Business
Hilton Double Tree, stunning and picturesque
By Steve A. Morrell
The Hilton Double Tree, at Weerawila, a Rajawarna Resort, was a stunning revelation to a traveler. Not was, but is, one of incredible natural beauty.
That too, after the hustle and bustle of the city, you travel on the Galle highway, on to Hambantota, and about an hour later, travelling on asphalt smoothness you arrive at the Hilton Double Tree. If one could call it that, it was a revelation of a well placed hotel, that an international brand like the Hilton would manage a guest holding quite as luxurious as the Double Tree.
Although opening of the hotel was as recent as November 2020, we noted the hotel guest list was such that the hotel was at least 90 percent occupied. A big plus for the reputation of the Hilton, more so, its fame for good visitor attention was an added incentive that local tourism was a dynamic message that covid 19, although a serious restrictive influence, alternatives were in place to also encourage internal travel.
At the convened press conference, at Double Tree, General Manager, Krishanta Damunupola, Cluster Commercial Director, Hilton Hotels Sri Lanka, Chris Zappia, were present. Also from the Colombo Hilton, Gigi De Silva, Sanoj Perera, with Thushari and Anish Subhedar.
Chris Zappia, said the Weerawila, Double Tree Hilton, was the first of 607 Double Tree hotels to function in the face of restrictive influence of the covid pandemic. With the Mattala Air Port attaining functionality and expected passenger traffic would increase, the Hotel would be a viable option to both foreign and local tourists. His enthusiastic remarks on the natural beauty of Sri Lanka, including wild life, eco tourism, he said the island had so much to offer that could lure tourists. He agreed the Maldives was better known in the US, attributed to better publicity, than Sri Lanka. He also agreed Sri Lanka had more to offer, and would not be long before the tourist trade would increase.
General Manager Krishanta Damunupola said the Hilton Double Tree is in trend with greenness and an environment of tranquility which is in line with what the hotel offers. The 95 room and its wide space stretched out to a full kilometer in length, which was a concept for peace with salutary amenities that ensured visitor comfort and more in relationship with nature.
We experienced the nature trip to Bundala, a short drive from the hotel; which proved the essence of the relationship with nature was an on-going experience. Bird life, mainly, was an irresistible trip, and more so the guide, who was also the driver of the modified 4 wheel drive, was well versed with the sights and the profusion of bird life.
Although we did not see them, elephant presence was also noticed.
Manager Damunupola said the future of the travel industry was good. Particularly that the Double Tree and its nature concept is in line with the international ‘green lobby’, was an appealing concept for tourism. The Hilton Brand, usually in line with urban stays, completely turned round with the Double Tree concept. Particularly its surrounding atmosphere of salubrious surroundings.
Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, a collaboration between Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and the Swiss Hotel Management Academy (SHMA), officially launched its operations with the welcome of its first batch of 43 students last week. The academy offers the globally recognized Vocational Education and Training (VET) program by Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), the world’s leading university for hospitality management. The VET program provides students with an 18-month professional diploma, combining theoretical learning with on-the-job training at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
The academy’s curriculum follows the Swiss Gold Standard Framework, with specialized pathways in Culinary, Food & Beverage Service, and Hotel Operations. Students will benefit from an apprenticeship-based model, gaining hands-on experience while earning. In his address, Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels, highlighted the initiative’s role in shaping Sri Lanka’s next generation of hospitality professionals.
Rolf Blaser, CEO of A. Baur & Co. and Director of SHMA, said that the partnership aims to elevate hospitality education in Sri Lanka, providing students with the skills needed to excel globally. The Cinnamon Hospitality Academy features a highly experienced faculty, certified by EHL, ensuring world-class training. Jens-Henning Peters, Head of Vocational Education & Training at EHL, emphasized the programme’s blend of theory and practical experience, with plans to expand to 200 students by 2025. Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka, Dr. Siri Walt, praised the collaboration as a testament to Swiss-Sri Lankan relations, with a focus on precision, quality, and innovation to transform Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry.
Earthfoam Private Limited, known for its natural latex-based products, recently inaugurated a new Liquid Latex collection center in Moneragala. This state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance the efficiency of liquid latex collection, addressing challenges faced by local organic latex farmers, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Many farmers struggle with low offers for their latex, often due to a lack of access to market price information.
In addition to this, Earthfoam has launched the Thurushakthi health insurance scheme in partnership with Ceylinco Life Insurance, benefiting 1,700 organic rubber farmers. This scheme, part of Earthfoam’s Fair Trade Programme, covers hospitalization, critical illness, and natural/accidental deaths. Earthfoam also supports farmers with safety gear and CSR initiatives, including school supplies and medical check-ups. Founded in 2022, Earthfoam manufactures high-quality latex foam products, sourcing from over 1,700 local farmers and exporting to over 30 countries.
CEAT Kelani Holdings won nine Gold and one Silver award at the 2024 International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC), showcasing its commitment to quality improvement. The company presented 10 Quality Improvement Projects (QIPs) targeting Quality, Cost, and Delivery outcomes, with all receiving awards. The Gold awards recognized projects aimed at reducing waste, improving efficiency, and minimizing costs across various production processes. CEAT’s success highlights its focus on Total Quality Management and continuous improvement, contributing to product and service excellence. The company qualified for the ICQCC after winning Gold awards at Sri Lanka’s National Convention.
“Continuous improvement of quality is one of the main pillars of CEAT’s success in the market as the brand progresses up the value chain in terms of products and service,” CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene said. “This must be accompanied by enhanced efficiencies that benefit all product segments in terms of costs as well as reduced environmental impacts. The work of our Quality Improvement teams is therefore extremely important, and the nine Gold awards we won are a fitting testament to their contribution to our Total Quality Management culture,” he said.
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