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1 Vol. 01 No. 02 Jan - Mar 2011 Rs. 100/- Registered in the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka under No. QD/15/News/2011 Careers Sri Lankan Professionals Pg 10 HR One + One = Team Pg 23 IT Where Is It? Hospitality Ho ospitality ospita spititalliity Industry Page Pa P age a e kj j f,da f,dl f,dlf,dadaal lfha fha hm m%d.a..ok aokh Okh h ±kquhs msgqj - 22 gf;fk; - 23 Greening the Town Page - 44 Career Guidance Page - 45 Endorsed by the Ministry of Education Pg 31 Think Green Exciting New Opportunities Pg 38

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4 Careers Contents HR IT Green Youth Theme Pages Pinnacle Srilal Miththapala ponders at the Pinnacle...3,4,6 Hospitality Industry...8 Sri Lankan Professionals foayh miq;,h lr.;a f,dj mrhk jd;a;suh ch.%ykhka ehl;il mbg;gilahff; nfhz;l cyfpy; Kd;dpw;Fk; njhopy; Kaw;rpfs The Importance of Sports tpisahl;lfspd; Kf;fpaj;Jtk; Good nutrition for young athletes leads to victory kj f,dalfha m%d.aokh hkq ±kquhs HR Careers One + One = Team tl tl } lkavdhu xd;w + xd;w= FO...27 IT Savvy Computer Security & Ethical Hacking Where Is It? The Boss and I are me Three Keys to Entrepreneurial Success - Passion, Innovation and Thinking Big Green Forest Management In Nepal Exciting New Opportunities czht+l;lk; Gjpa tha;g;gf;fs; wm mdßißl ys;ldó úh hq;af;a 42 Greening the Town with Rainwater Theme Pages Career Guidance - Vital for Youth XU mjpgud; ghu;it mdief,ka biairyd wiajekak fyj;a WiiA fm< Books I Love to Read V for Vendetta Youth Educational Movies Crossword ;drekhh iy fi!kao¾hh ;drekhh iy cd;hhka;r in ;d Theme Pages EDEX Notes EDEX+Plus Launched in October cd;sl Wreuh" ixpdrl jhdmdrh yd foaysh wodhï W;Amdokh EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Kamal Abeysinghe (Chairman - Edex/ Edex+Plus) Abhaya Amaradasa (Consultant - Edex+Plus) Nalin Goonewardene (Consultant - Edex+Plus) Pasan Wanigasekara (Deputy Chairman 365 Services - Edex) Prabath Fernando (Careers Director - EDEX) Sharlene de Chickera (Editor - EDEX+Plus) Nandun Fernando (Chief Sub-Editor - EDEX+Plus) Vasana Wickremasena (Media Consultant) Deepal Malalasekara (Graphic/Page Layout Designer) Shriwanthi Amarasinghe (Graphic/Caricature Designer) Published by EDEX+Plus EDEX Secretariat RCU Skills Centre Royal College Union Rajakeeya Mawatha Colombo 07 Tel: +94 (11) lpmc@rcu.lk EDITORIAL The second volume of EDEX+Plus has reached you. We are pleased to showcase the hospitality industry, and the ongoing themes of Careers, IT, Think Green and a new segment on Sports. The hospitality industry in Sri Lanka is dynamic and ever-changing. Thousands of youth are employed in this industry which is the country s 4th largest income earner. In 2011, the breathtaking beauty and plethora of tourist attractions of our pearl drop island will be offered as precious pearl to visitors. This magazine showcases personalities that have reached the pinnacle in the hospitality industry, as well as other relevant industries, and interesting youthcentric projects and features. We hope that you would like the continuing focus on Green themes, Youth and the Corporate world will give you an insight into how you can engage in societal activities and be a productive citizen, with high aspirations educationwise and career-wise. We wish our readers a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous 2011! l;=jelsh osfkka osk f,dalh fjkia fjhs' fjkiajk f,dalfha ñksid ksrka;rfhkau ;r.ldí jkjd fukau ch.%ykh miqmi yudhk iqlaiu fuj,ï njg m;afjñka ;sfí' ish,af,dau tl yd iudk fn!;sl ;;a;ajhkaf.ka hqla; jk l,ays ch.%ykhg wjyh Yla;sh imhkafka fjkia jq wohd;auhhs' tkï ñksid ;=< mj;sk ffo¾hh W;aidyh iy lemùuhs' tu idol j, n,meu wkqj ñksid fuu ;r.fhaos,nd.kakd ia:dk ;SrKh flf¾' tksid j.lsula iys; iudc i;a;ajhka f,i wmf.a ksrka;r W;aiyh úh hq;af;a wfkla whg ch.%ykh i`oyd wjyh W;aidyh" ffo¾hh yd lemùu ldhslj;a" udkislj;a,ndosuhs' j¾;udk wd¾ól l%shdoduh ;=<os /lshdjla fyda uq,h W;amdok ud¾.hla fidhd.eksu wmyiq ld¾hhla jqjo mj;sk wjia:dj,g wkqj ye~.eisu yd ye~.eiaiùu l< yels fohls' ixpdrl jhdmdrh yd i;aldrl fiajd osfkka osk mq,a jk fcia;%hkah' ta ish,a, ;=< mdßißl ys;ldó nj mqrdúo- Hdj fi!o¾hh hk ixl,amfhda flakaþsh N+ñld ksremkh lr;s' taksidu ;r.h ;=< ;r.lrkakg fkdj" ;r.h ;=< cjh fnod yod.kakg b.ekaùu EDEX+Plus ;=<ska fujr isÿjk iudc i;aldrhhs' Mrphpah; fuj;j Edex+Plus,dJ,uz;lhtJ gjpg;g,g;nghoj cq;fs; iffis vl;bas;sj.,g;gjpg;gpy; ehk; tpue;njhk;gy; njhopw;jiw gw;wp ntspf;fhl;bas;nshk;.,yq;ifapd; tpue;njhk;gy; njhopw;jiwahdj rf;jptha;e;j kw;wk; tpiuthf khwptuk; xd;whfk;. Mapuf;fzf;fhd,isQh;fSf;F Ntiytha;g;gspj;Js;s,j; njhopw;jiwahdj,yq;ifapd; ehd;fhtj.,t;tpjyhdj tpue;njhk;gy; njhopw;jiwapy; cr;repiyia mile;j kw;wk;,j; Jiwia,yr;rpakhff; nfhz;ltu;fspd; MSikia ntspf;fhl;bas;sj. gr;irf; fug;nghus;;>,sik $l;l epwtdq;fs; gw;wpa njhlu;r;rpahdj cq;fsf;f gpbf;fnkd ek;gfpd;nwhk;.,it cq;fsf;f rkjha nraw;ghlfspy; vg;gb tpidj;jpwdhf gq;nflg;gj> fy;tp kw;wk; njhopw;jiwapy; ntfthd MirfSs;s xu ew; FbkfdhtJ Nghd;wtw;wpd; cs;szh;itak; mspf;fk;. cq;fsf;f gpbj;j gfjpiag;gw;wpa fuj;jf;fis vkf;f mdg;gp itaq;fs;. The views and opinions expressed and contained in the articles that appear in this publication are the opinion of the writers or authors, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of EDEX, EDEX Committee or of EDEX+Plus. 2 Read the trilingual

5 Pinnacle Srilal Miththapala, Project Director and Consultant of Greening Sri Lanka Hotels Project/Switch-Asia Programme, opines that given the huge growth in tourism, there will be new employment opportunities for youth in the hospitality sector, with a demand for new skills and attitudes to fill a wide range hospitality related jobs. Sharlene De Chickera interviews Srilal Miththapala to get an insight into the hospitality industry. Q. Can you tell us how you made progression in to the hospitality industry, while being a qualified Engineer? I went to the Middle-East after qualifying as an Engineer. I had to curtail my job there and returned to Sri Lanka prematurely. I was job hunting and saw an advertisement asking for a General Manager, for a hotel. I really applied out of curiosity, and I must give credit to my former Chairman, at Riverina, Prof. M.T.A. Furkhan who took the bold step in recruiting me, out of 100 odd applicants. I stayed on for 14 years at the Confifi Group, and now count more than 25 years in the Hotel Industry. At Riverina, I was General Manager for 3 years, and then went onto the Head Office and served as Director Business Development, and was involved in the hotel chain as a Director. I rose to the highest post I could as Chief Operating Officer of Serendib