IIHE breaks new ground with professional courses in hospitality

The Imperial Institute of Hospitality and Leisure, IIHL, an associate company of the Imperial Institute of Higher Education, (IIHE), in collaboration with UK’s Institute of Hospitality (IH) plans to introduce globally recognized professional educational courses to Sri Lanka.

The IIHL is working closely with the Institute of Hospitality UK’s Sri Lanka Chapter, formerly known as HCIMA, towards finalizing the Diplomas and the Advanced Diplomas that will equip and empower junior, middle and senior managers and executives in the hospitality and leisure sector with a prestigious professional international qualification, for the first time in Sri Lanka.

 “Sri Lanka has some of the region’s and the world’s finest hoteliers serving here and abroad,” Institute of Hospitality - Sri Lankan Chapter Chairman Roshan Perera said.

 “We will be offering them the opportunity to acquire a world class professional qualification from IH UK, that targets developing the next generation of industry professionals,” he added.

Perera says that this is the first time that such a highly recognized qualification process will be made available to the hospitality sector in Sri Lanka. “ For Sri Lankan hoteliers whether at a junior or a senior level, the Institute of Hospitality UK qualifications will equip them with the skills and expertise needed to function at a top professional level whether here at home or abroad,” he said.

Eraj Abeywardena, the well known veteran hotelier and Executive Committee Member of Institute of Hospitality - Sri Lanka Chapter who is in charge of academic and practical training as Director – Studies at IIHL, said that today’s hoteliers need to possess multi skills.

 “From Business Management to Finance and Business Planning, HR Management, Marketing & Sales, Consumer Management to Professional Development, you will find the courses available here streamlined and developed with the objective of imparting cutting edge know-how and expertise in setting a global benchmark in the industry,” Abeywardena said.

He added that the courses are both flexible and industry relevant ; they are delivered in an intensive mode with on-line exams that allow the students to be assessed in real time.

With an objective of providing a comprehensive range of professional qualifications in the hospitality trade, the IIHL plans to introduce craft courses in culinary operations, F & B service operations, accommodation operations and hotel operations. These courses will be endorsed by the IH UK , enhancing their value and credibility. The IIHL also will be equipped with a state-of-the-art induction kitchen in this regard.

The Institute of Hospitality is recognized as UK’s leading professional and approved awarding body . The organization maintains a strong presence in the Middle East, Caribbean, Hong Kong, Europe and China and is widely respected for its high standards and frontline role, played in the hospitality and leisure sector globally.

Speaking on the ground-breaking partnership IIHL Chief Executive Officer Harshana Perera said that  it is an opportunity for Sri Lanka’s hospitality and leisure sector executives to be equipped with top-of-the-line qualifications that will increase and enhance their potential worldwide.

Given the unique nature of the industry, and the fact most of the hotels are located outside Colombo, Perera says that the IIHL plans to engage an innovative approach in takinga professional education to the industry – “We will be going to the students and not just waiting for the students to come to us. That kind of an approach gives the students leverage in acquiring the qualification in a manner that does not disturb or interfere with their generally hectic work schedule,” he added.

The Institute of Hospitality-Sri Lankan Chapter consists of leading hoteliers and industry leaders who have been directly associated with the industry’s development and outstanding success. “ We are committed to ensuring that Sri Lankan hospitality and leisure sector professionals get the opportunity to learn internationally recognized know-how that will make them stand out in the trade,” Abeywardena said.        

The IIHL is an associate company under the IIHE umbrella, which is a leading educational institution that awards degrees and post graduate qualifications in association with the University of Wales UK.

The IIHL will be ceremoniously launched following the AGM of the Institute of Hospitality - Sri Lanka Chapter to be held on 28th June 2012 at the Water’s Edge.  The CEO of Institute of Hospitality– UK Philippe Rossiter will be the Guest of Honour at the event.