In its 100 years of successful operations, Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) PLC has embarked on a multitude of initiatives designed to nurture the growth of employees and impart knowledge and skills across diverse areas of business. 

The company’s continued commitment in this regard has been aptly recognized within the wider British American Tobacco (BAT) network and has significantly contributed towards the overall development of individuals within the network. 

Strengthening this, CTC in collaboration with Commercial Bank of Ceylon and John Keells Holdings (JKH) PLC spearheaded the sixth consecutive year of the renowned internship programme ‘Fast Track 15’ (FT15). Launched in 2010, the programme provides 15 undergraduates with a unique internship opportunity at all three conglomerates spanning over six weeks.  “Similar to the wider British American Tobacco network, CTC has partnered and implemented several initiatives that has supported the company in attracting the right talent and further positioning themselves as a great place to work. I commend the incredible work done by CTC together with these leading conglomerates to make the programme a success year-on-year. 
It is very exciting to note the success FT15 has had over the years and I am confident that it will continue to attract and nurture a pool of motivated candidates in the years to come,” remarked British American Tobacco Human Resources Area Head South Asia Area Sanzid Ahmed.

The FT15 internship has grown as one of the most recognized programmes in corporate Sri Lanka which attracts both locally and internationally qualified undergraduates, giving them the opportunity to experience local corporate culture and corporate life. 

The programme provides a unique framework of hands-on learning and intense training sessions which stimulates real-time experiences. This in turn gives participants the chance to interact with prominent business personalities resulting in soft skill development and network building. 
Commenting on this collaboration, CTC Human Resources Head Aruna Dissanayaka said, “CTC is an amalgamation of diverse individuals and attributes, all of which synergizes to drive the company forward. 

A significant aspect of attracting the right talent is our strategic engagement in programmes that support the growth and development of people and their diverse strengths. Our partnership with leading conglomerates for FT15 for the sixth consecutive year symbolizes our commitment in this regard and I am excited to witness the outcome of yet another year of the programme.”