Hotels. I was also elected the President of the Tourist Hotel Association of Sri Lanka from Q. Can you briefly highlight the milestones in your career? Tell us the areas you worked in the hospitality industry to reach the pinnacle? I started my career at Riverina and rose to the pinnacle at Serendib Leisure as CEO. One of the milestones was when Hotel Sigiriya was adjudged the winner of the inaugural Green Hotel Award. We used the environs and layout around the scenic hotel in terms of conserving water, electricity, waste, etc., and we won this award for best practices. We are proud that we transformed this hotel. I was at Serendib Leisure until last June. After reaching the top as CEO, I joined the Chamber of Commerce, which spearheads the Greening Hotels Project, which has European Union sponsorship. The EU investment is 2 million Euros, and they expect best practices in the hospitality industry to showcase Greener Hotels. It is now becoming a norm for hotels to Go-Green. The hotels are still not very committed and the concept has not fully caught on, nor do hoteliers find it imperative to Go Green. Formerly there used to be traditional health and safety concerns in terms of inspection. There are special evaluation systems in place to rate Green Commitment in hotels, such as Green Stars or Balls, giving credit to hotels who are Green based. I was invited for the PATA CEO Round Table, a global forum, recently, and I represented our island. I also lecture, write and engage in consultancy work for many corporates, improving green initiatives in the industry, and have a penchant for wild-life, especially in terms of saving elephants. Q. Can you give us an insight about Green initiatives that you have implemented in the hotel industry? What are the trends locally and globally? During my tenure as CEO of Serendib Leisure I lead the initiative to completely transfer Hotel Sigiriya into an environmental and energy conscious hotel. Over a period of five years we managed to reposition the hotel as a leading environment friendly hotel, winning several international awards. The process was well documented and has been accepted by PATA as a benchmark case study. There is a growing trend that travelers are becoming more concerned about how Green the destination and hotel that they visit is. Even in Sri Lanka we are beginning to see tourists who would prefer to stay in a more eco friendly environment given the choice. Q. How has the hospitality industry responded after the 30-year war ended in May 2009? There is an immediate and very healthy resurgence of the hotel industry after the war. Occupancies have reached record numbers and 2010 recorded Sri Lanka s highest ever number of tourist arrivals. In the short term this growth momentum is expected to continue with Sri Lankans are inherently hospitable by nature. The warmth and friendliness will always be a very vital aspect of Sri Lankan tourism. What is needed is to bring in some measure of professionalism 3

6 Pinnacle Hotel Sigiriya: globally recognised for Green practises Young energetic people with an open fertile mind, having good communication skills and an outgoing personality will fit in better to the hospitality industry yields also improving strongly. Globally as well the hotel sector is immerging out of recession faster than other sectors with Asia leading the revival. Q. What are the current concerns of the industry? What do you perceive as future challenges? I have gone through ups and downs of the hospitality industry. During the war we faced a tumultuous period, and as we were a front-end industry faced a whole gamut of issues. The industry has now bounced back with the ensuing peace. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and peace is required for the hospitality industry to survive. The new demands of the industry are gigantic. This year we experienced the 600,000th tourist arrival which is the highest ever benchmark. Currently the hotel industry is in a state of Euphoria, and everyone across the industry seem to be doing well, not only the 5 star and 4 star hotels, but even the smaller ones. A price correction is on the cards in the industry. I feel that hoteliers are not ready operationally to cater to the influx of tourists and the staff is not adequately trained. For example the room service staff cannot keep pace with the number of arrivals and departures. They have not been used to so many tourists staying at their respective hotels. There has to be a consistent manner in which hotels maintain their infrastructure and facilities. Some hotels have not been maintained for about 15 years, and with the boom in the industry locally, a lot of hotels are scrambling with refurbishment. Another Herculean issue is related to the Human Resources (HR) in respective hotels. The HR issue has not been addressed in a strategic way. Peoples careers have to be mapped out. Currently we have about 65,000 people in the hospitality industry. The hospitality industry will need thrice that amount in the near future. You must remember that the hospitality industry is a high-touch industry and people are of paramount importance. Out of the total work force, nearly 75% constitute of youth, and there is an enormous potential for more employment. Q. How different was the hospitality industry then, compared to now? What are the changes you have observed? In the current context there are huge opportunities for youth from entry level to executive level. For example young waiters are earning good tips. The impetus for the industry has also come from the President of the country himself, who has set a targeted of 1.4 million tourists by Having said this, it is necessary that infrastructure be geared to absorb these changes and expectations. For instance we do not have facilities for conventions in Sri Lanka for more than 5,000 people. We have only the BMICH as a main conference facility. Sri Lanka has to be equipped to cater to large numbers in terms of conventions. We have a proposal to create a new hotel school with foreign university collaboration. Currently we have 06 satellite schools. The leisure sector remains the bread and butter of the hospitality industry. The adventure and nature segments are also very popular. We need to have a new skilled people to cater to the demands of the industry. Q. Do you see new opportunities for youth? What is the potential viz-a-viz employment? And in what specific areas? Given the huge growth in tourism, there will be new employment opportunities for youth in the hospitality sector. We expect direct and indirect employment opportunities to multiply in a few years