First & 2nd Batch of Students of Harpo's School of Tourism & Hospitality (Galle Branch)
Part of their CSR project
Holcim Lanka, a member of the Lafarge Holcim Group, a global leader in the construction
material industry recently partnered with Harpo's School of Hospitality & Tourism to support
the development of the communities in which it operates, through intensive Hospitality
Training.
The partnership is a result of Holcim's vision to be considered a trusted partner of the
development of communities in where it operates. Holcim Lanka has clearly identified a lack of
employment and training opportunities in the Puttalam district.
Holcim Lanka conducted an intense one month training plan implemented by Harpo's
Hospitality School, for youth from the Korathive area to receive Foundation level training in
the areas of Food & Beverage (F&B), Housekeeping, Kitchen & Stewarding and Front Office in
April 2016.
Following this, many of the newly skilled males were provided with a six [06] month on-the- job
training at Anantaya a five star hotel in Chillaw and other hotels in Kalpitiya Tourist zone
"We are privileged to be partnering a global company as part of their CSR project. The positive
comments received from the participants, who were from villages in the district was
heartwarming. Also their commitment in completing the course was commendable. Providing a
launch pad for them to move on with a new career will greatly support the community. We plan
to continue the program with Holcim" Harpo Goonerante.MD
Asoka Jayawardene- Director of the Hotel school had similar sentiments of the participants and
their keenness to learn and also the incredible improvement in them at the conclusion of the
program showed scope for continuation of the training program.
Commenting on the initiative, Charlotte Boutboul, CSR Manager of Holcim Lanka, said "... It is
through a sustained partnership with Harpo's School of Hospitality & Tourism and the want to
continue to develop Sri Lankan communities, that Holcim Lanka is now taking its first step into
powering the growth of skill and opportunity in the Hospitality Industry."
This ideally supports the HSHTM vision to give its students the education which offers them the
opportunity to be employed in the hotel industry, which is in great need of qualified staff.
HSHTM Certificate presentation was held at the Holcim Lanka Premises in Puttalam and was
attended by Charlotte Boutboul CSR Manager, Asoka Jayawardene - Director HSHTM, Tissa
Nanayakkara- Head of HR Holcim and NAITA regional rep.