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Breaking the Cloud Ceiling
Dushy Jayaweera, Managing Director, Acorn Aviation
by Zanita Careem
With today’s focus on International Women’s Day, there is no better time to discuss the current status of women in one of the most critical segments of the travel industry—Aviation.
Breaking the Cloud Ceiling and at the helm of Acorn Aviation is Dushy Jayaweera, a dynamic personality in the airline industry, with seventeen airline representations under her purview, across Sri Lanka and the two regional offices in the Maldives and Thailand. She has proven that leadership skills are not defined by gender, but instead by capability and commitment.
Tell us a little bit about your journey in the Airline industry?
I have always had a fascination for the airline industry from a very young age, when as a teenager I witnessed the process and checks for departing passengers at the airport and vowed that one day I would be able to go through those barriers with ease onto the other side. Years later I debated with the thought of joining the National Carrier as Cabin Crew to accomplish this but decided instead to join the General Sales Agency of a leading Airline at their City Office.
I have not looked back since then and 40 years later, I am still in the same industry with no regrets and where professionalism, passion, dedication, empathy and hard work was the only way to accomplish anything.
Due to the pandemic that took the world by surprise in early 2020, the Tourism and Aviation industry were the first to be impacted with a tremendous downturn in business. How did this impact your work?
The downside was that the airlines we represent temporarily stopped their flights to Sri Lanka, as our borders were initially closed for all incoming passengers. We had a staff cadre of over 50, with an organizational culture of being results-driven through professionalism, integrity, and innovation. I would say that the team was stretched to deliver results while adapting to the new norm including ‘Work from Home’. We are also blessed to have created a group of world class managers who are empowered to carry out their functions with clear guidance. Many options were looked at, with identified deliverables to tide us through these unprecedented times.
Our industry is volatile with many challenges coming our way daily. The team, motivated through their Managers, firmly believe that we cannot leave any stone unturned. Looking back at the past year, it is with pride that I could say that not only have we secured new representations, but we have also ensured that we looked at new business opportunities that had not been explored pre-pandemic.
In 2018, IATA reported that only 3% of the world’s top 100 airline groups have a female CEO, meaning a whopping 97% of airlines are led by men. Why are there so few women in management positions in the Airline industry?
Ours is a service industry, which means that we are on call 24/7. This is irrespective of grade or gender. It is not easy to have a work-life balance especially when you are a female. You need to make many sacrifices, as sometimes your work comes first. Secondly, you also need a very empathetic spouse who would support you to ensure that your children also learn to understand and appreciate the commitments their mother has in her workplace. Finally, you need a very supportive work environment on the part of the company, also giving you the space and flexibility you need when it comes to focusing on your family. This is a win-win combination that is not always present in every organization. I was blessed to have a combination of all, in order to get to where I am today.
What are some of the challenges you have faced working in the airline industry?
I usually enjoy the challenges that each day has to offer and take each one of them with the thrill of overcoming each with complete perfection or at least near perfection! Being a female in my position where I am required to be a role model has not always been easy. You need to make your voice heard at many forums, which could be male dominated. The pandemic has not been easy, due to the many challenges. The responsibility of heading a regional office in the Maldives and being on the board of a JV partnership in Thailand has also had its fair share of hurdles to overcome.
However, this industry gets to you and personally I tend to multi-task and have disciplined my thought process to always look for options and have a positive mindset as I take my responsibilities seriously.
What are some of the perks that come with working in an industry which is perceived as being extremely ‘glamorous’?
The industry has opened the doors for many opportunities at a global level, one of which is that I am a member of Skal International, which is an international organization of Travel and Tourism Professionals. Membership in the organization has been a rewarding experience as it gives you so many opportunities to interact with different nationalities across the globe. Being elected as a Director to the Asian Area Board which overlooks 44 clubs in the Asian region has enabled me to gain insights to the thinking of many like-minded professionals in the region.
Additionally, the multi-representation model we have created in our Company, also gives me a very rewarding experience of getting to meet and interact with Principals of varying cultures and business processes. In short, you are continuously learning, while having the opportunity to travel overseas and visiting many countries which adds onto your travel journal, enriches your personality and level of confidence.
Would you affirm the statement that ‘Diversity adds value’?
Employees will have different characteristics and backgrounds; they are also more likely to have a variety of different skills and experiences. The Aviation Industry, especially in the General Sales Agency business, keeps us on our toes as we need to be creative, be quick at problem solving and decision making, be innovative and have higher employee engagement and retention. I am a firm believer that this combination within the organization drives results as well as ensuring that the reputation of our company continues to grow.
How have you served as a role model for other women in business?
I have hopefully paved the way for women in leadership roles through my achievements in the various forums that I have associated myself. I was elected as the first female President of the Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council which was previously a thoroughly male dominated council. I was entrusted and empowered to lead this council which is under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. This breakthrough also ensured that my successor in this council was also a female. I was also the first female President of the Sri Lanka Travel Trade Sports Club comprising members of all the verticals of the Travel, Leisure and Aviation industries, which is undoubtedly a male dominated area. By breaking through these cloud ceilings, I have ensured that women would get the opportunity to continue to follow in my footsteps.
In addition, I am also a Past President of the Sri Lanka Association of Airline Representatives and Skal International Colombo. Being at the helm of the various associations and business councils in addition to my responsibilities in office and at home, is not an easy task, as this too adds to fine tuning one’s many multi-tasking skills that needs to be developed.
To say there is a scarcity of women in aviation would be an understatement. Yet, women have made some noteworthy and important strides in this arena as well, that are worth recognizing and Dushy is one such individual who has overcome the challenges and successfully broken the ‘cloud ceiling’
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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