From trainee waiter to GM

Beginning his hotel career as a trainee waiter and rising to the post of a General Manager, is the tall success story of Eric Rodrigo. Eric is the present GM of Villa Palma Beach Resort, Pamunugama. He climbed the ladder of success not on an elevator, but step by step.

He joined the hotel trade in 1980 as a trainee waiter at Browns Beach Hotel, Negombo. In 1983 Eric left for Oman to accept the post of Restaurant Supervisor at Holiday Inn Hotel, Oman. After serving in Oman for three years, he returned to Sri Lanka and joined Taj Airport Garden Hotel, Seeduwa as a captain. At Taj Airport Garden Hotel he was promoted to Coffee Shop Manager, Restaurant and Bar Manager and Banquet Manager.

In 1991, Eric left for Maldives and joined Laguna Beach Resort, a 5-star hotel in the Maldives, as Food and Beverage Manager. After a one year stint in Maldives he returned to Sri Lanka and joined Sunflower Beach Hotel, Negombo as Food and Beverage Manager.

In 1991, Eric served Hotel Dolphin, a member of the Serendib Group as F & B Manager. In 1994, he left for Maldives again and worked at Sagura Beach Hotel as F & B Manager. He returned to Sri Lanka and joined Pegasus Reef Hotel, Wattala as F & B cum Sales Manager. In 2004 Eric joined Dickwella Villa Resort as F & B Manager, overlooking the entire management.

On March 1, 2006, Eric reached the zenith of his hotel career when he took up duties on General Manager, Villa Palma Beach Resort, Pamunugama. He holds a Diploma in F & B management from the American Hotel and Motel Association. He is also a lecturer in food and beverage and a member of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

BJ