Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institute of Hospitality UK – Sri Lanka Chapter took place at the Ramada Hotel Colombo, graced by the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. This significant event focused on the pressing issue of brain drain within the hospitality industry, as highlighted by Dr. Harsha Jayasinghe, the Immediate Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter.
Dr. Jayasinghe underscored the challenge of brain drain, noting that many young professionals in the hospitality sector tend to pursue short-term courses, gain brief work experience, and subsequently migrate overseas. This trend poses a substantial challenge for sustaining a skilled workforce within Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry.
Boasting a rich history of 86 years, the Institute of Hospitality UK is proud of its robust Sri Lanka Branch. Dr. Jayasinghe emphasized the critical role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy, identifying it as the third-largest source of revenue. Tourism contributes approximately 13.3% of the country’s total foreign exchange earnings and provides employment to 450,000 individuals, both directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “island of pearls,” holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange.
Ramesh Dassanayake, the newly appointed President of the IH Sri Lanka Chapter, stressed the need for a thorough analysis to understand why the youth are not joining the hospitality industry at a rate comparable to other sectors. He proposed leveraging technology in hospitality education and training sessions focused on industry-specific software and platforms as a means to attract and retain younger generations in the sector.
Dassanayake also expressed concerns about the frequent migration of staff between hotels, exacerbating the brain drain issue. He emphasized that maintaining high standards in hospitality is crucial, as tourists invest significant resources in their experiences. To uphold these standards, he urged hotel schools and professional institutions involved in skills development to increase their intake of students.
The AGM extended special thanks to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for their contributions to the event’s success. The meeting was a testament to the resilience and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry, offering valuable insights and commitments to guide future developments.
The newly elected Executive Committee for the year 2024/2025 includes Keerthi Wickramasinghe, Nalinda Abeyratne, Niroshan De Silva, Rehan Razeen, Sisira Senaratne (Treasurer), Thushara Gunawardana (Vice Chairman), Dr. Harsha Jayasinghe (Immediate Past President), Ramesh Dassanayake (President), Rauf Marfyne (Secretary), Lalith Rajapaksha, Rukshan Fernando, Renuka Jayamanna, and Taniya Tissera. This diverse and experienced team is set to lead the Sri Lanka Chapter towards a brighter future in the hospitality industry.Top of Form