time. The demand will be for new skills and attitudes to fill a wide range hospitality related jobs. Q. What indirect employment opportunities will emerge within the industry? How can the rural youth benefit from them? What are the methods utilized to tap their potential? The indirect employment of the tourism industry is possibly the highest of any sector. There is opportunity for rural youths with the opening of several satellite hotel schools and other private institutions in the country. Language will be an important factor and with internet facilities being more prevalent, distance learning can also be utilized. Q. What skills do you see as necessary to be gained, in view of future trends in the industry? The skills needed for the hospitality industry would be outgoing personality, willingness to work hard and long hours and meet challenges, ability to pick up different languages, good poise, open to new ideas, be aware of global prospective, and many more. Q. What avenues are available at present for aspiring youth to gain such skills? Availability of internet and television even in the rural areas will help them to understand and gain some of these skills and widen their perspective. However, specific vocational training will be required to gain some of these skills, both by way of class room learning as well as on the job training. Q. Has there been a significant increase in tourist arrivals? From what countries are these tourists visiting Sri Lanka? Although Sri Lanka has depended primarily on the European market the trend is shifting towards Asia with India producing the largest number of tourists in Sri Lanka. Other immerging markets are Far East and the Middle East. Q. How can we best harness the many attractions in Sri Lanka? What are the preferences? Hill-country? Beaches? Eco-tourism? Other? Sri Lanka s unique selling proposition will be its vast diversity within such a small space. Hence, the beach (sun, sea and sand) 4

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8 Pinnacle will still continue to play a dominant role in the marketing of Sri Lanka. However, the concept will move beyond beaches to show case other wide range of offerings that the country can provide such as nature, wild life, adventure, culture, etc. Q. How is the staff of the hospitality industry geared to cater to the demands of the industry? Is retention an issue? Because Sri Lankans are inherently hospitable by nature the warmth and friendliness will always be a very vital aspect of Sri Lankan tourism. What is needed is to bring in some measure of professionalism. Although retention was a major issue sometime ago, with the boom in tourism and increased salaries and service charges, this trend is slowly beginning to change. Q. If you are to act as a mentor to a school leaver with aspirations in the hospitality industry, what is the advice you would give him or her? Embark on a career in tourism only if you genuinely like to interact with people. Tourism is a people business and if you cannot relate, understand and interact with people it will be quite difficult to pursue a career in the hotel industry. It is therefore obvious that young energetic people with an open fertile mind, having good communication skills and an outgoing personality will fit in better to the hospitality industry. Srilal Miththapala Project Director, SWITCH ASIA, a European Union funded Euro 2 million project. Brings together several institutions such as Responsible Tourism Partnership (RTP), Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka (SLSEA), Institute of Environment Professionals of Sri Lanka (IEPSL) and Travel Foundation, UK. The project will assist 350 small and medium scale tourist hotels in water, energy and waste management efficiencies. Main suppliers to the hotel industry, tour operators and customers of will also be informed of the need to increase efficiency in water, energy and waste management systems. Out of the256 hotels in the country, three star, two star and one star hotels catering to tourists will be developed as greening hotels, under this project. Past President, Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka Former CEO, Serendib Group BSc in Electrical Engineering from University of Moratuwa Authored Tranquil Footsteps, a story of elephants of Udawalawe National Park and the life of a female elephant and her family, living in the Uda Walawe National Park during the period of The doors of opportunity knock for youth in the Hospitality Industry Sri Lanka has been dubbed many beautiful names from ancient times, such as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and one Golden chord links all visitors alike to our Emerald island that is the hospitality given to each visitor, irrespective of any other label they wear. Currently, Sri Lanka is witnessing a boom of visitors from all parts of the world. Plans are underway to cater to these arrivals from all stake-holders of the hospitality industry recorded its 600,000th visitor, a near 50% increase in foreign visitors since the civil war ended officially in May The President himself has set a benchmark of 2.4 million visitors by While the tourist boom is heartening, and 700,000 tourists are scheduled to visit the island, this year, a Sri Lankan government initiative is set to implement an on-line Internet visa procedure in the near future, replacing the on-arrival visa system, which has been in existence since the 1970s, in order to promote tourism. Existing accommodation and the requisite personnel to cater to these demands does not seem adequate to embrace the influx of tourists expected in the near future. It has been estimated that the country needs at least 300,000 skilled and trained workforce. Expansion is underway with the construction of around 200 new hotels on naturally beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka alone. The hospitality industry has immense potential and needs to be developed with the goal of making Sri Lanka the most attractive tourism destination in the world. To cater to the high demand that has arisen for skilled personnel in the industry, government and private institutions will launch new hospitality training courses. New employment opportunities in the different sectors of the hospitality industry will immerge. To give an idea of the Hospitality Industry EDEX+Plus showcases some selected positions and the choices and opportunities, for its readers to get an insight into this dynamic and thriving industry. Continued... Page 8 6

