The Institute of Hospitality (IOH), Lanka International Branch recently concluded its first middle-managers programme to develop professionalism among hotel managers in Sri Lanka. The one-day training programme 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 organised 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 calibre resource persons for the workshop held at the Grand Kandyan Hotel – Kandy, included Dr. Sarath Buddhadasa, Srilal Miththapala and Amal Nanyakkara.
Dr. Buddhadasa, an expert in the field of leadership training and marketing conducted the morning session focusing on leadership development, while Miththapala who specializes in contemporary issues in tourism focused on sustainability issues pertaining to the industry. 
Nanayakkara took over the workshop to drive home the need for innovation with his wide spanning experience in the hospitality trade. Also gracing the occasion was Mahaweli Reach Hotel Managing Director Jayantha Panabokke, who shared his insight on the development of the local industry while appreciating the efforts of IOH. 
Commenting on the workshop, Dr. Buddhadasa said, “It was very encouraging to see the level of enthusiasm and interest to learn demonstrated by the young managers and clearly there is a great potential for them to emerge into full-fledged professionals in the hospitality trade.” 
“All participants rated the programme 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, a very interactive approach and a certificate from the institute, which is recognized globally, is awarded at the end of each workshop. 
The IOH, 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 organisation 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. The 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.