The Sri Lanka hotel school has launched a new franchise program with 35 partner institutes to expand training opportunities and prepare skilled staff for the growing tourism sector.
Hotel school partners with 35 institutes to train tourism staff
The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) has introduced a franchise program in partnership with 35 training schools across the country, marking a significant step in strengthening human resources for the hospitality industry. The initiative comes as Sri Lanka targets 3 million tourist arrivals in 2025, with a medium-term goal of reaching 5 million.
According to SLITHM Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi, the industry will require 800,000 workers once arrivals climb to 5 million, compared to the current 421,000 employed in formal hotels. The new initiative is designed to help bridge this gap by training future professionals.
A key part of the effort is the “Hotel Operations Multitasker Program,” an NVQ Level 3 qualification endorsed by the Tertiary and Vocational Training Authority. The program has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Samurdhi Development to provide training for members of families receiving income support, enabling them to transition into formal employment within the tourism sector.
At the program’s launch ceremony, Social Security Ministry Secretary Sampath Manthrinayake emphasized the importance of education in overcoming poverty. Addressing the first batch of students, he encouraged them to see this as a stepping stone toward higher qualifications offered by the hotel school.
The 360-hour course will equip students with diverse skills, including front office reception, housekeeping, and other hotel operations. Graduates are expected to begin careers in one- and two-star hotels, gaining practical experience that will serve as a foundation for future advancement.
SLITHM aims to train 20,000 hotel multitasker graduates through this franchise program, with 2,000 students enrolled in the initial intake. Training agencies from across the country have joined the effort, making this the first nationwide franchise program introduced by the institute.
Discussions are ongoing with hotels in different regions to provide on-the-job training opportunities, ensuring that students gain hands-on industry experience. Officials believe the program will not only supply the industry with much-needed staff but also empower individuals from low-income families to build sustainable careers in hospitality.