9 ENGINEERING EDUCATION AT CINEC FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE Many students all over the world are considering a career in engineering in response to the global shortage of engineers. With this mind, the Faculty of Engineering Sciences of the Colombo International Nautical and Engineering College (CINEC) is providing an educational opportunity for suitably qualified candidates to obtain Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees from the University of Wolverhampton, UK, or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degrees from the University of Tasmainia, Australia. Both universities are listed in the International Handbook of Universities (Published by the International Association of Universities), and are thus recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Engineering profession has been and will be in the forefront of development. It is a profession in which demand in constantly rising. Engineering graduates can work in a wide range of fields. Engineering background is also the basis for a career in business, finance, government, law, and medicine. CINEC is a quality driven higher eduactional institution which has been accredited by international quality accreditation bodies and operate under four international quality assurance systems. Infact CINEC has been the recipient of the National Quality Award for three consecutive five year periods since This year CINEC was awarded the International Asia Pacific Quality Award Best in Class Education Organization. The facilities available in the CINEC campus are second to none. The students have the benefit of exceptional teaching and laboratory facilities designed with extensive state-of-the-art technology. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees from UK University of Wolverhampton (UoW) offers five engineering degree programs that could be completed in full at CINEC. Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Electronics and Communications Engineering Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechatronics Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Engineering Design Management Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Automotive Systems Engineering On succesful completion of any of the above three-year programmes, students could proceed to the MEng degree programme of one year duration, also in full at CINEC. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), UK, which is a Member Institution of The Engineering Council (UK) has accredited all the above courses. Unlike many overseas degree courses conducted in Sri Lanka, where students undergo a local diploma course to progress to an overseas degree course, this is very much a UK degree. From the moment students enrol in any of the five engineering degree programmes they become UoW students complete with UoW identity and registration. The courses offered at CINEC will be identical to the on-campus model, using identical syllabi, titles, numbers, texts, teaching formats, and evaluation methods and will be subject to the same rigorous UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) standards. CINEC programmes are interchangeable with UK programmes and it is possible for students to study part of the degree course in the UK. The degree certificates are awarded by the University of Wolverhampton under UK government licence to award degrees and will be identical to the ones issued to UK students. The BEng degree is the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status of the Engineering Council and is a qualification required for an entrylevel engineering job. The MEng degree is the academic requirement for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. The University of Wolverhampton is a first class university spread over four campuses in the region and situated in the centre of England. The University is amongst the largest in the UK with a student population of over 24,000. The University of Wolverhampton is recognised as producing world class research and this has been reflected in the recent Government Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) who identified the University of Wolverhampton as producing areas of research that is amongst the best in the world. Fully accredited engineering degrees from Australia Australian Maritime College AMC, a Specialised Institution of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) is associated with CINEC as an official partner in offering the following BEng programmes at CINEC on a two-plus-two basis. Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture) Bachelor of Engineering (Ocean Engineering) Bachelor of Engineering (Marine and Offshore Systems) AMC engineering degrees are fully accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (UK) and the Royal Institution of Naval Architecture. The four-year BEng degrees are recognised for Chartered Engineer status. AMC is among the top 10 maritime training institutions in the world. AMCtrained engineers are highly regarded..a reputation for excellence, coupled with an established student work experience program and strong industry ties means many students find employment before they finish their studies. AMC graduates can be found working in offshore oil and gas, ship building and repair, defence and a number of other related areas. Students and parents are most welcome to visit the CINEC campus at Millennium Drive, IT Park, Malabe, to have an idea of the facilities available in the campus and obtain further information on the programmes of study. CINEC is the place for those looking for cost effective high quality higher education options. Tel : +94 (0) , Fax: +94 (0) engsc@cinec.edu Hotline : / More detailed information about CINEC can be found at: 7

