APIIT and HTMi have officially inaugurated the School of Hospitality and Tourism, bringing a prestigious Swiss touch to hospitality education in Sri Lanka.

The Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) inaugurated the APIIT School of Hospitality & Tourism in collaboration with Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi) Switzerland on 17 June 2026 at its Baybrook Campus, expanding opportunities for hospitality education in Sri Lanka through a curriculum that combines Swiss hospitality expertise with extensive industry exposure. 

Her Excellency Dr. Siri Walt, Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, led the ceremonial presentation of enrolment letters to the inaugural cohort. Mr. Nishanth Suri, International Academic Manager, HTMi Switzerland and members of the Swiss Embassy attended the launch. APIIT Chairman, Mr. Bandula Egodage, the APIIT Board of Management, Head of School Mr. Kasun Abeynayaka, faculty members and representatives from the Commercial Credit Academy were also in attendance.

A Message from the Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka 

“As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Sri Lanka, the launch of this programme marks a further highlight of our partnership. Hospitality is a field in which our nations share deep interests; Switzerland’s training is renowned worldwide, and I am confident students here will benefit greatly from the partnership between HTMi Switzerland and APIIT. This marks the beginning of a rewarding journey. I wish the inaugural cohort every success in their careers.”

Faculty: Industry Blended Expertise

The faculty brings together experienced academics and hospitality professionals. This model blends rigorous theory based on evidence based research with up to date operational practice: students receive instruction in management theory, culinary techniques, and front office operations, all augmented by real world case studies and masterclasses from senior practitioners.

Curriculum: Designed for Leadership

The curriculum is built to deliver progressive academic qualifications alongside sustained practical experience.

• Pathways: Certificate → Diploma → Higher Diploma → BSc (Hons) in International Hospitality Management.

• Entry routes: After O/Ls (four year degree) and After A/Ls (three year degree) pathways.

• Structure: Each year includes a 24 week taught semester plus a six month paid internship, ensuring graduates accumulate 18–24 months of validated workplace experience.

Guided by the motto “Come as a student, leave as a manager,” the School places a primary emphasis on employability. This is realised through mandatory paid internships at 4-star and 5-star properties, dedicated career coaching (CV writing, interviews, and personal branding), and rigorous placement tracking to ensure students are job ready for rapid career progression.

Language Training: A Bridge to Global Mobility

Recognizing that global hospitality requires cross-cultural fluency, the School has embedded intensive Professional Language Training into its core curriculum. Vocational modules focus on service-specific communication and cultural awareness, ensuring graduates can operate confidently in European and global markets.

An Immersive Training Ecosystem

The inauguration showcased a comprehensive training ecosystem, including a residential training hub at Bolgoda Lake mirroring HTMi Switzerland’s immersive campus hotel experience in Sörenberg, Switzerland. Industry grade culinary labs and AV equipped teaching spaces form the backbone of the "Campus-Hotel" model, immersing students in real-world operations from day one.

Intended Partnerships

The School is formalising strategic partnerships across several key areas:

• Service & Grooming: Alliances to build service poise and professional presentation.

• Scholarships: Funding partners to reward high-potential candidates and widen access.

• Industry Placements: Pipelines with premium hotel operators for high quality paid internships.

• Language & Culture: Collaborations with international institutes for accredited Language training.

Student-Crafted Fellowship

The inauguration concluded with a session of fellowship and refreshments, which were hosted by the students of the APIIT School of Hospitality & Tourism. This provided a live demonstration of the students' emerging culinary and service talents, setting a practical tone for the excellence the school aims to achieve.

Engagement and Enrolment

The enrolment process is highly structured, incorporating private campus tours, one on one faculty interviews, and comprehensive placement testing. Prospective students and industry partners are invited to contact APIIT Sri Lanka directly for intake schedules, application procedures, and upcoming programme start dates.