Pembrooke International pioneers tourism and hospitality course

Friday, 28 March 2014 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is tipped to be the largest foreign exchange earner by 2016 when it will attract 2.5 million tourists. But to receive that many tourists, at least 500,000 job vacancies will need to be filled. “The country will need a thumping amount of human resource by that time,” said Ishan Abeygonawardena, a visiting lecturer on Tourism and Hospitality. Ishan is devising a special program, a fast track course in Tourism and Hospitality for Pembrooke International which will aptly combine all four modules taught globally including Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, Front Office and Cookery. “This will give young Sri Lankans an opportunity to not only familiarise themselves with this field but assist them in finding better prospects in employment and higher studies,” he added.

Pembrooke International which has been in the student migration sector since April 2010 is today the only accepted agency in Sri Lanka to have direct dealings with Hospitality schools in Switzerland. The courses will include training of chefs, training in restaurant services, guest relations, hotel room management and even front office management. The institute also assists students to pursue higher studies in New Zealand. “Tourism is a prospective industry in the world today,” said Pembrooke International Institute Chairman W. P. U. Weerawardena. “But there is a dearth for recognised and accredited courses in Hospitality and Tourism as such we wanted to offer a short but affordable course which will offer better prospects to a student, for higher studies or employment.” Weerawardena is a member of the SLAS and former Official Secretary to the former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. The Directress Subashini Weerawerdena gave up her profession as a principal to pioneer this institute. The centre located at 410/140, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07 will be equipped with all the modern facilities, meant to train students who will be able to fill the many vacancies that are opening up locally. According to Abeygonawardena, many students lack the basic skills and know-how of the trade. The course is an attempt to give them first hand information on the workings of a hotel so that they may be able to decide which field they’d like to study further or work in. “We can guarantee that students will find employment immediately after completing the course,” he said. “We are collaborating with various hotels to offer these students internships or full time jobs and are even in talks with universities in Switzerland should the student wish to study further.” Several other renowned lecturers and experts in the field are also expected to host sessions during this course.