The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Paul Stephens, unveils the plaque to mark the opening of the industrial kitchen training facility at VTA Hotel School Ahangama

In a significant effort to empower youth and boost the tourism sector in Sri Lanka, the Australian Government-funded Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) program, delivered in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education, has refurbished the culinary training facility in Ahangama with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA). The new facility will bring international-standard skills development curricula to this popular tourist destination, through professional cookery training courses developed by the Chef Guild Lanka, British Council and validated by the World Chef Association and Australian TAFE. On Monday 21 August 2023, the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Paul Stephens, opened the training facility with VTA Chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Prasanna Ranasinghe.

“Australia’s support for tourism has been long running, supporting quality, relevant and inclusive skills development in Sri Lanka,” High Commissioner Stephens said. “Through the S4IG program, we aim to improve the tourism value chain in Sri Lanka by implementing an integrated approach to skills development across the island. In turn, we hope this will support sustainable job creation and enhance income-earning opportunities for a wide range of Sri Lankans, including those with disabilities and women.” Ahead of the official opening, internationally renowned Sri Lankan-Australian chef, restaurateur, television presenter and author Peter Kuruvita shared his expertise with a group of VTA trainers, delivering a ‘Masterclass’ on industry-standard culinary skills. The class exemplified the way S4IG is linking industry in to government-led culinary skills systems in practical ways, with benefits for both students and the sector.

The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka His Excellency Paul Stephens and Chairman VTA Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Prassana Ranasinghe at the opening ceremony.

The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka His Excellency Paul Stephens, Chairman VTA Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Prassana Ranasinghe, Internation Chef Peter Kuruvita, Deputy Director VTA Galle Mrs. Jayawardena, District Secretary Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe, Chairman Chef Guild of Lanka Mr. Gerard Mendis at the newly opened Training Kitchen at VTA Ahangama.

Image Caption : The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Paul Stephens, unveils the plaque to mark the opening of the industrial kitchen training facility at VTA Hotel School Ahangama. Deputy Director VTA Galle, Mrs. Jayawardena, District Secretary Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe looks on.