exponential rate at the moment and it is the responsibility of established names in the industry to contribute to the larger picture,” said General Manager Rohan Fernandopulle.
Letters of appointment for the first 30 recruits were handed over yesterday by Minister Champika Ranawaka at a special ceremony which was held at the hotel. The 30 participants will commence their training from 1 September onwards, for a period of 12 months, inclusive of on-the-job training in both theory and practical areas. For more information on the program please contact the Waters Edge HR Department at 0112863863.
