SL hospitality industry is booming - Aussie hospitality veteran

Pic by Samantha Perera

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana   

Sri Lanka has a growing tourism sector with an influx of international tourists and the hospitality industry to welcome them is also booming, compared to many countries in the Asia Pacific region, an Australian hospitality industry veteran said.   
Renowned Australian hospitality industry training body William Angliss Institute Board Chairman John Pandazopoulos during a special visit to Colombo last week said, they thankfully acknowledge the strength of local industry support and are proud that a partnership is supporting Sri Lanka’s continued development as a leading tourism destination.   
Chairman Pandazopoulos made these observations at a special event held to mark the renewing partnership between the William Angliss Institute and Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM) since 2013.   
The CAHM, located at SLIIT has been delivering sophisticated WAI, Australian qualifications in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Commercial Cookery, Patisserie and Events. The delivery of the Australian curriculum is conducted by both domestic and internationally qualified trainers and assessors. CAHM Academy is the country’s largest private hospitality provider and comprises state of the art facilities, a modern learning environment including three all-purpose built kitchens /equipment and numerous practical areas for the delivery of the Australian qualifications.   
Chairman CAHM Errol Weerasinghe said “It is a fantastic achievement to continue to receive an Australian hospitality educational partnership from WAI, where approximately 20 Australian trainers and assessors visit and teach in each year”.   
The signing Ceremony was conducted in the presence of WAI delegation led by its Chairman John Pandazopoulos, Chief Executive Officer Wayne Crosbie, Director Education and Strategic Development Nicholas Hunt and Director of International and Business Development Ray Petts with CAHM Chairman Errol Weerasinghe, Managing Director Anuk Weerasinghe and Director Nivran Weerakoon.   
The CAHM April 2025 intake is now open and receiving enquiries and registrations.