ADVERTORIAL
'NDB Jeevana Livelihood Training / Loan Scheme' :
A new lease of life for Trinco youth
Charumini de Silva
For Mariyaraja Joshan, a 19 year old student from St Joseph's College
Trincomalee, life has not offered many opportunities. The ambitious
bright eyed young man has proved to be a leader from the early years of
his life. He has been the leader of the school Western Band, a Senior
Member of St Johns Ambulance and a very active member of the Mother
Lanka Association.
The selected candidates for the NDB Jeevana Livelihood
Training/Loan Scheme, together with Culinary Affairs Director Dr
Pubilis Silva at the International Hotel School of Mount Lavinia
Hotel |
The only son of a three member family, dependant on the sole income
of his father, a small-scale rice mill owner from the outskirts of
Trincomalee, he has just completed his GCE Advanced Level Examination in
commerce subjects and was evaluating the few opportunities available in
his home town, in order to embark upon a future career.
"The dawn of peace has definitely opened new vistas for us, but the
actual fruits of peace are yet to be enjoyed" commented Joshan. He also
stated that career opportunities in the area are scarce and limited.
'Although we see a heavy influx of tourists (both local and foreign) the
full potential is yet to come", he said.
For many young people like Joshan, the 'NDB Jeevana Livelihood
Training/Loan Scheme' introduced by NDB Bank in collaboration with the
International Hotel School of Mount Lavinia Hotel, opened a new era of
life and opportunity.
Under the Jeevana Livelihood Development Scheme, 30 selected
candidates like Joshan will be eligible to undergo six months of
comprehensive theory and practical training in Hotel Operations under
the expertise of the International Hotel School.
Specific areas covered in this course include international cookery,
food and beverage service, housekeeping, reception, hygiene and English;
in a bid to provide sound knowledge in all aspects of the industry.
The preliminary interviews for the selection of candidates for the
Jeevana Scheme were held recently at the Chamber of Commerce Trincomalee.
Over 75 potential candidates were present for interviews, of which
the most eligible with an aptitude for hospitality were selected.
NDB Bank, Chief Executive Officer Russell De Mel said, 'Given the
immense potential for growth in the tourism industry in the Eastern
Province, we have specifically focused on Trincomalee for the launch of
the first program under the Jeevana Scheme.
By identifying careers that play an important role in contributing to
the development of the area, it was our aim to enter into partnerships
with significant industry leaders, to provide the academic training
which will undoubtedly increase livelihood opportunities among the youth
in the North and East.
Through the initial tie-up with the International Hotel School,
students interested in pursuing a career in the hospitality industry
will be able to follow a comprehensive course which will enable them to
emerge as an asset to the hotel trade in Sri Lanka', he said.
Mt. Lavinia Chairman Sanath Ukwatte said the tourism industry today
is well poised for a major take off.
This initiative of NDB Bank to give a helping hand to the youth in
the North and East to help rebuild their lives by creating an
opportunity for them to find a vocation in the booming hospitality
industry; is indeed a well timed gesture for youth empowerment," he
said.
Asia Microfinance forum 2010:
Mobitel Silver sponsor
The Banking With The Poor Network (BWTP) prevails to serve Asia as
its core microfinance network. The Asian microfinance network aspires to
enable innovative, appropriate and demand driven financial services for
those stagnant at the bottom of the pyramid. Whilst committed to
enhancing the quality of life
HNB BWTP Chairman and Marketing and Retail Banking DGM Chandula
Abeywickrema handing over the MOU to Mobitel Chief Executive
Officer Suren J. Amarasekara. |
amongst the poor through promoting and facilitating access to
sustainable financial services, the key objective will disclaim
'poverty'. The BWTP seeks to reap sustainability, by embarking on
ventures to fuel greater financial inclusion of the poor.
In a bid to alleviate poverty throughout Asia, the BWTP network
unravels one of its key initiatives the Asia Microfinance Forum 2010, to
be hosted in Sri Lanka from October 12-15.
Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, partnered with the Asia Microfinance Forum
as the Silver sponsor for the Asia Microfinance Forum 2010. Mobitel
takes interest as an active agent by spearheading many initiatives to
materialize its vision of infusing development across the nation.
Sri Lanka was selected as the host destination for the Asia
Microfinance Forum 2010, as the post war era assisted in navigating
economic resurgence across the country. The economic ambience has
reflected significant growth since its awakening after the war. The
event will span over a three day period and is expected to host a
multitude of 600 delegates including leading practitioners,
policy-makers and other influential personnel who share similar
perspectives on Microfinance. The event will display the potential and
forward-thinking process for the microfinance industry in Asia.
Sri Lanka Telecom CEO Suren J Amarasekera Mobitel said "It is a
privilege for Mobitel to be associated as the Silver Sponsor for the
Asia Microfinance Forum 2010.
The event will assist to penetrate significant rural population and
revive an economic revolution through its awareness of financial
inclusion. We share a mutual passion in propelling Sri Lanka to greater
heights through economic development.
Otara helps to build house
ODEL CEO Otara Gunewardene led a team from her company to help build
a house for a deserving family in Lunawa recently in her role as a
Goodwill Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity. Otara recently led a team
of volunteers from ODEL and Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka to provide
the labour required to complete the construction work of the house. This
project is part of the ODEL 20 / 20 build initiative which commenced
recently, under which the company plans to build 20 houses to mark the
20 years of ODEL. |