'Jeevana' youth empowerment initiative enhances hospitality trade

The third batch of 23 students, trained in hotel operations under the Jeevana Livelihood Development scheme initiated NDB, passed out at a ceremony in Tangalle recently. MP, Namal Rajapaksa was the chief guest.

Initiated in September 2010, the Jeevana Livelihood Development Program endorses NDB's commitment to national development and the Bank's emphasis on propagating the spirit of entrepreneurship across the island.

The first two programs which were initiated in collaboration with the International Hotel School of Mount Lavinia Hotel, proved to be a success in the east coast where the hospitality trade is experiencing a resurgence.

Chief Executive Officer of NDB, Russell de Mel said, "This scheme was initially introduced by NDB as a means of building bridges among communities thus focussing on the youth of the North and the East. However, all students trained under the program have found employment in star class hotels upon completion of the course, he said.

"The need for hotel operations and youth empowerment have compelled the Bank to extend the scheme further", he said.