10 Careers Hospitality Industry Position Job Description Qualifications Required Experience Starting Salary in Salary 5-10 years Rs. Rs. 100,000/- 300,000/- minimum Plus perks such as a vehicle Promtional Prospects General Manager Other Career Options Director Sales & Marketing in another Hotel Director Sales & Marketing Handling the Corporate Sector and Leisure Sector Monitoring the competition and coming up with innovative ideas Keeping up the image of the hotel as an ambassador Diploma in Hotel/ Hospitality Management Graduate Diploma 15 years Public Relations (PR) Manager Chef Food & Beverages (F&B) Manager Banquet Manager Promotions of the hotel Diploma in Hotel/ Management of PR events at the hotel Hospitality Maintaining a high profile with Management customers and staff Graduate Diploma A Degree in Business Management (Optional) Planning and implementation of standard/innovative recipes and menus Maintaining quality and consistency of hygienic standards in the kitchen Familiarizing and training of staff on the H.A.C.C.P. Procedures, five crown procedures and also in implementing them Liase with all restaurants, bars and banqueting departments, maintaining a high profile with customers and staff Ensure that an effective table reservation system is in operation Be fully conversant with and duly implement all statutory requirements regarding a food and beverage operation Qualifications required on par with Ceylon hotel school diploma Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Operations with specialization in professional cookery Supervise the daily operations of the Diploma in Hotel/ Banquet area to achieve customer Hospitality satisfaction, quality service and Management compliance with local and corporate Graduate Diploma standard operating procedures Supervise and direct the Banquet associates including captains, servers, lead housemen, and housemen. Meet with the customers to review the Banquet Event Order and to review any changes, issues and/or problems to ensure delivery of a quality product PR Executive's experience of 5 years or more Minimum of 20 years experience in a graded five star hotel in Sri Lanka or with overseas exposure in an international chain hotel A minimum 10 years of experience, out of which the last 3 years should be in a managerial position, managing F&B for a midsized hotel, club or resort Must have had exposure to restaurant management, handling menus, food quality and service and general operations. Some amount of exposure to International operational standards would be an added advantage Minimum 75, ,000/- Rs. 500,000/- Rs. Above Rs. 150,000/ - 450,000/- Rs. 150, ,000/- Hotel experience preferred. Rs. And, or experience of one to 80,000 - two full years of employment 150,000/- in a related position Individuals with excellent communication and customer service skills who will respond to the owners and guest needs in a professional manner Rs. 300,000/- Rs. 250,000/- PR Manager/ Director Regional Chef Director F&B Director F&B Director F&B PR Manager in any corporate office locally/ internationally General Manager Administration - Managerial or Higher Administraion - Managerial or Higher House Keeping Staff Support the general resort operations by maintaining quality standards of the housekeeping function Identifyimg and reporting maintenance related problems Participating in daily operations including cleaning allocated areas to maintain hygeinic standards Front To ensure that guests are greeted, Office Staff checked in and allocated rooms promptly and courteously Making sure that the guests are happy with their room allocation, travel needs, etc.., Be conversant with more than one foreign language G.C.E O/L or A/L Examination Diploma in Hotel /Hospitality Management (Staff) Graduate Diploma (For Front Office Manager) No experience required Rs. Depends on 5 years related housekeeping 10,000 experience experience will lead to a - 12,000/- and Maintenance Manager's post entry level promotions Experience in handling bookings/reservations Computer knowledge /Data Entry/Reservation systems Experience in accommodation and revenue management (Front Office Manager) Rs. 25,000/- Rs. 75,000 (Manager) Depends PR on experience and promotions Maintenance Manager Executive, Front Office Manager Manager Operations *Note: - All Youth who aspire to enter the hospitality Industry have to be initially trained in the House Keeping, Front Office and the F&B Department (kitchen & operations) The training period is generally a minimum of 06 months per department for the aspirant to learn basics of work and functions of each department Duration of a Diploma in Hotel Management (or termed Hospitality Management) from the Government Hotel School is about 3 years An equivalent Diploma from a recognised Private Hotel School may take 2-3 years Duration of a Graduate Diploma is generally 5 years PR/ Customer Care positions in other Industries 8

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12 Careers Sri Lankan professionals - among the best in the world By Prabath Fernando This This team team of of professionals has has proved proved that Sri that Lankans Sri Lankans can build can world build beating world beating products even in the highly technical field of mission critical IT products even in the highly technical field of mission critical IT solutions solutions without the help the of help outside of outside world. world Sri Lanka is known around the world for Ceylon Tea, beautiful attractions such as archeological sites and golden sandy beaches and for its cricket world cup winning team. Since recently with giant strides made in the garment industry, Sri Lanka is also making a name for IT around the world. Little known to many of Sri Lankans however, a new breed of professionals are starting to put Sri Lanka s name on the world map. These are the professionals in the knowledge economy ranging from financial analysts to medical practitioners to software engineers delivering world beating products and services in their respective industries. There are financial analysts in Sri Lanka providing investment advice to world s biggest corporate clients. Sri Lankan medical practitioners provide diagnosis and assist in consultations to world s leading hospitals. Local software engineers are developing mission critical systems for world s leading technology platforms. These emerging sectors will most probably be the engine of growth for the country in the future and opens up great opportunities for youth of the country to achieve their career aspirations Highlighting the successes of Sri Lankan professionals in the knowledge economy, a team of Sri Lankan IT professionals recently made a great achievement by developing the world s fastest electronic trading system. Working for Colombo based IT company MillenniumIT, this team of engineers mostly comprising of graduates produced by local universities such as University of Colombo and University of Moratuwa achieved this feat by developing an electronic trading system for the prestigious London Stock Exchange. By building the fastest electronic trading system, this team has overtaken competition from big players like NASDAQ OMX group and NYSE Euronext group who are operating some of the world s biggest electronic trading systems. London Stock Exchange claims fastest trading speed The race to have the fastest trading speed passed a new milestone on Monday after the London Stock Exchange said it was using the quickest share trading system in the world to drive one of its share dealing platforms. The LSE s new system was developed by MillenniumIT, a Sri Lankan technology company that the UK bourse bought last year as part of a plan to overhaul its technology. - Financial Times, UK

