Institute of Hospitality Lanka International Branch opens “Manager’s Tool Chest”

The Institute of Hospitality (IOH), Lanka International Branch, recently concluded its first middle-managers program to develop professionalism among hotel managers in Sri Lanka. The one-day training program saw more than 40 participants representing hotels in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Dambulla.

Commenting on the initiative, IOH-Lanka Chairman Sidath Kodikara said: “There is a huge vacuum in training and exposure opportunities available for middle level managers in the hospitality industry. The IOH in line with its vision of enhancing the professionalism among young hoteliers has organized a series of workshops titled ‘Manager’s Tool Chest’ featuring a variety of topics that would help fine tune the skill-sets of hotel managers.”

The high-caliber resource persons for the workshop held at the Grand Kandyan Hotel included Dr. Sarath Buddhadasa, eTN ambassador Srilal Miththapala, and Amal Nanyakkara.

“All participants rated the program as excellent and requested IOH to further strengthen the ‘Manager’s Tool Box’ to meet the demands of the ever more complex tourism industry,” added Kodikara.

The IOH-Lanka Committee has planned similar workshops in Negombo, in the southern, northern. and eastern regions. as well as in Colombo. in response to the great demand for mid-career development opportunities. The seminar series is a very interactive approach, and a certificate from the Institute, which is recognized globally, is awarded at the end of each workshop.

The Institute of Hospitality, formerly HCIMA, is a professional body consisting of a membership made up of individual managers and aspiring managers working and studying in the hospitality, leisure, and tourism (HLT) industry around the world. The institute has been in existence since the 1930s when it first began as a professional body in the UK.

The institute’s reputation as a membership organization promoting quality standards and education has grown globally during its 80-year history, resulting in a membership growth during those years in more than 100 countries around the globe. A large number of HLT students, including retired fellows, has joined the membership of the institute, as it has continuously supported members in the areas of professional development throughout their careers, wherever they are in the world.

The event at the Grand Kandyan Hotel Kandy was a great success thanks to the untiring efforts of the General Manager Thusith Samaraweera and his associates, and it was appreciated by the participants and members of the institute. Executive Committee of the Institute headed by Chairman Kodikara, Secretary Sugath Illangakoon, Treasurer Eraj Abeywardane, Vice Chairperson Renuka Jayamanne, Members Asoka Jayawardane, and Rehan Razeen were present.