‘Hospitality Training and Empowerment Project’ by Galadari

Making a contribution towards development of employment opportunities for local communities the Galadari Hotel ventured in to its Corporate Social Responsibility project ‘Hospitality Training and Empowerment’ in November 2010 in the City of Bibile, Moneragala District. Assisting Galadari in this regard, the project was channelled through Venerable Hawelwela Sunanda Chief incumbent of Unagolla Purna Rajamaha Viharaya.

With a vision to guide and develop rural youth with training in international hotel management, the Galadari seeks to empower these young people by educating them on basic skills and tools needed to strengthen and sustain their communities.

Creating a programme of training and empowerment the Hotel has reached out to eleven young men who have joined in this CSR initiative to learn and discover the many areas of hotel management. Lengthening up to a period of one year, this training programme will comprise of theory as well as practical exposure providing them a detailed description and hands on experience in areas such as housekeeping, kitchen stewarding, laundry and F&B.

Focussing on the importance of English and outlook of society towards the language, the Hotel also carries out a basic programme of spoken and written English in order to engage the beginners in customer interaction breaking away language barriers.

Providing all meals and accommodation and a reasonable allowance for all who have joined in the programme the Galadari ensures that daily needs are met while paying special attention to a demanding period of training and development with utmost commitment. On successful completion of the programme, the youth also has the choice of joining the Hotel’s permanent cadre or forward their resumes to other employment prospects at will.

Believing in the commitment and pledge for responsible corporate governance the Galadari is encouraged by this venture in providing essential life skills and know-how to emerge as effective adults in society.

Understanding its vital links with the society it operates, the Galadari seeks to continue many such initiatives strengthening and supporting communities.

“I believe in the fact that a real commitment to corporate social responsibility unites an organization and strengthens its reputation. By facilitating improvements in the quality of life and by initiating programmes such as these we are seeking to create opportunities by also supporting socio-economic development,” stated Sampath Siriwardena, General Manager, Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC.