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Brain drain impediment to hospitality industry – Dr.Jayasinghe
By Harischandra Gunaratna
Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality, Dr. Harsha Jayasinghe on Tuesday said the brain drain in the country had not only led to a serious loss of talent but also hampered the industry’s ability to provide high-quality services and meet the demands of national and international visitors.
Speaking at the 31st AGM of the Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka at Movenpick Colombo, Dr. Jayasinghe said Sri Lankans were leaving the country in droves seeking greener pastures and the hospitality industry had lost a large number trained personnel as a result, leaving the industry in dire straits.
Dr. Jayasinghe warned that if the authorities did not take immediate steps to address the issue, the country’s hospitality industry would suffer a crippling blow. He said the hotel industry played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, providing essential services and contributing to the economy. However, the shortage of skilled workers poses a significant challenge to the growth and development of this vital sector. Many skilled individuals including chefs, housekeepers, and other service staff, were leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
The senior hotelier said the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka had a tremendous potential to spur economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange. Stressing the importance of addressing the challenges of security concerns, infrastructure limitations, sustainable practices, and skilled labour shortages, the Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality said:
“In my opinion, inadequate road networks, unreliable public transportation, and a lack of proper waste management systems can deter tourists from exploring the beauty of our country. Investment in infrastructure development is crucial to attract and accommodate more visitors, ensuring their comfort and convenience during their stay.
“Moreover, the lack of skilled human resources in the tourism sector poses a significant challenge. It is essential to invest in training programmes to enhance the skills and knowledge of those working in the industry, including tour guides, hotel staff, and service providers. By providing quality training and education via SLTDA, CHSGA and Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka from other relevant Hotel schools (NSBM etc.), we can ensure that our visitors have a memorable experience, leading to positive reviews and recommendations, ultimately boosting tourism.
“Lack of skilled labour in Sri Lanka’s hotel industry and the concerning trend of skilled workers migrating elsewhere is a grave problem when it comes to boosting tourism objectives of the Government. This matter highlights the importance of investing in training programs and the significance of hotel schools in preparing the youth for rewarding careers in the hospitality sector.
“IH & CSHGA, NAITA, TVEC help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students are exposed to real-world scenarios and industry-specific challenges, enabling them to develop problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Moreover, hotel schools, IH and NAITA often collaborate with established hotels and resorts, providing students with internship opportunities that further enhance their practical skills and expose them to the inner workings of the industry.
“I am proud to announce that IH Sri Lanka has taken an active role in organising training programmes covering different sections of the Hospitality Industry. In 2022/2023 region-wise trainings were conducted for Hotel Staff and Military Personnel on Food & Beverage, Housekeeping and Front Office services”.
“Institute of Hospitality contributes to the overall professionalism and reputation of the hotel industry. Hotel Schools are producing well-trained graduates, these institutions elevate the standards of service and hospitality, attracting more tourists and improving the country’s image as a desirable destination. Skilled workers who have received quality training are more likely to provide exceptional customer experiences, leading to positive reviews and repeat visits, thus contributing to the success and sustainability of the industry.”
Dr.Jayasinghe was re-elected Chairman of IH Sri Lanka unanimously for a second term.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
