Citrus Leisure’s School of Hotel Management empowers youth, supports tourism

Thursday, 28 May 2026 04:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Citrus Leisure Executive Director/CEO Chandana Talwatte (right) presents a certificate to a student in the presence of Group Head of Human Resources Thivanka Thabrew

Citrus Leisure PLC marked a meaningful milestone with the establishment of the Citrus School of Hotel Management, celebrating its first batch of graduates at a ceremony held on 25 February at the Mandarin Shore Grand Ballroom of Citrus Waskaduwa.

The School was launched as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to commemorate the 190th anniversary of George Steuart & Company and forms part of the Group’s broader community initiatives carried out under the ‘Steuart Senehasa’ platform.

The initiative reflects George Steuart’s longstanding ethos of ‘Purpose Beyond Profit,’ demonstrating the Group’s commitment to creating meaningful social impact while building sustainable businesses.

The inaugural batch commenced on 15 July 2025 and successfully completed the program on 15 January 2026, concluding a six-month journey of rigorous learning that combined classroom theory with hands-on practical training.

The program was designed in response to the financial barriers faced by many aspiring hospitality students and the growing manpower shortage within Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. By providing accessible professional training, the initiative created opportunities for young individuals who may not otherwise have had the means to enrol in private hotel schools, while also contributing to strengthening a sector that remains vital to tourism growth and foreign exchange earnings.

A total of 18 students graduated from the program, specialising across key hospitality disciplines including Food and Beverage Service (four students), Kitchen Operations (13 students), and Front Office Operations (one student).

Beyond the numbers, the most remarkable outcome was the transformation behind them. Students who began with limited exposure and little to no formal training emerged as confident and polished professionals, equipped not only with technical competencies but also with essential life skills such as discipline, communication, teamwork, and a strong service mindset. A female graduate receiving the Best Student Award further reflected the program’s spirit of empowerment and excellence.

The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Citrus Leisure PLC and George Steuart & Company including Citrus Leisure PLC Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Chandana Talwatte, Director – Sales Mani Sugathapala, George Steuart & Company Director – Group Human Resources and Administration Achala Silva, and Citrus Leisure PLC Group Head of Human Resources Thivanka Thabrew, who contributed their expertise to the program and reaffirmed their continued commitment to supporting this initiative.

While the program was launched to mark a historic milestone for the Group, its impact extends far beyond celebration. Encouraged by the progress achieved and the wider social value created, Citrus Leisure PLC is now exploring the continuation of the program to empower more young Sri Lankans to transform raw potential into refined capability while supporting the long-term growth of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry.