OUR MODEL

An Empowerment Center and a Learning Hotel.

Lanka Roots is establishing an Empowerment Center and a Training Hotel in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Young people gain practical hospitality skills in a real working environment, earn a scholarship throughout the program, and leave with the qualifications and confidence needed for meaningful employment.

Empowerment Center

A safe learning space where young people develop essential skills, digital literacy, and confidence. The foundation on which future opportunities can grow.

Training Hotel

A real hospitality environment where learning happens through daily practice. Participants learn guest service, operations, and housekeeping by doing the work, guided by experienced mentors.

Pathways to Work

Every part of our program is designed to lead to real employment. Participants leave with verified skills, a professional network, and guidance in finding their first role locally or internationally.

A Non-Negotiable: Every Participant Is Paid

Every participant receives a scholarship throughout the entire program, from the first day at the Empowerment Center through the full practical phase at the Training Hotel. Sustainable programs have to be built around the realities of the people they serve. Training that requires people to stop earning excludes the very people it is meant to support.

Skills that Translate into Real Work

English

English focused on professional communication, guest interaction, and the confidence to navigate international environments.

Digital Skills & IT

Computer basics, digital communication, and practical technology skills that are increasingly essential across every professional pathway.

Hospitality

Guest service, front-of-house operations, and the professional standards of the hospitality industry are learned through guided practice in a real hotel environment.

Gastronomy

Cooking, food hygiene, and kitchen operations taught in a real working environment. Participants build practical skills that open doors to careers in food and hospitality.

Personal Development

Confidence, communication, conflict resolution and resilience. These personal traits empower participants to grow and ensure they leave with more than just a certificate.

Intercultural competencies

Understanding cultural differences, communication styles and perspectives. Participants learn to interact confidently and respectfully with international guests, volunteers and communities.

First Step · Pilot Project 2027

First We Test and Learn.

8
‍local young people

15
‍German students 

5
‍months preparation

2
‍week exchange

In 2027, we will launch our first pilot progamme in Trincomalee. Local youth will take part in several months of training before stepping into real hosting roles. They will guide cultural tours, lead cooking classes, and create intercultural experiences for visiting students from Germany. The pilot project helps us test and refine our model, build trust within the local community, and lay the foundation for everything that follows.

Project Roadmap

2025 / 2026
Foundation

Building the organisation, establishing legal structures in Germany and Sri Lanka, and forming partnerships while securing the first funding.

2027
Pilot Program

The first program in Trincomalee. Local youth are trained, students are hosted, and the model is tested in a real environment.

2028
Infrastructure

Building the permanent physical home of the Empowerment Center and Training Hotel in Trincomalee.

2029+
Full Operation

The Empowerment Center and Training Hotel are fully operational. Annual programs run each year and the model is designed to sustain itself.