Program to train youth for tourism industry

by L. S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The Ministry of Tourism has launched a crash program to train youth to meet the requirement of skilled human resources for the country's hospitality sector, in which a 30 per cent annual growth is expected, said Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism B. M. U. D. Basnayeka.

He said the Ministry entered into an MOU with LCCI International Qualifications to conduct a series of courses in selected areas islandwide, enabling Sri Lankan youth to find jobs in the hospitality sector.

He said 15,000 educational scholarships will be offered by LCCI International Qualifications in the first phase of the project. English language awareness will be considered a prerequisite for the program. Classes will be conducted free.

Tourism is considered the world over as an industry capable of generating fast track jobs.

Every tourist visiting the country creates five job opportunities, he said.

LCCI International Qualifications Chief Operating Officer Asia, Mark Disney said that in a country as beautiful and fascinating as Sri Lanka, travel and tourism is one sector that will certainly boom. This will lead to an influx of foreign tourists that will create thousands of jobs requiring a wide range of new skills and qualifications needed to succeed in the workplace both here and overseas.