Aitken Spence Institute of Hotel Management strengthens hospitality workforce with latest graduates

Aitken Spence Institute of Hotel Management, a key initiative of Aitken Spence Hotels’ Learning and Development arm, held its latest graduation ceremony at Heritance Ahungalla, marking another milestone in its mission to develop skilled professionals for the hospitality industry. Established in 2007 as part of the company’s strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the institute operates with the support of the TUI Care Foundation, ensuring students receive world-class training and career opportunities.

With Hotel Schools in Ahungalla and Dambulla, the institute offers training in Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, and Professional Cookery through a five-month program that integrates classroom learning with practical industry experience. Since its inception, over 800 students have graduated, many securing employment within Aitken Spence Hotels or furthering their studies.

The 2025 graduating class comprised 90 students, with those from Ahungalla specialising in Food & Beverage and Housekeeping, while Kandalama graduates focused on Food & Beverage and Professional Cookery. The event was attended by graduates, their families, and senior representatives from Aitken Spence Hotels, including Susith Jayawickrama, Joint Managing Director of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements (Pvt) Ltd, Suresh Muttiah, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, and Maheesha Ratnayaka, COO of the Sri Lanka Hotel Sector.

Speaking at the event, Susith Jayawickrama emphasised the programme’s role in shaping the industry’s future workforce. “By equipping young professionals with the necessary skills and real-world exposure, we are not only enhancing their career prospects but also strengthening Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector,” he stated.

A notable highlight of the ceremony was the presence of Ms. Dagmar Wöhrl, Member of the Board of Trustees at the TUI Care Foundation, an organisation that has played a pivotal role in supporting the initiative. With assistance from the TUI Academy in collaboration with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, students receive comprehensive support, including accommodation, meals, uniforms, and a stipend during their training. The TUI Care Foundation is an independent charitable organization founded by TUI, one of the world’s leading tourism businesses and is dedicated to harnessing the positive impact of tourism to protect the natural environment and empower communities in travel destinations

More than 75% of graduates are expected to transition into roles within Aitken Spence Hotels, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to bridging the skills gap in the hospitality industry. This year’s ceremony once again highlighted the institute’s dedication to providing structured career pathways for aspiring hospitality professionals in Sri Lanka.