The tuk tuk and its Sri Lankan driver are reaching out to foreign visitors with a personalized and courteous service thanks to the efforts of the Jetwing Group.
On May 14 at Jetwing Era Beach, Thalpe, more than 10 trishaw drivers residing in the area came together to join an initiative to provide expertise and knowledge, and create a livelihood.
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| Some of the taxi drivers |
The ‘Tuk Tuk Project’ was first implemented at Jetwing Lighthouse in 2004, and formed with the tagline of “A Taxi Service Through the Community”. The initial preparation was difficult, with much animosity towards the hotel as well as towards each other, with family feuds and grudges dominating. With time, as well as interactive training sessions and a clear vision as to what can be accomplished, 40 drivers (the number remains the same to this day) took up the challenge and are now providing an unmatched service to visitors from both near and far, the company said in a media statement.
“I have waited for this; an organization, a person, someone, to push this idea through to the rest of the drivers here,” said S.Hemachandra, 45 years. Mr Hemachandra has been driving his trishaw for the past 18 years, and is a resident of Thalpe. He has picked up languages over the years. Apart from Sinhalese he also understands and speaks German and English, which he says, he has tried to pass on to the others. “They will never accept when one person shows them how to be better, or look to the future. It is the mentality of the young; where only today matters and tomorrow is far away. We cannot do that anymore, and I thank Jetwing for committing to something that I have tried for over the years,” he noted.
Speaking at the event, Robert Claesson, General Manager of Jetwing Lighthouse, said, “This is not for Jetwing that we are asking you to do this; we have no financial benefit from it. We will give you the tools you need, the knowledge as well as the discipline. All we ask in return is to be what Sri Lankans are famed for around the world: Hospitality.”
The programme will take place over the next 12 weeks, with sessions being held every Saturday at Jetwing Era Beach, an exclusive 8-bedroom villa. The drivers will be subjected to intense, interactive sessions designed to educate and challenge, created by the Training and Development Department of Jetwing Hotels. Upon completion of the programme, identified drivers will be awarded a certificate as well as a uniform, and be registered at the property to be notified as and when a guest requires. |
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