Sri Lanka launches national hotel staff training programme to support tourism growth
Sri Lanka launched in September 2025 National hotel staff training programme, intended to strengthen the workforce and create opportunities for low-income families. The programme is run by Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) in collaboration with 35 private and public institutions across the country. The aim is to create a skilled workforce that can respond to the rapidly growing demand in tourism.
The rise of tourism and the need for workers
The Sri Lankan government has set a target of 3 million tourists in 2025., with a plan to reach 5 million visitors in the medium term. That growth requires almost doubling the workforce in the hotel industry, with the current 421,000 employees to around 800,000 by the end of the year. A shortage of skilled workers makes training programmes key to the sustainable development of the destination.
Hotel Operations Multitasker Programme
The central part of the initiative is Hotel Operations Multitasker Programme, offering NVQ Level 3 – a recognised qualification within the tourism sector. The programme lasts 360 hours and covers a wide range of skills: reception operations, housekeeping, hospitality and customer service. Special emphasis is placed on practical experience, as participants also undertake training in real hotels and tourist facilities.
Support for low-income families
The programme is aimed at family members involved in Samurdhi Development state aid system. Free education enables participants to break the cycle of poverty and provides access to stable jobs in the hotel and tourism industry. This encourages social inclusion and create equal opportunities for residents of rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
Unlike centralised programmes, SLITHM established Franchise training model 35 institutions nationwide. This allows access to education for those who cannot travel to Colombo or large cities. Collaboration with hotels in major tourist regions ensures rapid integration into the job market for participants upon completion of training.
Long-term effects
The programme has wider socio-economic significance as it helps reduce poverty, increase employment, and strengthen sustainable development. It is expected that in the first phase alone, training will be completed by 20,000 new hotel workers, creating a foundation for a stable and diverse workforce that will support the country's tourism growth.
