Professional Association of Diving Instructors Forum at Chaaya Tranz, Hikkaduwa

PADI Forum 2012, conducted by two officials from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), was held for the first time in Sri Lanka on 12 February at Chaaya Tranz, Hikkaduwa

PADI, founded in 1966, is the world’s leading scuba diving training organization; with over 135,000 PADI professionals and more than 6,000 affiliated dive shops and resorts worldwide. PADI recently celebrated the 20 millionth PADI certified diver.

Conducted by Tony Andrews, Regional Manager, PADI Asia Pacific, and Sheridan Hatcher, Marketing and Business Development Supervisor, PADI Asia Pacific, the event focused on some new initiatives launched by PADI, online study programs, changes to the syllabi, innovations such as virtual PADI license, and advice on using social media for marketing and promotions. It was well attended with over 40 dive professionals from a number of dive schools in Sri Lanka.

The event was initiated by Nishan Silva, Managing Director of Alco Leisure, and Devsiri Peiris, Consultant Diving Instructor to Alco Leisure, together with Chitral Jayatilake, Assistant Vice President and Head of Ecotourism of John Keells Hotels Group. John Keells Hotels, in collaboration with Alco Leisure (Pvt) Ltd, is set to offer a world-class diving experience with the launch of a state-of-the-art dive school at Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa, The Group also has plans to launch similar centres at their other coastal resorts around the country.

“We are confident that the Dive School based at Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa will be certified as a five star facility by PADI in the next couple of months,” said Nishan Silva.

Alco Leisure (Pvt) Ltd., launched recently to bring a variety of adventure sports to Sri Lanka, is part of the diversified Alcobronz Group, founded in 1973 with interests in engineering, leisure, and logistics.