'Trained youth needed for hospitality industry'

Nethali STRUYS

It is estimated that at least 90,000 youth for the hospitality industry and a further 450,000 youth for the industry's informal sector, should be trained by 2016 to meet the manpower requirement to cater to the target of 2.5 million tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka, said Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) Directer General Dr. D A C Suranga Silva.

SLITHM is carrying out numerous projects, diplomas and degree courses to meet this need. The 33rd Graduation Ceremony of the SLITHM which took place yesterday was part of the programme, he said.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa awarded third and fourth year Management Diplomas to successful students.

The event took place at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.

More than 70 diploma holders received awards at this ceremony along with certificates which are recognized locally and internationally.

"These youth will have the opportunity of being employed locally or internationally at different levels in the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality industry, thereby easing the unemployment problem of the youth and opening avenues to attract more foreign exchange to Sri Lanka, the DG said.