Cinnamon Lakeside’s Tharaka Appuhamy makes history

Tharaka Appuhamy of the Learning & Development team at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, made history at the recent graduation ceremony of Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) by becoming the most awarded student to graduate from the institute.
His extensive list of accomplishments include distinction a pass for the Management Diploma – F&B Operations, a First Class award for the Management Diploma – Hotel & Catering Operations, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management’s SLITHM award for The Most Outstanding Student in Food & Beverage Operations.
Furthermore he was awarded the Pearl Henatigala Memorial Trophy and Unilever Food Solutions Book award for the Best Student in Food & Beverage Operational Management. He also received the Rohan Dias Abeysinghe trophy for The Most Outstanding Student of the Year in Food & Beverage Operations, the Cornel Perera prize award for the Most Outstanding Student in Three Year Management Diploma for the year 2012 and The Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association Trophy for the Most Outstanding Graduate for the year 2012.
Tharaka simultaneously followed a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management offered by Management & Science University, Malaysia, which he graduated with First Class Honours. He demonstrated his superior skills and knowledge once again to be adjudged the Best Graduate at the ceremony held in Malaysia on 28 June. Another highlight was the awarding of the degree by the Queen of Malaysia.
Tharaka started his illustrious career in the hospitality industry back in 2007, gaining exposure in all areas of the trade which included Food & Beverage, Cookery, Front Office operations and Housekeeping. Starting his education at Hotel School under Sri Lanka Tourism & Hotel Management Institute in 2009, Tharaka was placed the batch top at all stages of his education there.
Having a true passion for hard work and eager to put his learning to practice, Tharaka made a decision to join Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo in 2012. He felt that the internationally awarded hotel under the guidance of Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerate, John Keells Holdings, was the ideal choice for him as he strongly believed that this hotel would provide him with a myriad of opportunities to grow and develop.
Currently employed as an Executive in the Learning & Development Department of Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, Tharaka commends the support and guidance received from his colleagues and the management team of the hotel which has been a great strength.
Tharaka is an example of the calibre of associates at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, who are vital elements of the warm hospitality that is synonymous with the Best Five Star City Hotel in Sri Lanka.  The hotel encourages staff to continuously enhance their personal and professional development and holds some of the lowest employee turnover rates among star class hotels in the country.