13 Careers This team of professionals has proved that Sri Lankans can build world beating products even in the highly technical field of mission critical IT solutions without the help of outside world. The large number of patented technologies and other IP rights that has gone into this product is testament to innovativeness of Sri Lankan professionals who developed it. This type of achievements by Sri Lankan companies should encourage those who tend to migrate to think twice before leaving because most of them believe that their talents cannot be put into best use in Sri Lanka due to lack of opportunities. The fact that most of the engineers who achieved this feat are products of local universities clearly indicates that local university system has the capability and capacity to produce professionals who can compete with the best of the world. If further qualitative and quantitative improvements to the higher education Sales coup landed in a war zone system can be made, Sri Lanka will definitely be in a position to compete with other competitors like India and China. Knowledge based economy is one sector that can be developed to greater heights in the country without spending large amounts on infrastructure. We already have the most crucial ingredient required for this industry which is a highly literate and educated human capital. In this Internet era where the world has become a global village due to advanced communication facilities, it has become increasingly viable for companies to set up offices in countries like Sri Lanka and provide knowledge based products and services to clients around the world. Sri Lanka should take this opportunity and take concrete steps to develop sectors like IT BPO industry which will enable the country to earn large amounts of foreign exchange, making maximum use of its human capital. The oversized lobby of MillenniumIT s headquarters is dominated by a glass room that showcases buzzing racks of servers. These machines are the engine room of MillenniumIT s race to build the world s fastest trading platform for the London Stock Exchange by the end of the year. Tony Weeresinghe, founder of MillenniumIT, had spent years battling skepticism that small software company on an island in the Indian Ocean could provide foolproof global trading systems. We don t need a lot of people, we just need a few brilliant people, says Mr. Weeresinghe. - Financial Times, UK - b49a.html In this Internet era where the world has become a global village due to advanced communication facilities, it has become increasingly viable for companies to set up offices in different countries If Sri Lanka wants to become the miracle of Asia, the country needs to guide more and more youth into the knowledge economy and should reduce dependency on industries that rely on cheap labor. To achieve this objective, the country should have more higher education institutes that produce and train graduates in professions that are in demand. The country should attract investors, both foreign and local into these sectors to setup operations in the country. The government has already announced incentives like tax concessions to companies that bring in foreign currency by exporting products and services in a range of service sector industries which is a good start in the right direction. The message going out to the aspiring youth of the country is that you should consider and give special attention to professions in the knowledge economy when taking the all important decision of selecting a career. The opportunities in this sector will definitely enable you to achieve greater heights while working from your own country and will enable you to put yourselves among the best in the world in your selected profession. 11

14 jd;a;s h f,dj mrhk foaysh jd;a;suh ch.%ykhka m%nd;a m%kdjÿ úisks ndysr f,dalfha iyhlska f;drj ixls¾k f;dr;=re ;dciksl úi ï j¾okhjq wê ;dciksl fcia;%hl jqjo f,dj mrhk ksiamdok Y%S,dxlslhkago ìysl< yels nj jd;a;slhska lkavdhula Tmamq lr we;,xld f;a" mqrdúohd;aul ia:dk yd rkajka je,s;,d iys; uqyqÿ fjr< jeks iqkaor jqo wdl¾yksh jqo ia:dk yd f,dal l=i,dk Èkq l%slü lkavdhu ksid Y%s,xldj.ek uq f,dalhdu oekisà' ue;l isg weõ ï l¾udka;h úiska ;enq fhdao msñ fya;= fldgf.k Y%S,xldj ta iïnkaofhkao f,dfõ kula Èkd isà' Y%S,dxlslhka fndfyda fofkla uo jyfhka okakd lrek kï w ;ska ìysjq jd;a;shfõ ka iuqyh Y%S,xldjg f,dal is;shfuys lems fmfkk kduhla,nd u wdrïn lr we;s njhs' ta kï oekqï wd¾ólfhys kshe,s isák uq,h úyaf,ailhkaf.ka werô ffjoh jd;a;slhkaf.a isg udÿldx. bxðfkarejka olajd jq mrdihg wh;a ta ta l¾udka;hkays f,dj ch.kakd ksiamdokhka ìys lrk Y%S,dxlsl jd;a;slhkah' oeka f,dj by<u fmf,a wdh;ksl fiajd,dnska fj; wdfhdack Wmfoia,ndfok uq,h úyaf,ailhska Y%s,xldfõ isà' Y%S,dxlsl ffjoh jd;a;slfhda f,dj m%odk fmf,a frday,a j,g frda. úksyaph iy WmfoaYkhka,ndfo;s' f,dj m%odk fmf,a ;dciksl fõèldjka i yd fufyjr uq,huh moao;ska ks¾udkh lrkafkao foaysh udÿldx. bxðfkarejka úisks' fuu wæ;ska ke.s tk jd;a;slhska taldka;fhkau rfgys j¾ok hka;%h njg m;ajk w;r wkd.;fha Tjqyq rfü ;rek le<g Tjqkaf.a jd;a;suh wns,dyhka im, lr.eksug udyeõs wjia:djka újr lrfokq we;' oekqï wd¾ólhg.efkk Y%S,dxlsl jd;a;slhkaf.a id¾:l;ajh fmkakqï lrñka ue;l Y%S,dxlsl f;dr;=re ;dcik lkavdhula úiska f,dj fõ.j;au bf,lafg%dksl fj< dï moao;shla ks¾udkh lrñka fy%aiag ch.%ykhla,ndf.k we;' fld<u úyaj úohd,h yd fudrgqj úyaj úohd,h jeks foaysh iriú ;=<ska ìys jq WmdêOdÍka fndfydauhlska iukaú; jq yd fld<u uq,ia:dk.; jq ñf,akshï whs à iud.fï fiajfha kshq;= fuu bxðfkare lkavdhu fuls ch.%ykh,nd we;af;a wnsudkj;a,kavka fldgia fj< fmd< i yd úohq;a fj< dï moao;shla ks¾udkh lsíu ;=<sks' fõ.j;au úohq;a fj< dï moao;sh bèlsíu uõska fuu lkavdhu f,dj úyd,;u úohq;a fj< dï moao;ska l%shd;aul lrk keiavela 'tï'tlaia.ddma ^NASDAQ OMX& yd tkajhstiab hqfrda fklaiaü.ddma ^NYSE Euronext& jeks oejeka; ;r.lrejkao wnsnjd f.dia we;' fõ.j;au fj< dï fõ.h ;uka i;= nj,kavka fldgia fj< fmd, lshhs',kavka fldgia fj< fmd< úiska f,dj fõ.j;au fldgia fj< dï moao;sh Ndú;d lrñka ;u fldgia fj< dï ;,hla fufyhjk nj i Èk m%ldy lsífuka miq fõ.j;au fj< dï fõ.h i yd mej;s ;r.h kj ikaêia:dkhla miq lr we;' kj ;dcikh m%;sixialrkh lsífï ie,iqfï wx.hla f,i miq.sh jir ;=< tlai;a rdcodksfha fldgia fj< fmd, úiska ñ,g.kq,enq,x'fld'fj' fmdf,ys kj moao;sh Y%S,dxlSh ;dciksl iud. ula jk ñf,akshï whs'à' iud.u úiska ksmojd we;' *hskekai,a ghsïia" ' tlai;a rdcodksh df-8e feabdco. html ndysr f,dalfha iydhlska f;drj ixls¾k f;dr;=re ;dciksl úi ï jeä wê ;dciksl fcia;%hl jqjo f,dj mrhk ksiamdok Y%S,dxlslhkago ìysl< yels nj jd;a;slhska lkavdhula Tmamq lr we;' fuu ksiamdokh i yd fhdojkq,enq ks¾udk ysñlï yd wksl=;a cd;hka;r ks¾udk whs;sjdislï úyd, ixlhdj th ksmojq Y%S,dxlSh jd;a;slhskaf.a ks¾udkys,s;ajh ms<sn j lèu idcishls' Y%S,dxlSh iud.ï úiska w;alr.kq,enq fun ch.%ykhka" wjia:djka u lu ksid ;u oci;djhkaf.ka Y%S,xldj ;=< ksis M,,nd.ekSug fkdyelsh hk úyajdih ksid ráka msgj hdug woyia lrk fndfyda fokdyg tfia msgj hdug fmr fojrla is;d ne,sug 12

