Waters Edge initiates innovative training programme for youth

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Waters Edge Chairman Chamath De Silva, Waters Edge General Manager Rohan Fernandopulle, Director Human Resources Thushara Hettihamu and Director Sales and Marketing Nirekshe Perera with the first batch of trainees

Waters Edge, the favourite suburban hotel on the outskirts of Colombo recently initiated and launched an innovative training programme designed to enhance and uplift the lives of youth in the area by training and empowering them in the field of hospitality. 

The programme was initiated by Megapolis Minister Champika Ranawaka and Waters Edge Chairman Chamath de Silva and is being implemented by Waters edge General Manager Rohan Fernandopulle.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the programme de Silva noted, “Waters Edge has always been a hotel that has conceptualized and implemented innovative ideas in terms of food, service standards, promotions, sustainability initiatives and training programmes. We have won many international and local accolades for our efforts and constantly strive to give back as much as we can. This initiative is also unique and timely when as a nation we are gearing up to usher in a new era of tourism.”
Waters Edge Human Resource Director Thushara Hettihamu also said, “The programme itself offers a unique opportunity for youth between the ages of 18-30 who are GCE O/L qualified to enter the wonderful world of hospitality. As tourism continues to boom in the country, this programme will be a foundation for a fruitful career. Chosen candidates will receive comprehensive training under the able and experienced staff at Waters Edge in various areas. At the completion of the training, successful candidates will enter the industry as work-ready and skilled employees.”

This initiative extends comprehensive hospitality industry training to those who wish to enter the industry but may not necessarily possess the required qualifications. Conceived as a community service engagement, this will be an ongoing project that will see many youth and new entrants to the industry benefit in the long run.

“We want to encourage all food and beverage-related entities to also carry out similar programmes in their own establishments. There is a national requirement for skilled professionals in the hospitality sector which is growing at an exponential rate at the moment and it is the responsibility of established names in the industry to contribute to the larger picture,” said Fernandopulle.

Letters of appointment to the first 30 recruits were handed over by Ranawaka yesterday at a special ceremony, which was held yesterday at the hotel. The 30 participants commenced their training from September 1 onwards for a period of 12 months inclusive of on-the-job training in both theory and practical areas.