Cinnamon Hospitality Academy opens with first intake
Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, a pioneering initiative by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and the Swiss Hotel Management Academy (SHMA), officially commenced operations by welcoming its inaugural batch of 43 students.
This partnership is set to redefine hospitality education in Sri Lanka by offering the globally acclaimed Vocational Education and Training (VET) by Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) Professional Diploma program.
The launch of Cinnamon Hospitality Academy marks a milestone in empowering Sri Lanka’s future hospitality leaders. Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Hishan Singhawansa stated; “The inauguration of the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is a proud moment for us as we lead the way in developing the next generation of hospitality professionals in Sri Lanka.”
The curriculum followed at Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is based on the Swiss Gold Standard Framework, offering three specialised pathways: Culinary, Food & Beverage Service and Hotel Operations.
- Baur & Co. and the Director of SHMA, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of added; “This collaboration embodies a shared vision to elevate the standard of hospitality education in Sri Lanka. This well structured curriculum and high-quality training facilitated by SHMA and EHL-certified faculty members will ensure that students graduate with the skills, mindset and knowledge required to excel in the global hospitality landscape. Today, we celebrate the first step in creating a skilled workforce that will redefine the future of Sri Lankan tourism.”
The distinguished faculty at Cinnamon Hospitality Academy has followed a stringent faculty selection process, with SHMA ensuring that trainers are certified by EHL. Notable industry faculty members include Chalana Perera, Daniela Munasinghe, Dinendra Jayasinghe, Nishadha Periyapperuma, Rajeeva Mendis and Ramesh Costa, who brings decades of experience and expertise to the classroom. Faculty members undergo annual audits and continuous training, ensuring the programme consistently upholds the highest global standards.
Head of Vocational Education & Training at EHL, Jens-Henning Peters comments; “The VET by EHL programme is not just about education but it is about combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, in a real world setting.”
Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dr. Siri Waltshared said; “This partnership is a testament to the strength of Swiss-Sri Lankan relations and reflects our shared commitment to excellence in education and hospitality.”
With the academy now fully operational, applications are now open for the March 2025 intake on www.cinnamonhotels.com/academy, to secure their place in the programme.
The launch of Cinnamon Hospitality Academy not only marks a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s hospitality education but also reflects a broader commitment to nurturing excellence, innovation and inclusivity in the sector.
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