Pizza Hut Archives

September 8, 2023

Colombo, 08^th September 2023 – Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Limited (CCBSL) is thrilled to announce the extension of its partnership with Pizza Hut, a renowned brand managed by Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd which is the single franchisee for Pizza Hut in Sri Lanka. This collaboration aims to go beyond traditional dining norms and create a fresh dining experience at 108 Pizza Hut locations all over Sri Lanka. This united effort ensures that customers can continue to enjoy the delightful taste of their beloved Coca-Cola beverages at all Pizza Hut outlets in Sri Lanka.

This strategic partnership highlights a range of joint promotional efforts where Pizza Hut’s delicious product offerings complement the refreshing appeal of Coca-Cola. It’s more than just a partnership; it’s a celebration of shared values and a commitment to pushing the limits to create unforgettable experiences for customers.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership with Pizza Hut, CCBSL, Managing Director, Pradip Pandey stated, “We take immense pride in extending our partnership with Pizza Hut, which reflects our long standing partnership in SL. As we extend this alliance, we are excited to explore new avenues to further elevate customer satisfaction.

Echoing the sentiment, Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Chief Executive Officer, Yasa Nadaraja stated, “As this partnership extends, the distinct pleasure of combining Coca-Cola with our Pizza Hut meals remains a joy for all of us. This collaboration is a journey that reflects the shared belief that exceptional moments are meant to be savoured, whether it’s the perfect bite of pizza or the satisfying sip of a Coca-Cola. This partnership isn’t just about products; it’s about creating moments that tantalize the taste buds leaving a lasting impression”.

The extended partnership underscores the shared ethos of customer centricity. Both Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka and Pizza Hut recognize the pivotal role of customer feedback in refining and enhancing offerings. This partnership will actively seek and incorporate invaluable customer insights, ensuring that every aspect of the customer experience exceeds expectations.

October 18, 2022

October 2022, Kuliyapitiya: Unlocking new opportunities for youth in the growing fast-food sector, Sri Lanka launched its first vocational training kitchen on October 14 at the Technical College in Kuliyapitiya. USAID will develop a new curriculum aligned to global best practices and train vocational trainers and assessors for the program.

Funded by a US$ 1.3 million grant from the Yum! Brands Foundation, the vocational training kitchen initiative titled ‘An Equal Slice for Everyone’ is the first in a series implemented through a partnership between USAID’s Youth Employment and Business Start-Up activity, YouLead; Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka, the owner of the Pizza Hut franchise in Sri Lanka; and the Sevalanka Foundation.

With funding from Yum! Brands Foundation, the An Equal Slice for Everyone initiative will build vocational training kitchens at 28 Vocational Training Authority and Department of Technical Education and Training centers across Sri Lanka. The initiative will train 2,100 youth annually on equipment and processes important for a career in the fast-food industry. Two centers will also be dedicated to training youth with disabilities.

“We need to create more vocational training facilities like the one we launched today to enable our youth to find better employment in in-demand jobs,” Mr. Jagath Saputhanthrige, Director General of the Department of Technical Education and Training. “I would like to acknowledge the U.S. Government’s continued support to the people of Sri Lanka and Pizza Hut International for contributing to this initiative and working with the public sector vocational training institutions to empower the youth of this country.”

Upon successful completion of a six-month course, which includes on-the-job training, students will receive a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 certification. Taco Bell, Domino’s, McDonald’s, Burger King and Popeyes pledged to support Pizza Hut’s efforts by providing trainers and employment opportunities for graduates.

“An Equal Slice for Everyone will help create a regular inflow of work-ready youth for Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing fast food industry while supporting youth aspirations for a better future,” said Chairman and CEO of Gamma Pizzakraft Amar Raj Singh. “At Pizza Hut, we also have a strong commitment to inclusivity and have enabled many young individuals with disabilities to find gainful employment and the financial independence they dream of. We have included specialized training centers for youth with disabilities in this program and we are confident that it will encourage more youth with disabilities to seek out careers in this industry.”

Through YouLead, USAID will assist in the development of new curricula aligned to global industry best practices and provide training for vocational instructors and assessors who will deliver the training and certify learning outcomes. YouLead aims to improve vocational education in Sri Lanka, build a more skilled workforce, and link youth to productive careers.

“I am proud to see so many U.S. brands participating in this program and throwing their support behind the career development of Sri Lanka’s talented youth,” said Mr. Micah Globerson, Deputy Director Economic Growth Office of USAID. “It is particularly encouraging to note that the program helps marginalized youth to gain access to skills training and jobs in a growing industry.”

