Jetwing Hotels launches Project WE at Jetwing Lake
View(s):The Easter Sunday attacks have threatened the harmony wrought amongst the communities, resulting in racial tension and violence in several areas across the country. As a hospitality provider with an island-wide presence and a decades-old reputation built on strong communal ties, Jetwing Hotels management is taking it upon themselves to ease racial tension and encourage cultural harmony by launching “Project WE”.
Students lighting the oil lamp
“To have a positive social impact on our community, it is vital that we teach the youth the importance of respect and forbearance. At Jetwing, the diversity and unity among our associates is one of our greatest strengths, instrumental to our effort to provide a holistic experience of Sri Lanka,” said Ruan Samarasinghe, Managing Director of Jetwing Hotels, in a media release.
This project was launched at Jetwing Lake, Dambulla, with the hope of encouraging cultural harmony among local communities around the hotels and to inculcate tolerance and understanding. Students of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities took part in activities that showcase each of their cultures through traditional dances, songs, speeches, a quiz competition and cookery demonstrations making it a colourful and eventful day.
“The aim of Project We was to improve the trust and harmony between different ethnic and religious groups in our local community. Every ideology we put into the world plays a vital role towards changing perceptions,” said Indika Gamage, General Manager of Jetwing Lake.
The first programme under this project was held in lieu of World Tourism Day with the support of the Zonal Education Director in Naula and the participation of students from four schools in the area; Nalanda Maha Vidyalaya, Namagal Tamil College, Al Hamra Muslim College, and St. Anthony’s College, Wasalakotte.
“Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 45 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy, across all properties sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education, and awareness being some of our key focus areas,” the release said.