15 jd;a;s h Wkkaÿ lrúh hq;=h' f,dalfha fyd u jd;a;slhska iuõ ;r. lsßug ;rï oci jd;a;slhska ìys l< fï yelshdj iy Odß;djh foaysh úyaj úohd, moao;sh i;=j we;s nj" fmr ls ch.%ykh,nd.;a bxðfkarejka nyq;rhlau foaysh úyajúohd, j,ska Wmdê,enq whùu ;=<ska meyeè,sju úohdudk fõ' jvd;a.=kd;aul yd m%udkd;aul ÈhqKq lsíï Wiia wohdmk moao;shg tlal< yelskï Y%S,xldj" bkaèhdj iy Ökh jeks wksl=;a ;r.ldí rgj,a iuõ ;r.lsíug yels ;;ajhlg ksielju m;ajkq we;' úyd, jyfhka há;, myiqlï i yd uqo,a jeh fkdlr rfgys by< ;,hlg ÈhqKq l< yels tla wxyhla jkqfha oekqu uq,a fldg.;a wd¾ólhhs' fuu l¾udka;h i yd wjyh b;du jeo.;a Wmdx.h jk by< idcir;djfhka fyì W.;a udkj iïm;a m%d.aokh oekgu;a wm i;=j we;' ÈhqKq jq ikaksfõok myiqlï ksidfjka f,dalh f.da,sh.ïudkhla njg m;aù we;s fuu wka;¾cd, hq.fha,xldj jeks rgj,a ;=< ld¾hd, msysgqjd f,dj mqrd isgk fiajd,dnska yg oekqu uq,alr.;a ksiamdok yd fiajdjka,nd u iud.ïj,g jv jvd;a idoksh jkq we;' ish udkj iïm;a m%d.aokh Wmßuj fhdojñka rgg úyd, jyfhka úfoay úksuh Wmhd.ekSug yelsjk wkaofï IT BPO l¾udka;h jeks wxyhka ÈhqKq lsíu i yd ks;h mshjrhka.eksug fuu wjia:dj m%fhdackhg.; hq;=h' hqo l,dmhg úl=kqï l=uka;%khla f.dv nis' ñf,akshï whs à ys ;rula úyd, jq wd,skaoh.=uq kdoh kxjk mß.kl rdlal iy i¾j¾ m%o¾ykh jk ùÿre ldurhlska msß mj;s' fuu hka;%" j¾ih wjidk jk úg,kavka fldgia fj< fmd<g f,dalfha fõ.j;au fj< dï ld,h bèlsífï ;r.fhao hka;% ldurhhs' ñf,akshï whs à ys ks¾ud;d fgdaks ùrisxy" bkaèhka id.rfha l=vd Èjhskl msysá mqxñ udÿldx. iud.ulg fodai úrys; f.da,sh fj< dï moao;shla iemhsug yelsfõo hk ielhla iu`. igka j ñka j¾i.kkdjla f.jkakg we;' ùrisxy uy;d fufia mjihs' wmg ñksiqka rdyshla wjyh ke;' wmg Wjukd jkafka w;s oci lsysm fofkla mukhs *skekai,a ghsïia - tlai;a rdcodksh dd45a df-b77doo144feab49a.html Y%s,xldjg wdishdfõ wdyap¾h ùug wjyh kï foayh úiska ;j ;j;a ;rekhska oekqu uq, wd¾ólh fj; fhduq lr,dn Y%uh u; r k l¾udka; u; hemsu wvql< hq;=h Y%s,xldjg wdishdfõ wdyap¾h ùug wjyh kï foayh úiska ;j ;j;a ;rekhska oekqu uq, wd¾ólh fj; fhduq lr,dn Y%uh u; r k l¾udka; u; hemsu wvql< hq;=h' fï wruqk bgq lr.eksug kï b,a ula mj;sk jd;a;ska i yd Wmdê msßkuk yd mqyqkqj,ndfok Wiia wohdmk wdh;khka rgg ;j ;j;a wjyh fõ' rfgys fufyhqï msysgqùu i yd fuu wxyhka fj; úfoaysh fukau foaysh wdfhdaclhskao rgg weo ne ;nd.; hq;=h' ksjerè ÈYdjg fyd wdrïnhla foñka" NdKav yd fiajd wmkhkh lr úfoay úksuh furgg Wmhdfok iud.ï j,g nÿ iyk jeks Èß.ekaùï rch úiska oekgu;a m%ldyhg m;alr ;sfí' rfgys wns,dis ;rek ;rekshka fj; we;s mksjqvh kï Tjqka wkd.; jd;a;shla f;dard.eksu jeks jeo.;a ;SrKhla.ekSfï Tn úiska ie,ls,a,g f.k úfyai wjodkh fhduq l< hq;af;a oekqu uq, wd¾ólhg wod, jd;a;shlg njh' fuu wxyfhys ;sfnk wjia:djka ksh; jyfhkau Tng b;d by< ;;ajhlg <Õdùu Tnf.a rg;=< jev lrk w;ru yelshdj,ndfok w;r Tn f;dard.;a ljr fyda jd;a;shl f,dalfha fyd u wh w;rg tlaùugo Tnj iún,.kajkq we;' 13

16 njhopy; ehl;il mbg;gilahff; nfhz;l cyfpy; Kd;dpw;Fk; njhopy; Kaw;rpfs nkhopngahg;g: jpu nr. enlrd,yq;ifj; NjapiyapdhYk;> mofhd fth;r;rpfukhd tuyhw;wg;;; Gfo; ngw;w,lq;fshyk;> nghd;dhd kzy;flw;fiufisak;> fphpnfl;by; cyffpzzj;ij ntd;w FOtpdhYk; rpwpyq;fh cynfq;fk; Gfo; ngw;wj. mj;jld; mz;ikapy; Milj;njhopy; Vw;gl;l mjpf Kd;Ndw;wj;jhy; rpwp yq;fh cynfq;fpyk; xu ngaiu vlf;fpd;wj. vg;gbahapdk; mjpfkhd,yq;ifj; njhop;y; ty;ydh;fs; xu Gj;jq;fq;fisj; njhlq;fp,yq;ifapd; ngaiu cyfg;glj;jpy; gjpf;fpd;whh;fs;.,t; NtWgl;l njhopy; ty;ydh;fs; mwpt kakhf;fg;gl;l nghushjhuj;jpy; epjp Ma;thshpypUe;J kuj;jtj;jpw;fk; mjpypue;j nkd;nghus; nghwpapyhsh; jq;fsj Kd;Ndw;wfukhd cw;gj;jpfisak; NritfisAk; mth;fsj njhopy;jiwf;f toq;ffpd;wdh;.,yq;ifapy; cs;s epjp ghprpyidahsh; cyfpd; nghpa $l;lj;njhopshyuf;f KjyPl;L MNyhrid toq;ffpd;whh;fs;.,yq;ifapy; cs;s itj;jpah;fs; cyfpys;s Kd;ddpapypUf;Fk; itj;jparhiyf;f Neha;fis,dq;fhzTk;> MNyhrid toq;ftjw;fk; cjtfpwhh;fs;. vkj nkd;nghus; nghwpapayhsh; cyfpy; Kd;ddpapypUf;Fk; njhopy;el;g epiyfsf;fhd Kd;Ndw;wj;jpy; ftdnklf;fpwhh;fs;.,t; Kd;Ndw;wk; gfjpfs; ehl;bd; tsh;r;rpf;fk;,isqh;fs; vjph;fhyj;jpy; jq;fsj Kaw;rpfis epiwntw;wtjw;fk; mjpf re;jh;g;gq;fis toq;fk;. nghushjhu mwptpy; ntw;wpia ntspf;fhl;lk;,yq;ifapy; cs;s jfty; njhopel;g njhopyjpgh;fs;fo xd;w mz;ikapy;> mjpntf vyj;jpudpay; th;j;jf Kiwapy; Xh; rhjidia epiy ehl;bas;sdh;. nfhok;igr; rhh;e;j,aq;fk; jfty; njhopy; El;g];jhgdk;> Gj;jhapukhk; Mz;L jfty; njhopy;el;gj;ij nghapayhsh;fo mndfkhf vkj nfhok;g> nkhwl;lt gy;fiyf;fofq;fshy; cuthf;fg;gl;l gl;ljhhpfshy; ngukjpg;gs;s yz;ld; ruf;fg; ghhpkhw;wj;jpw;f xu,yj;jpudpay; th;j;jf Kiwia Kd;Ndw;wp rhjid gilj;js;sdh;.,t; Ntfkhd,yj;jpudpay; th;j;jfkiw cyfpys;s nghpa NASDAQ OMX FO NYSE FOTlDk; xg;gplifapy; cah;thff; fhzg;glfpwj. Ntfkhd th;j;jf fjpia yz;ld; ruf;f ghpkhw;wk; ngwfpwj. yz;ld; ruf;f khw;wpl;bd; gb tpiuthd th;j;jfk; md;w jpq;fl;fpoik xu iky;fy;iyj; jhz;baj.,j mjpntfkhd th;j;jf Kiwfis cyfpd; th;j;jf ikaj;jpy; Kd;ndLf;f cgnahfpf;fg;gl;lj. LSE d; Gjpa KiwahdJ Gj;jhapukhk; Mz;L jfty; njhopel;gj;jhy; Kd;NdwpAs;sJ.,yq;ifapd; xu njhopy;el;g epiyak; fle;j tulk;,q;fpyhe;jpd; xu gq;fr; re;ijia rph;nra;tjd; Nehf;fj;jpw;fhf Ntz;bAs;sJ. Finncial Times UK df-8e8b feabdco.html,e;j njhopy; ty;ydh;fo cyfpys;s cah;e;j njhopy;el;g fsj;jpy; IT jph;tfis NtW ehlfspd; cjtpapd;wp epiwntw;w KbAnkd;W ep&gpj;js;sj. mjpf vz;zpf;ifahd ntspg;gilahd njhopy;el;gq;fisak; I.P chpikfisak; GJikfis 14

17 njhopy; ntspf;fhl;lk;,yq;ifapys;s njhopy;el;g ty;ydh; Kd;Ndw;wpAs;sdh;.,t;tifahd rhjid GhpAk;,yq;ifapYs;s ];jhgdq;fs; ntspehl nry;;y tpug;gks;sth;fsf;f mth;fsj jpwikfs;,yq;ifapy; gpunahfpf;f re;jh;g;gk;,y;iynad ek;gifapy; mth;fsf;f tpopg;g+l;l Ntz;Lk;. cz;iknad;d ntdpd; mndfkhd vkj gy;fiyf;fofq;fs; ntspnawpa nghwpapayhsh; njspthff; Fwpg;gpLfpwhh;fs;. mjhtj vkj gy;fiyf;fof xoq;fkiw> Mw;wYk; jpwikak; cs;s njhopy; ty;ydh;fis cuthf;ftnjhl mth;fs; cyfpys;s mjpcah;e;j fy;tpj; jpl;lq;fsld; Kfk;nfhLf;f$bajhfTk;,yq;ifapy; cah;fy;tpia Cf;Ftpg;gjw;Fk; epr;rakhf,e;jpah> rpdh Nghd;w ehl;bys;s Nghl;bahsUld; Nghl;baplKbAk; mwpit mbg;gilahff; nfhz;l nghushjhukk; ehl;bd; mbg;gilj;njitfis cah;tilar; nra;tjw;f xu gfjpahf mikak;. ehk; Vw;fdNt xu cah;e;j mwpitf; nfhz;l kdpj %yjdj;ij cuthf;ftjw;f FWf;F nelf;fhd topfisf; ifahz;ls;nshk;.,t; fzzp topapy; Kd;Ndwpa njhiyj;njhlh;gpdhy; cyfk; xu rpwpa fpuhkkhftk;>,yq;if Nghd;w ehlfspyk; cyfpd; gy ghfq;fspyk; mwpit mbg;gilahff; nfhz;l mjpfhhpfis cuthf;ff; $bajhf cs;sj. vdnt,yq;if,r; re;jh;g;gj;ij gad;glj;jp IT.BPO Nghd;w ifj;njhopypy; jplkhd Kd;Ndw;wj;ij