25 Jun 2014
Furthering their commitment to community development and upliftment, Sri Lanka's premier hospitality brand Jetwing held the graduation ceremony for the most recent Jetwing Youth Development Project, which covered the upcoming destination of Passikudah. The ceremony saw the successful completion of the programme by 25 youth from the area.
Attended by Her Excellency Shelley Whiting, High Commissioner of Canada, Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing, and other dignitaries along with the families of the graduates, the ceremony was held at Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya and organized with the help of the other partners in the Project: the Miani Technical Institute Batticoloa, and WUSC (Canada).
Commencing from the 16th of October, the grueling 7 month programme provided a comprehensive grounding in the functions and operations of the hospitality industry, along with lessons in English. This is the 8th occasion JYDP has been completed, with the initial Project at Jetwing Vil Uyana winning a Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Grand Award under Education & Training.
Speaking at the event, Her Excellency Shelley Whiting congratulated the efforts of the youth and Jetwing's commitment to community development: “Today is an occasion for celebration and pride for all the young men and women receiving their Diplomas. What you have achieved is significant in more than one way. From today you will be qualifying to serve in an industry that is truly a global industry. There is no better way to start it than starting your careers with a world-class hotel and a leader in the hospitality sector in Sri Lanka. [It is] only fitting to commend all of you, the Jetwing Group of Hotels and the new graduates, who have teamed up to help Sri Lanka move forward in attaining its vision for sustainable development.”
“The purpose of JYDP is to provide employment to talented, yet unemployed youth from rural areas which will in turn give them skills that will last a lifetime. The tourism industry has never before been this attractive, and its potential is limitless given proper infrastructure and control” said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing.
Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 41 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. Considered a priority, sustainable and responsible practice is implemented through the award winning Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme; with energy efficiency, community upliftment, and education of earth saving measures to schoolchildren being a few tenets of the Programme.
Media Relations – Jetwing Hotels
24 June 2014
For any queries regarding this press release please contact us:
Angie Samuel (Marketing Communications Manager)
Prasanna Welangoda (Senior Events & Media Executive)
Jetwing Vil Uyana:
Did you know that this hotel was possibly the first in the world to create a man-made wetland with a spectrum of water-based and forested habitats on land previously used for slash and burn agriculture thereby greatly increasing the area's biodiversity. Presently 80 species of birds, 17 species of mammals, 36 species of butterflies and 21 species of amphibians are found within hotel premises.
