NDB Bank enhances hospitality trade through ‘Jeevana’ initiative again

Twenty-three students who received training under the NDB Jeevana Livelihood Development Scheme recently graduated in Colombo.

The students passed out following a comprehensive training course in Hotel Operations, conducted in association with the International Hotel School of Mt. Lavinia Hotel. This is the second batch from the east coast to have completed and graduated in hotel operations.

NDB Jeevana Livelihood programme provides a six month comprehensive training course, covering four months of theory followed by two months of practical training in the selected vocation in partnership with industry leaders of the respective field; in the case of hotel operations, all candidates are provided with on the job training at star class hotels while in the case of motor mechanism, practical training is provided by the partnering organisation DIMO itself.

Speaking on the occasion of the passing out ceremony, NDB Bank Chief Executive Officer Russell de Mel said: “We have recognised the advent of economic proliferation within the east coast in Sri Lanka and have become an integral part of the development process by empowering youth in the area to take on the demands of growing opportunities in tourism.”

“We have identified a wealth of talent amongst the youth in Sri Lanka through this programme. This initiative that will identify, foster and nurture talent amongst the youth of this country, the future leaders of our society, is our contribution to emerging Sri Lanka,” de Mel added.

Initiated in September 2010, the Livelihood Development Programme has now witnessed three batches of youth graduating, two batches from the east coast in hotel operations and one batch from the north in motor mechanism. The programme has spread its wings to the south too, with the fourth batch also in hotel operations now in progress.

International Hotel School of Mount Lavinia Hotel Principal Mahendra Hulangamuwa said: “It is with immense pleasure we hold this passing out ceremony for the second batch in Trincomalee. Today tourism industry in Sri Lanka is booming and the International Hotel School makes every endeavour to impart knowledge and aims to strengthen students’ experience by providing them with opportunities for immediate employment which is an urgent requirement in the hospitality industry.”

“We would like to thank NDB Bank profusely for helping hand with us to make realise our vision to take the hospitality knowledge and technical skills to rural youth,” added Hulangamuwa.

NDB Bank with its development banking roots spanning over three decades has always placed specific emphasis towards the development of the nation and more particularly fostering entrepreneurship amongst the youth.

Under the Jeevana Livelihood Development Scheme, NDB Bank aims to identify and cater to specific career opportunities that play a vital role in the current development momentum. In partnership with industry leaders, NDB Bank hopes to provide expert guidance and practical training which will undoubtedly equip youth to gain employment immediately after the completion of their selected vocational training.