Life style
Blessed, excited, privileged
by Zanita Careem
Lakmini Raymond is a versatile hotelier, driven by passion and commitment. She has an in-depth understanding of the hospitality industry.
With over 30 years of experience in the field of hospitality, Lakmini Raymond is a force to reckon with. With expertise in sales and marketing, revenue and business development, she has served at some of the leading international hospitality brands, and recently took on the reins as Vice President – Public Relations and Branding of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements (Pvt) Ltd.
What motivated you to join the hospitality industry?
In one simple word: it is ‘fate’.
Growing up, tourism and hospitality was never in my radar as a career choice. After completing my higher studies, I followed in the footsteps of my family and joined my family-owned printing company. Whilst it was interesting, soon I wanted to venture out on my own and see the world from a ladder made by my own merit. It was by chance that I came across a job opportunity for print and graphics manager at one of the leading international hotels, Hilton Colombo. When I started, my office was in the car park of the building, and not at all a glamorous affair. However, the General Manager at that time, saw my potential and gave me an opportunity to join the hotel’s mainstream operations. I was enrolled in a short Management Trainee programme, after which I joined the sales team.
Since then, there was no turning back. I am in love with this industry; and 32 years later, I am so grateful for that initial opportunity and I have been truly blessed to have been able to work in international hospitality brands as well as a reputed homegrown brand, prior to my appointment at Aitken Spence Hotels.
Congratulation on your new role. How do you feel about handling all this?
Blessed, excited, privileged.
I am excited as I will be able to combine my experiences and work for a Sri Lanka blue-chip conglomerate such as Aitken Spence, that has spearheaded the growth and innovation in the hospitality sector of Sri Lanka. I am certain that I can share my expertise in realizing the company’s next phase of development within the leisure sector.
What do you think are the secrets of your careers longevity and success?
I believe it is the passion I have for this industry. For me, hospitality has become part and parcel of my life. I love the industry and all it entails – the people, the service, the energy. I think if one truly loves what they do and believe in it wholeheartedly, then success would follow.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is when I can use my accomplishments and share my experiences and expertise to help others achieve company and personal goals.
How do you deal with the pressure of balancing work and home?
The pressure has subsided considerably now, since my sons are now adults. However, I believe even back in the day I set daily goals, I prioritized my tasks and was prepared for unexpected surprises. By keeping my eyes on the results more than the situation, I was able to attain the balance that I set out to achieve.
How has the definition of luxury changed over the year?
The concept of luxury is changing exponentially today due to the fast pace in which societal and cultural norms and expectations are changing. Consumer values and preferences are in flux, thanks to the competing dynamisms of globalization, key changes in consumer mindset, and the disruptive impact of technology. With rapid globalization, a new breed of consumers are created in the market. These consumers have a much broader, multidimensional perception on what quality and luxury can be. The growth in disposable income in the global markets also means material wealth is no longer the only signal of power. The psyche of affluent consumers has shifted and what the look for now is self-actualization.
No longer is luxury just about brands or chic destinations. Those things still matter, but there’s a now new layer to the luxury experience, one in which the accomplishment is experiential and self-actualization.
What will be your sustainability initiatives you will introduce after the end of the pandemic at Aitken Spence Hotels? In doing so, what unique challenges would you meet?
Sustainability in the post pandemic era will be about conservation and commitment – conservation of the environment and commitment towards the social responsibility and the communities.
At Aitken Spence Hotels, these are ethos that are deeply ingrained in the system. Therefore, our work will be to enhance the present setting into creating a holistic approach that are lifestyle-driven and experentail for our guests.
The biggest challenge will be less volume of guests, which we anticipate would continue for at least another 121-18 months and the ever-changing trends in the segment of sustainability.
With the pandemic are you optimistic about travel and hotel sectors in the future? What will be main focus?
Yes, we are optimistic.
The main focus will of course be, safety. Based on this, the trends of travel will change. Personalization will be paramount. The emphasis will be on holistic experience and in creating memories. Travelers will be more appreciative of their holidays due to the uncertainties of tomorrow. There has also been somewhat of a cultural shift in health with more people shifting towards organic food, environmental issues, ethical business, etc which will affect the industry as well.
As the Covid-19 challenge continues, the hotels and the industry continue to slow its resilient. How do your account for this?
Of course, we are resilient. Globally, we have all gone through the wars, acts of terrorisms, natural and man-made disasters. No matter what, the hospitality industry has been resilient, because we, as humans are resilient. Travel has become a part of our lifestyles and is an escape that most long for – whether it is for work or pleasure; therefore, we will always remain.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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