cz;lgz;zp mjpfkhd me;epa ehl;l ehzakhw;wj;ij> kdpj %yjdj;ijg; gad; glj;jpg; ngw;wf;nfhs;syhk;. cz;iknad;d ntdpd; mndfkhd vkj gy;fiyf;fofq;fs; ntspnawpa nghwpapayhsh; njspthff; Fwpg;gpLfpwhh;fs;. mjhtj vkj gy;fiyf;fof xoq;fkiw> Mw;wYk; jpwikak; cs;s njhopy; ty;ydh;fis cuthf;ftnjhl mth;fs; cyfpys;s mjpcah;e;j fy;tpj; jpl;lq;fsld; Kfk;nfhLf;f$bajhfTk;,yq;ifapy; cah;fy;tpia Cf;Ftpg;gjw;Fk; epr;rakhf,e;jpah> rpdh Nghd;w ehl;bys;s Nghl;bahsUld; Nghl;baplKbAk; mwpit mbg;gilahff; nfhz;l nghushjhukk; ehl;bd; mbg;gilj;njitfis cah;tilar; nra;tjw;f xu gfjpahf mikak;. ehk; Vw;fdNt xu cah;e;j mwpitf; nfhz;l kdpj %yjdj;ij cuthf;ftjw;f FWf;F nelf;fhd topfisf; ifahz;ls;nshk;.,t; fzzp topapy; Kd;Ndwpa njhiyj;njhlh;gpdhy; cyfk; xu rpwpa fpuhkkhftk;>,yq;if Nghd;w ehlfspyk; cyfpd; gy ghfq;fspyk; mwpit mbg;gilahff; nfhz;l mjpfhhpfis cuthf;ff; $bajhf cs;sj. vdnt,yq;if,r; re;jh;g;gj;ij gad;glj;jp IT.BPO Nghd;w ifj;njhopypy; jplkhd Kd;Ndw;wj;ij cz;lgz;zp mjpfkhd me;epa ehl;l ehzakhw;wj;ij> kdpj %yjdj;ijg; gad; glj;jpg; ngw;wf;nfhs;syhk;.,yq;if Mrpahtpy; xu mw;gjkhdjhf tpsq;f Ntz;Lkhapd; NkYk; NkYk;,sQh;fSf;F nghushjhu mwpit toq;ftjld; kypthd ifj;njhopypy; jq;fpapug;gij Fiwf;f Ntz;Lk;,e; Nehf;ifr; rhjpg;gjw;f,e; ehl cah;fy;tpr; ];jhgdq;fisak; Njitf;Nfw;g njhopy;hpjpahd gl;ljhhpfisak; cuthf;f Ntz;Lk;. ehl;by; nra;kiwfis cz;l gz;ztjw;f cs; ehl;l ntspehl;l KjyPl;lhsh;fisf; ftuntz;lk;. murhq;fk; Vw;fdNt tpahghu ];jhgdq;fsf;fhd Vw;Wkjpf;Fhpa thptpyf;if Cf;Ftpf;fpd;wJ.,jd; gpufhuk; ifj;njhopy; Nritg;gFjpf;F ey;y rhpahd ghijahf Njhd;WfpwJ. ehl;by; cs;s ey;yhir nfhz;;l,sqh;fsf;f toq;fk; fuj;j vd;dntdpy;> mth;fs; nghushjhu mwpitf; nfhz;l njhopy; tha;g;gf;fis jkj njhopyhfj; njhpt nra;a Ntz;Lk;,e;jg; gfjpapy;,uf;fk; re;jh;g;gq;fs; fl;lhakhf cq;fis cq;fsj ehl;byk; cyfpyk; epq;fs; njhpt nra;j njhopypy; Kd;Ndw;ff; $bajhf mikak;. Tngu.e,fmk l=i,;d ixj¾ok iy ;dciksl mqyqkq mdgud,d i yd fjí wvúhg msúfikak' Powered by 15

18 Careers The Importance of Sports Introduction By Nalin Goonewardene Educationists will say that sport is essential for both the physical and mental growth of a child. Yet some school going children are focused on academic studies only, often not participating in any other activity, let alone sports, during their school days. So why do we stress that sports is so important in a young person s life? While some can understand the value of sports others see a negative side 2 The negative brigade The most common objections or negative attitudes towards sports are: No time for sports Anyone who does not learn how to manage their time while in school will find it difficult to do so in their working lives. This can become an obstacle to progress in a chosen career. Can t do attitude Some do not like to compete as they do not like to lose or they are unsure if they have the skill. They could find a sport that they can do. If you don t try you will never know if playing sports could have helped you. Have to work hard at it to be any good This is true about everything in life, so it is an excuse for laziness. Do not want to be a professional This is a misunderstanding of playing sports. Very few of those who play sports turn professional but the majority benefit from it. Do not want to sacrifice a good education for a chance at becoming famous This depends on the individual. There is also a balance that can and must be struck between work and play. For example, some of our famous cricketers representing Sri Lanka were also budding schoolboy cricketers in their time and some have trained in professional careers as well. It is a well known fact that what you learn as a child is easy to progress through life, but to start something new later requires great effort, and even sacrifice. This applies to many diverse skills from dancing through reading to many forms of sport. 3 So why are sports so important? What is life without sports? Probably boring and lifeless as it is. Sports are vital for young lives as it teaches them a lot of things about life. The old saying all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, puts this in a nutshell. Sports are an important part of just about every society, every country, and every part of our planet. In one way or another, everyone is involved in sports of some sort, whether they're playing, watching or just admiring someone they know who is performing. Apart from being a fun activity, sports offer several health benefits, thus contributing to your physical and mental well-being. Sports also play a vital role in development of your personality and learning important social and working skills to enhance career prospects. Let us look at these in more detail. 4 Physical benefits Fitness Improvement A sound standard of fitness enhances the possibility of reaching your full potential, not only in sports but in your entire life. This is because fitness improves your stamina, strength, speed, skill and suppleness. It brings you to an energetic state that helps you achieve. There is no need to train to the level of a champion athlete to benefit from being fit. Weight management Exercise causes an increase in your metabolic rate, where complex chemical changes in the body convert food into energy. After vigorous physical exercise, these changes enable a reduction in body weight. Further exercise combined with a controlled diet can result in the breakdown of stored fat to maintain body weight. Health benefits Research has revealed that playing sports provides a wide variety of health benefits, e.g. keeps the immune system strong, reduces blood sugar levels, reduces the risk of high cholesterol, decreases the chances of hypertension and reduces the probability of depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders. 5 Mental benefits Exercise converts Adrenaline into Energy It is known that when we are under stress our brain signals the production of adrenaline which causes a heightened stimulation, usually increasing the sense of anxiety, certainly provoking higher blood pressure and an increased heart rate. During regular exercise this adrenaline is converted into energy, which is used as a fuel and burned up along the way. Therefore regular exercise acts like a pressure valve, allowing the release of tension in a healthy and controlled way. Exercise causes the brain to secrete Endorphins It is also known that exercise provokes a natural 'high' caused by the brain's secretion of endorphins, which are morphine-like chemicals that help combat pain and stress. It is this chemical that many fitness fanatics become addicted to, but as long as your reaction to it does not become obsessive, endorphins give you a healthy sense of wellbeing. 16