THASL officially announces finalists of Rising Stars of Hospitality 2017

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) has released the names of the much awaited 46 finalists of Rising Stars of Hospitality 2017, marking the end to the three months long evaluation process conducted in regional and national levels. Four regions namely Colombo, Negombo, Upcountry and South have prominently shown their dominance over the contest. 

Judges final round (from left): Otara Gunewardene, Paddy Withana, Sanath Ukwatte (President THASL), Anton Godfrey and Rosy Senanayake

The demanding and competitive evaluation process of Rising Stars of Hospitality 2017 was aimed at eliciting and rewarding the most outstanding young personalities in the hospitality industry. Thousands of young talents representing over 200 member hotels vied for the honours under nine specific categories namely Concierge/Bell Hop, Receptionist, Public Area Attendant, Room Attendant, Steward/Waiter, Kitchen Steward, Bartender, Pool Attendant/Life Guard and Telephone Operator. 

A highly qualified judging panel comprising experts from the hospitality and related industries spearheaded the rigorous sorting and evaluation process. The judges include Dilip De Silva – Chief Judge, Rosy Senanayake – Prime Minister’s Spokesperson and the Deputy Head of the Prime Minister’s Office and Women’s rights activists, Otara Gunewardene – Entrepreneur, philanthropist, Founder of ODEL, Otara Foundation and CEO of Embark, Paddy Withana –Former Chairman to Sri Lanka Tourism and Advisor to Prime Minister and Anton Godfrey – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AGXA and AG International Company.

Commenting on the latest development of the country’s first ever island-wide contest in hospitality industry, the President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka Sanath Ukwatte noted, “It was the first time the Hotels Association organised a contest of this nature and scale, and the response from the young hoteliers across the country has been overwhelming. Our industry is the second largest net foreign exchange earner in the country, with hotels investing millions of dollars in the local job market.” 

Elaborating further Ukwatte noted, “Rising Stars of Hospitality 2017 has laid an ideal platform to identify and recognise the key roles pivotal in hotel operation, in addition to popularising the industry while inducing fresh blood. Next year we are planning to recognise the contribution made by women in the hotel industry, and further encourage and support their progressive career development. We hope more and more participants will join this competition to further their skills in the future.”

Rising Stars of Hospitality 2017 awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at a gala event on 24 October at the Srimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and in the presence of dignitaries representing the Government and the industry.