The Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) has inaugurated the APIIT School of Hospitality & Tourism in collaboration with Switzerland’s Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi), expanding opportunities for internationally oriented hospitality education in Sri Lanka.
The inauguration took place on 17 June 2026 at APIIT’s Baybrook Campus, introducing a programme that combines Swiss hospitality expertise with extensive industry exposure to prepare students for careers in the global hospitality sector.
Her Excellency Dr. Siri Walt, Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, led the ceremonial presentation of enrolment letters to the inaugural student cohort. The event was attended by Mr. Nishanth Suri, International Academic Manager at HTMi Switzerland, representatives of the Swiss Embassy, APIIT Chairman Mr. Bandula Egodage, members of the APIIT Board of Management, Head of School Mr. Kasun Abeynayaka, faculty members, and representatives from the Commercial Credit Academy.
A New Chapter in Switzerland–Sri Lanka Collaboration
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Ambassador Dr. Siri Walt said, “As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Sri Lanka, the launch of this programme marks a further highlight of our partnership. Hospitality is a field in which our nations share deep interests; Switzerland’s training is renowned worldwide, and I am confident students here will benefit greatly from the partnership between HTMi Switzerland and APIIT. This marks the beginning of a rewarding journey. I wish the inaugural cohort every success in their careers.”
Industry-Integrated Faculty
The School’s faculty combines experienced academics with seasoned hospitality professionals, creating a learning environment that brings together academic theory and practical industry knowledge.
Students will receive instruction across areas including management theory, culinary techniques, and front office operations, supported by evidence-based research, real-world case studies, and masterclasses conducted by senior industry practitioners.
Curriculum Designed for Future Leaders
The programme is structured to provide students with progressive academic qualifications alongside substantial practical experience.
Academic pathway: Certificate ? Diploma ? Higher Diploma ? BSc (Hons) in International Hospitality Management
Entry pathways: Students can enter after O/Ls through a four-year degree pathway or after A/Ls through a three-year degree pathway.
Each academic year consists of a 24-week taught semester followed by a six-month paid internship, enabling graduates to build between 18 and 24 months of validated workplace experience by the completion of their studies.
Guided by the motto “Come as a student, leave as a manager,” the School places strong emphasis on employability and career readiness. Students will undertake mandatory paid internships at 4-star and 5-star properties, while receiving dedicated career coaching covering CV preparation, interview skills, and personal branding.
A structured placement-tracking system will further support students in becoming job-ready and positioning themselves for rapid career progression in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Home Lands Makes Real Estate History with Over 5,000 Units Sold and More Than 3,750 Delivered
Trusted by clients in Sri Lanka and overseas, Home Lands Group has reached another major milestone by surpassing 5,000 units in sales, further strengthening its position as a leading force in Sri Lanka’s real estate sector.
The Group has sold more than 5,000 Resort Apartments and Villas across multiple large-scale lifestyle development projects and has already delivered over 3,750 units to homeowners who placed their trust in the company’s track record of timely project completion. A further 400 units are scheduled for delivery within this year, reinforcing Home Lands’ record of completing projects and handing over units on schedule.
Home Lands said its track record has been built on financial discipline, innovation, industry best practices, and the use of advanced technology, alongside a consistent focus on achieving construction milestones ahead of schedule and delivering projects on time.
The company has delivered more than 3,750 Resort Apartments and Villas, which it describes as the highest number of units delivered by a developer in Sri Lanka. It has also recorded more than 5,000 unit sales across 24 mega lifestyle development projects, representing what the company describes as the highest number of units sold by a developer in the country.
Over the past 23 years, Home Lands has expanded its presence by earning the confidence of clients in Sri Lanka and international markets through lifestyle-focused developments, world-class projects, and timely delivery.
Today, the Home Lands Group has established itself as a symbol of trust, with a portfolio of signature themed lifestyle developments offering diverse lifestyle options alongside potential returns through capital appreciation and rental yields. The Group’s ability to showcase Sri Lankan real estate to international audiences has also enabled overseas clients to invest in its developments, helping open international markets for Sri Lankan property.
Driven by a continued pursuit of excellence and a commitment to raising industry standards, Home Lands has recorded a significant set of milestones. Its current portfolio and delivery record includes 5,000+ units sold across 24 large-scale completed and ongoing projects, 3,750+ units delivered across completed mega lifestyle developments, 400 additional units ready for delivery within this year, and 2,850+ units currently under construction across nine futuristic mega lifestyle development projects.
“This significant milestone of crossing the 5,000-unit mark in sales reflects the trust we have earned over the years through dedication, on-time delivery, financial discipline, vision, and innovation,” said Mr. Nalin Herath, Chairman of Home Lands Group.
“We are grateful to all our clients both in Sri Lanka and overseas for placing their trust in us, and are delighted to celebrate this momentous occasion with our clients,” he added.
APIIT and HTMi Inaugurate New School of Hospitality and Tourism with Swiss Excellence in Sri Lanka
