Hilton-led opportunity for women to enter SL’s hospitality industry
A higher participation of Sri Lankan females in the hospitality industry is needed for skilled and value creation jobs that gives higher yields, said Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority at the launch of “Liya Diriya” programme by Hilton in partnership with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) held at the Hilton Colombo last week.
The programme is aimed
at empowering local women through hospitality and
skills training in the hospitality industry.
Women participation in the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka is less than 10 per cent compared to 54-60 per cent globally. There is stigma associated with the hospitality industry for women in Sri Lanka and the perception in Sri Lanka is that it is not safe for women to be employed in the hospitality industry.
“Having being the chairperson of the Sri Lanka Tourism and Hotel Management for the past 14 months. I have not got a single complaint regarding safety of the hospitality industry. Although there is notable achievements of Sri Lankan women in several areas, double standards and hypocrisy exist towards women, is apparent in every sphere. Be it media, politics, sports, academia, art or in human rights it is a daily struggle for women. But recognising double standards will bring about a positive change. Females too will have to understand that they have to make a sacrifice in whatever career they choose, “said the Chairperson.
Meanwhile certificates were handed over to several participants who enrolled in the training programme.
General Manager Hilton Colombo Residences, Linda Giebing said they have a commitment to make a positive impact on communities they operate in. The corporate responsibility of Hilton is to reduce carbon footprint by half in 2030 through socially responsible hospitality industry.
Area General Manager Hilton Manesh Fernando said that “Liya Diriya” programme was born in Singapore in 2019 following a brainstorming session by Hilton’s senior leadership. The female contribution that contributes to the economy of the country is huge. “I hope this new programme being a small start will grow to be a big one in future and women who work in homes will be able to join the hospitality industry,” he said adding that Hilton hopes to open two more hotels in the provinces in the future.
The “Liya Diriya” programme provides training opportunities for local female students keen on building careers in the hospitality industry. Selected students will have to undergo two training periods to acquire practical knowledge, skills and experiences. This includes a one month period on theoretical training with SLITHM and a six month industrial traineeship at one of Hilton’s properties in Sri Lanka. By empowering female participants to pursue careers in the hospitality industry necessarily will have a positive impact on labour participation of women in Sri Lanka. Participants during the training programme will be provided with accommodation and an allowance and following graduation will be eligible for employment opportunities at a Hilton property in Sri Lanka
or abroad.
Hilton is a leading hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world –class brands comprising more than 6400 properties and more than one million rooms in 119 countries and territories.