The Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association (CHSGA) inaugurated its ‘PROPEL’ program with a view to encourage and stimulate talented young people from a wide range of educational backgrounds so they apply their creativity in the highly challenging hotel industry.
The program set up with Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) gives the students an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to resolving operating issues and cope with the demands of our industry. It also gives CHSGA the opportunity to interact directly with students and listen to their suggestions in order to build the hotels of the future.
This sustainable initiative will be a vital factor in producing hospitality leaders who possess the necessary skills to take Sri Lanka to greater success in this sector. Furthermore, in this joint collaboration between CHSGA and SLITHM, both organizations hope to increase their brand value and contribution to the industry.
Chief Guest at the inauguration was Mr Sumitra Gunasekara Past President CHSGA. The initiative was headed by Mrs. Wijegunawardane, Assistant Vice President – Accommodation Sector, Sri Lanka & Overseas and assisted by Mr. Patrick Perera, Vice President – John Keels Group Head of Learning & Development, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Mr. Priyal Perera, President of CHSGA and the Executive Committee members were also present.
The ‘PROPEL training program is a value-addition to the already established curriculum of SITHM Soft sills development, which is vital for those seeking employment in the hospitality sector, as they will be exposed to a challenging environment where clear communication presentation and public speaking are considered as core competencies.
Priyal Perera, President of CHSGA underscores the fact that “The spirit of innovation and achievement is deeply anchored within CHSGA. By helping our students apply their creative talents to challenging hotel industry concerns such as sustainable development, opens up traditional frontiers in hospitality. Our objective is also to widen our recruitment pool to accompany our strong growth.”
