Citrus Leisure PLC marked the graduation of the first batch of students from the Citrus School of Hotel Management at a ceremony held on Wednesday, 25 February, at the Mandarin Shore Grand Ballroom of Citrus Waskaduwa.

The School was launched as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to commemorate the 190th anniversary of George Steuart & Company and forms part of the Group’s wider community programmes conducted under the “Steuart Senehasa” platform.

The initiative was introduced in response to financial barriers faced by aspiring hospitality students and the manpower shortage within Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry.

The inaugural batch commenced studies on 15 July 2025 and completed the six-month programme on 15 January, combining classroom learning with practical training.

A total of 18 students graduated from the programme, specialising in Food & Beverage Service, Kitchen Operations and Front Office Operations.

According to the organisers, the programme aimed to equip students with technical knowledge as well as workplace skills including communication, teamwork and discipline.

A female graduate received the Best Student Award at the ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Citrus Leisure PLC and the George Steuart & Company including Citrus Leisure PLC Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Chandana Talwatte, Citrus Leisure PLC Sales Director Mani Sugathapala, George Steuart & Company Group Human Resources & Administration Director Achala Silva, and Citrus Leisure PLC Group Human Resources Head Thiwanka Thabrew, who contributed their expertise to the programme and reaffirmed their continued commitment to supporting this initiative.