Australia will provide around Rs 1.6 billion in aid and technical assistance, over four years, to strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism sector – through training and mentoring for employees and small businesses.
This will take place under the ‘Skills for Inclusive Growth Program’ which was launched by the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Bryce Hutchesson and Minister for Skills Development and Vocational Training, Mahinda Samarasinghe on Wednesday (11).
The program will help Sri Lanka develop a highly-skilled labour force to take its rightful place as a premier tourist destination, a joint statement issues by the high commission and the ministry said.
The Program will benefit local communities and businesses – with an initial focus in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa districts. It will prioritise the underemployed, particularly local women, youth and people with a disability.
It will support the full value chain of the tourism sector –for example, food suppliers, hospitality trainers, artisans, surf instructors, spa owners, accommodation providers, taxi drivers – as well as district planners, park rangers, industry regulators and business chambers.
