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Heritance Hotels and Resorts Celebrates Graduation of 2025 ‘Heritance Rise’ Management Trainees

Heritance Hotels and Resorts recently celebrated the graduation of the inaugural batch of its flagship management trainee programme, Heritance Rise, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued efforts to cultivate the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Launched as part of Heritance Hotels and Resorts’ long-term vision to strengthen the human capital of the tourism sector, Heritance Rise is a comprehensive 18-month programme designed to equip aspiring professionals with the technical expertise, leadership acumen, and strategic understanding required to excel in the industry. The 2025 graduating class comprised of six exceptional trainees who have now completed all three phases of the intensive programme.

Structured to provide holistic exposure across the hospitality value chain, Heritance Rise integrates both operational and management learning. During the first phase, trainees underwent extensive training in their core area of specialization, followed by a cross-functional training across key departments at Heritance Hotels and Resorts’ local properties in the second phase. The third phase focused on providing International Exposure in one of Aitken Spence’s properties in India, Maldives or Oman followed by exposure to the corporate environment, enabling participants to understand the strategic and administrative aspects of hotel management. The final six months allowed each trainee to have a deep dive into a management role in the selected area and engage in a business project, culminating in their qualification to assume an Assistant Head of Department role within the organisation.

Commenting on this, Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, stated, “The Heritance Rise programme represents our commitment to shaping the future of hospitality through structured talent development. These graduates embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and excellence that continue to drive the hospitality industry forward. At a time when the industry faces both challenges and immense opportunities, nurturing skilled, forward-thinking professionals is not just an investment in our company but in the growth of the sector as a whole. We are proud to see this first batch of management trainees’ step into leadership roles, equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and vision to drive meaningful change in hospitality.”

Through Heritance Rise, Heritance Hotels and Resorts aims to bridge the talent gap in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector and contribute to the broader regional demand for skilled professionals. The initiative continues to be a cornerstone of the company’s people-first strategy, emphasising career progression and sustainable talent development.

About Heritance Hotels and Resorts

Heritance Hotels and Resorts is the flagship brand of Aitken Spence Hotels, a part of Aitken Spence PLC, a leading Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate. Aitken Spence Hotels oversees a diverse collection of 18 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman and India through its diverse collection of brands Heritance Hotels and Resorts, Adaaran Hotels & Resorts, and Turyaa. Heritance Hotels & Resorts stands as the custodian of the largest portfolio of Bawa designed hotels in Sri Lanka, adding a touch of architectural distinction to its rich offerings.