The Empower Culinary & Hospitality School (ECHS), a joint initiative by Dilmah and the MJF Charitable Foundation, recently celebrated the graduation of 56 young culinary professionals. Decked in their chef whites, these new graduates are now taking their first steps into the hospitality industry.
Bridging Standards and Values
Established in 2016, ECHS was founded to be an inclusive, impact-driven culinary training facility. It provides professional training that combines practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and personal development for young people facing socioeconomic challenges.
The school is accredited by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) and the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC). To date, ECHS has produced 352 graduates from low-income and vulnerable communities across its two facilities in Moratuwa (ECHS West) and Kalkudah (ECHS East). The institution is also proudly inclusive, having graduated 8 youth with disabilities since its inception.
Holistic Training for Industry Readiness
ECHS offers a Certificate Course in Cooking and a shorter 3-month Pastry and Bakery Course. The curriculum is meticulously designed for industry readiness, ensuring graduates are holistic working professionals.
The training extends well beyond kitchen skills:
- It includes vital IT training and Business English classes.
- Students gain real-world experience through practical internships at recognised hotels and involvement in the MJF Foundation’s People’s Market events and the Good Heart Café.
- Uniquely, the curriculum features modules on organic and urban gardening, where students tend their own crops, fostering an understanding of ingredient sourcing and sustainability.
A Crucial Solution for Sri Lanka’s Workforce
By cultivating skilled professionals, ECHS actively supports Sri Lanka’s domestic labour force. This is crucial amidst growing challenges, as statistics show a significant outflow of skilled Sri Lankans seeking employment abroad — nearly 78% of departures in the first quarter of 2025 were in the skilled category.
The ECHS model proves its value with the recent graduation seeing almost 100% employability. The school creates a pathway to sustainable employment, skill diversification, and entrepreneurship by offering international-standard training.
Its success is clearly reflected in its alumni, who include national and international award-winning chefs, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs. Notably, W. Dinesh from Kahawatte Plantations achieved national recognition by winning the Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka (2017)!
