Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, a pioneering initiative by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and the Swiss Hotel Management Academy (SHMA), officially commenced operations by welcoming its inaugural batch of 43 (forty three) students.This partnership is set to redefine hospitality education in Sri Lanka by offering the globally acclaimed Vocational Education and Training (VET) by Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) Professional Diploma program. EHL,ranked as the world’s number one university for hospitality management, brings exceptional expertise to this collaborative initiative, to ensure students will gain a globally recognised qualification.

The launch of Cinnamon Hospitality Academy marks a milestone in empowering Sri Lanka’s future hospitality leaders. Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Hishan Singhawansa stated “The inauguration of the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is a proud moment for us as we lead the way in developing the next generation of hospitality professionals in Sri Lanka. By collaborating with SHMA, delivering the VET by EHL Professional Diploma will be an unmatched educational experience that combines global standards with real-world practical training. This initiative not only sets new benchmarks in the industry but also strengthens our position as an employer of choice in the region.”

The curriculum followed at Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is based on the Swiss Gold Standard Framework, offering three specialised pathways: Culinary, Food & Beverage Service and Hotel Operations. The VET by EHL programme adopts an apprenticeship – based ‘Learn, Work & Earn’ model, combining two days of theoretical and practical learning with four days of ‘on-the-job’ training at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo hotels. The 18-month full professional diploma with one year of work experience, prepares students to meet international standards in hospitality.

Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of A. Baur & Co. and the Director of SHMA, added“This collaboration embodies a shared vision to elevate the standard of hospitality education in Sri Lanka. This well structured curriculum and high-quality training facilitated by SHMA and EHL-certified faculty members will ensure that students graduate with the skills, mindset and knowledge required to excel in the global hospitality landscape. Today, we celebrate the first step in creating a skilled workforce that will redefine the future of Sri Lankan tourism.”

The distinguished faculty at Cinnamon Hospitality Academy has followed a stringent faculty selection process, with SHMA ensuring that trainers are certified by EHL. Notable industry faculty members include Chalana Perera, Daniela Munasinghe, Dinendra Jayasinghe, Nishadha Periyapperuma, Rajeeva Mendis and Ramesh Costa, who brings decades of experience and expertise to the classroom. Faculty members undergo annual audits and continuous training, ensuring the programme consistently upholds the highest global standards.

Head of Vocational Education & Training at EHL, Jens-Henning Peters comments “The VET by EHL programme is not just about education but it is about combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, in a real world setting. With the help of the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, we will be equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s dynamic hospitality industry. This partnership aims to meet the workforce needs of Cinnamon hotels, while ensuring our students receive top-notch training. As we look ahead, our goal is to expand this programme to accommodate 200 students by 2025. Together we will not only be shaping careers, but also contributing to the growth of the hospitality sector of Sri Lanka.”

Speaking on this collaborative initiative, Her Excellency Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dr. Siri Walt shared “This partnership is a testament to the strength of Swiss-Sri Lankan relations and reflects our shared commitment to excellence in education and hospitality. The Swiss Gold Standard Framework embedded in this program represents the values of precision, quality, and innovation that will undoubtedly transform the industry here in Sri Lanka.”

With the academy now fully operational, applications are now open for the March 2025 intake on www.cinnamonhotels.com/academy, to secure their place in the programme. The launch of Cinnamon Hospitality Academy not only marks a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s hospitality education but also reflects a broader commitment to nurturing excellence, innovation and inclusivity in the sector.