SLITHM Launches New Courses to Boost Careers in Hospitality Sector

Aspiring chefs, hoteliers, and hospitality professionals have a golden opportunity to step into Sri Lanka’s vibrant tourism industry, as the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) rolls out a fresh batch of courses designed to meet the growing demand for skilled talent.

SLITHM announced the opening of registrations for its Craft, Certificate, and Professional level programs, reaffirming its role as the nation’s leading government institution for hospitality education.

Courses Designed for the Real World

From kitchen to concierge, SLITHM’s updated offerings aim to equip students with hands-on skills tailored to industry needs. Among the most popular are the Craft Level Courses in:

Cookery
Hotel Reception
Restaurant & Bar
Hotel Housekeeping

These courses span two months and cost just Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,000, available at all SLITHM regional schools except Batticaloa and Jaffna.

For those with a sweet tooth and a passion for baking, the Craft Course in Pastry & Bakery is offered exclusively at Kandy and Anuradhapura, running for three months at Rs. 15,000.

Meanwhile, Certificate Level Courses take training up a notch, offering five-month programs in the same four disciplines for Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000, and a specialized Pastry & Bakery Certificate Course at SLITHM Colombo priced at Rs. 20,000.

Who Can Apply?

Craft Level Courses:

Minimum age: 16 years
Education: Completion of G.C.E. O/L

Certificate Level Courses:

Minimum age: 17 years
Education: G.C.E. O/L with passes in Mathematics and English
Plus one of the following:
- 3 or more credit passes at G.C.E. O/L
- 1 year of industrial training at SLITHM
- 2 years of relevant industry experience

In addition to the course fee, students must pay a Rs. 1,000 registration fee and a Rs. 1,000 examination fee. Applications are to be submitted online at www.slithm.edu.lk before June 1, 2025. Selection is based on a written test and interview.

Why Now? Tourism Industry on the Rise

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is rapidly recovering and expanding post-pandemic, with international arrivals rising and hospitality services in high demand. According to industry forecasts, the country will need thousands of new professionals in hotels, restaurants, and travel services over the next five years.

By launching new, affordable training opportunities, SLITHM is paving the way for youth across the island to gain qualifications and secure jobs in this booming sector.