The next generation of hospitality professionals now has a new place to learn, train and build their careers, as Browns Hotels & Resorts (BHR) launches the Browns Hotels & Resorts Learning Academy at The Eden Beruwala.
Designed to bridge the gap between education and the real-world hospitality industry, the academy provides selected youth from the community with the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification, develop practical skills and experience the workings of a five-star hotel environment, at no cost to the participants.
The inaugural programme is a Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission-approved NVQ Level 03 – Hotel Operation Multitasker Programme, offering the participants a structured pathway into the hospitality industry and the opportunity to build a foundation for a long-term career.
The academy is based at The Eden Beruwala, BHR’s flagship five-star property on Sri Lanka’s Golden Mile, providing an ideal setting for the aspiring hospitality professionals to learn and grow. With a fully operational luxury hotel as their learning environment, the students gain exposure to the standards, service culture and day-to-day operations that define the hospitality industry.
The launch ceremony of the Learning Academy took place in the presence of BHR CEO Eksath Wijeratne, The Eden Beruwala and Thaala Bentota Cluster General Manager Rohan Gamage, Bentota Beruwala Hoteliers Association President Sibi Mathew, Kalutara Government Agent’s Office Human Resource Officer Sampath Wasala and BHR Head of Learning and Development Kanishka Jayatunga, together with the members of the management team and the inaugural batch of students.
The first batch of the Learning Academy commenced on August 14, 2026, with the programme spanning 360 hours, over 60 days. The programme combines structured classroom learning with practical experience within a working hotel environment. The students have access to the dedicated Learning Academy classrooms at The Eden Beruwala, alongside the practical sessions conducted across the property.
Learning extends beyond the classroom, with guest lecturers and industry professionals contributing to the programme and sharing their knowledge and experience. The programme also provides a potential pathway to employment, with successful students having the opportunity to be considered for employment across BHR’s 15 properties across Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the launch, Wijeratne said, “The hospitality industry is built on people and developing the right people is fundamental to our future. At BHR, learning and development has always been an important part of how we build our teams. The Browns Hotels & Resorts Learning Academy allows us to take this commitment a step further by creating opportunities for young people in our communities to gain a recognised qualification, develop practical skills and potentially begin a career with us. We see this as an investment not only in our future talent but also in the future of the hospitality industry.”
As a fast-growing hospitality group, BHR places strong emphasis on developing its people at every stage of their careers. Throughout the year, the group conducts a range of internal learning and development initiatives, including inter-property beverage and culinary competitions, wine training programmes, professional development sessions and management trainee programmes.
As the inaugural batch continues its learning journey at the Browns Hotels & Resorts Learning Academy, the group continues to strengthen its commitment to developing people, creating opportunities and building the future of hospitality in Sri Lanka.
