ConnectED – Australian High Commission’s Thought Leadership Series

The Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka recently hosted the latest edition of its ConnectED Thought Leadership Series at the Australian High Commissioner’s Residence in Colombo, bringing together senior leaders from Sri Lanka’s tourism, hospitality, travel, events, education and related sectors. The discussion, themed “Beyond Arrivals: Can Tourism and Hospitality Power Sri Lanka’s Next Growth Phase?”, focused on the role of tourism and hospitality beyond visitor arrival numbers, examining how the sector could contribute to Sri Lanka’s broader economic development. The distinguished panel comprised Shiromal Cooray, Chairman and Managing Director of Jetwing Travels; Angeline Ondaatje, Chairperson of Tangerine Beach Hotels PLC, Royal Palms Beach Hotels PLC and Tangerine Tours; and Grant Dreher, Chief Executive Officer of William Angliss Institute Australia. The discussion was moderated by Wayne Crosbie, Director – International and Business Development, William Angliss Institute Australia, who facilitated the conversation around the evolving needs of the tourism and hospitality industry and the importance of connecting education, skills development and workforce readiness with industry demand. Adding a practical and experiential dimension to the evening, students from the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM) played an active role in delivering the cocktail reception for the distinguished guests. Students from CAHM’s Commercial Cookery and Patisserie programmes prepared a selection of special items specifically for the occasion, showcasing their culinary skills, creativity and attention to presentation. The items were developed and prepared by the students as part of their practical learning experience, allowing them to contribute directly to a high-profile professional event. Meanwhile, students from the Hospitality Management programme were responsible for guest service throughout the cocktail reception. They welcomed and assisted guests and delivered the service while demonstrating their skills in professional guest interaction, communication, food and beverage service, teamwork, presentation and hospitality etiquette. The student participation reflects CAHM’s commitment to practical, industry-ready education, giving students opportunities to develop the technical and professional skills required to build successful careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. By bringing together industry leaders and education stakeholders, the discussion examined how stronger collaboration between industry and education can help build the workforce required to support the sector’s next phase of development. Caption - Panel discussion at the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka’s ConnectED Thought Leadership Series, exploring the role of tourism and hospitality in Sri Lanka’s next phase of economic growth.