Connoisseurs graduate from Labels Wine Academy

The graduation ceremony of those who successfully completed the second consecutive Connoisseur Wine Diploma programme conducted by the Labels Wine Academy was held recently at the residence of French Ambassador Michel Lummaux.

The colourful graduation ceremony at which Diplomas and Certificates of Participation were awarded to 11 and 9 individuals respectively. The ceremony was was attended by many distinguished guests including French Ambassador Michel Lummaux, Paul Topping - Managing Director of Alpha Orient Lanka, Dr. Arif Jamal - Senior Lecturer of L'Ecole Des Vms Bourgogne France (French Wine School), S. D Palihakkara - Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management and Kamal Hapuwatte - Principal of the Sri Lanka Hotel School.

Dr. Ariff Jamal travelled from France to Sri Lanka exclusively to conduct the theory and practical session of the programme which lasted for a period spanning over three months. The sessions were held at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management under the supervision of the French Embassy. The participants of the course who were senior level staff from the Hotel School, 5.star hotels and key restaurants gained a comprehensive knowledge on the subject of wine service and the ability train others in the future.

The examinations held prior to the awarding of the Diploma were conducted at the French Trade Commission in Colombo adhering to strict international standards. The evaluation of the answer scripts were carried out at L'Ecole Des Vins Bourgogne France (French Wine School), according to globally accepted guidelines. Thus, the Diploma is of international recognition and repute.

"The Labels Wine Academy in affiliation with L'Ecole Des Vins Bourgogne France (French Wine School) is conducting a comprehensive wine education course in Sri Lanka which is recognized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management. The aim of this programme is to collectively uplift the service standards of the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka. This is why we decided to sponsor the Connoisseur Wine Diploma programme", Paul Topping, Managing Director of Alpha Orient Lanka stated.

"It is also important to state that Alpha Orient Lanka was instrumental in launching the Labels Wine Academy in the year 2006", he added. In the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arena Alpha Orient Lanka has played a major role by re-housing over 100 tsunami affected individuals through their housing project in Nagoda. Twenty fully furnished houses and a community centre was donated to the homeless through this project.