Aitken Spence Institute of Hotel Management Bolsters Hospitality Sector with New 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 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the institute operates with the support of TUI Care Foundation and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, ensuring students receive world-class training and career opportunities.

With Hotel Schools in Heritance Ahungalla and Heritance Kandalama, 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 1,400 students have graduated, many securing employment within Aitken Spence Hotels or furthering their studies.

The 2025 graduating class comprised of 46 students, with those from Ahungalla specializing in Food & Beverage, while Kandalama graduates focused on Food & Beverage and Professional Cookery. The Chief Guest for the event was Shiksha Khemani, Partnership Manager - Asia Pacific of World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, in her message to the graduates conveyed the program’s role in shaping the industry’s future workforce stating, “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.”

A notable highlight of the ceremony was the Heritance Ahungalla batch being an all-female batch with 21 females joining the training in Food & Beverage. 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

This year’s ceremony once again highlighted the institute’s dedication to providing structured career pathways for aspiring hospitality professionals in Sri Lanka.