THASL conducts awareness program for educationists

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) recently organised a seminar for a group of educationists.

They were given an understanding of the tourism and hotel sector and its future potential.

The latest move of the THASL is a part of its ongoing program, where it organises tourism career guidance programs for Advanced Level students in many parts of the country to attract them to the industry, when they complete their education.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena who was the chief guest, highlighted the importance of developing skill-based careers and the stressed the need to bring in skills development into the education system.

The awareness program was attended by Zonal Education Directors, Divisional Education Directors and senior educationists of Western Province national schools.

Past President, THASL, Srilal Miththapala presented a detailed overview of the tourism industry and the career prospects it offers.

THASL President Jayantissa Kehelpannala and Past President Anura Lokuhetty also spoke.

The event was conducted at the Cinnamon Grand hotel and all logistical arrangements were done with the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM). By educating the educationists, the THASL aims at spreading the message to the wider student community of the country about the opportunities the tourism sector offers them, in terms of career growth.

THASL during the past year has organised several tourism career guidance programs in many parts of the island, where about 100-120 students from schools in the area and their teachers attend.

Following the seminars, the students are also taken on a guided tour of the departments of the hotel where the seminar is conducted.

THASL has conducted these programs in Negombo, Galle, Kalutara and Colombo.