July 20, 2022

Colombo, July 19^th 2022: The nation’s most trusted and favoured international restaurant franchise Pizza Hut Sri Lanka, recently launched a powerful new initiative named ‘Hut Cyclist’, in a bid to mitigate the challenges of the fuel crisis in the country while simultaneously enriching the communities in which it operates. The novel ‘Hut Cyclist’ initiative enables any individual with a bicycle to join the Pizza Hut Sri Lanka delivery team to carry out deliveries as paid independent contractors.

All those who join the Pizza Hut delivery force will receive 217 LKR per delivery in addition to the tips they will earn on duty. Riders have the liberty of choosing the hours and outlets they prefer, and are also treated to complimentary meals and drinks from Pizza Hut during their time of service. Additionally, the company also provides each rider with a personal accident cover of one million LKR, to cover any potential accidents during their contract period with Pizza Hut. Each rider will be thoroughly prepped in dispensing exceptional levels of customer service and clad comfortably in the brand’s uniform before being positioned in the field.

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going. This is our war cry. With the deepening fuel crisis in Sri Lanka, our entire operation, similar to many F & B businesses on the island faced numerous operational challenges. However, as a responsible employer and trusted consumer brand that is close to the hearts of many Sri Lankans, we had no choice but to adapt and forge ahead with our operations as creatively and resiliently as possible, while simultaneously uncovering avenues to support and rebuild our communities during this challenging period. Hut Cyclist was birthed at this intersection of innovation and resilience.

“Ultimately, Hut Cyclist will be a novel experience for all, and will give our team and all our new riders the rare opportunity to experience unforgettable, powerful customer moments driven by a sense of community, patriotism and empathy. Our consistent success as a brand is also attributed to the sheer grit, passion and dedication of our powerful workforce of over 3000 employees who took it upon themselves to go the extra mile for both the brand and the customers who have patronized Pizza Hut for over 29 years. Therefore, I welcome each and every Sri Lankan to take advantage of this new challenge and be a part of a world-class workforce of a global brand to not only earn passive income but get fit doing so,” Pizza Hut Sri Lanka Director of People & Culture Kaushal Mendis opined.

So far, Hut Cyclist has seen the participation of a growing number of employees from Pizza Hut’s corporate team, including those from its People and Culture department led by its Director, Kaushal Mendis and the Hut Cyclist Initiative – Project Lead & HR Assistant Shenal Perera. With the announcement of Hut Cyclist on the 8^th of July, 2022, over 700 inquiries have already come through from cycling enthusiasts across the island, while over 100+ riders have already been prepped, educated and deployed out into the field. This zero-carbon footprint project is ultimately expected to open the doors to a sustainable and permanent, alternative delivery channel within the nation.

Commenting on the same, Pizza Hut Sri Lanka HR Assistant and Hut Cyclist Project Lead Shenal Perera stated, “We are extremely delighted to launch the Hut Cyclist initiative, and are ecstatic at how well it has been received by hundreds of interested cyclists. Apart from its generous financial benefits from both our set rate per delivery and tips from customers, it’s a very flexible, rewarding experience that we offer. Cyclists can pick the outlet, time and hours they prefer, and are thereafter fully prepped to tackle any job-related challenge. Right now, we are looking to expand this project beyond its current scope and make way for a number of exciting new initiatives to further inspire cyclists to join the ranks of a global brand.”

For over 29 years, Pizza Hut Sri Lanka has consistently proven its position as superior food delivery partner in the country; offering meals of superior quality in the shortest amount of time, and dispensed by a highly dedicated workforce skilled in providing exceptional levels of customer service. Being the leading and largest restaurant company in Sri Lanka, Pizza Hut is patronized by millions of Sri Lankans across the island. During the global pandemic, both Pizza Hut and its sister company Taco Bell, both franchises owned by Gamma Pizzakraft Sri Lanka, were admired for their commitment to adhere to high standards of products quality, safety, consistency and delivery – earning a reputation as two of the most trusted food and beverage brands in the country.

February 15, 2021

Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. presently the single franchisee for Pizza Hut and Taco Bell in Sri Lanka, has partnered with ChildFund Sri Lanka & the Department of Social Services in Sri Lanka, to improve the economic engagement of Youth with Disabilities, especially girls with disabilities, in quality vocational training programmes in a safe and conducive environment. This partnership has led to the inauguration of an industrial food technology unit and renovation of the accommodation facilities for Girls with disabilities at the Vocational Training Centre, Amunukumbura, on the 11th of February 2021.

This mega-project is being executed under the concept of ‘An Equal Slice For Everyone’, which is the Social Purpose of Pizza Hut International. The iconic brand is committed to equity, opportunity and unity taking a locally led yet globally connected approach, with a clear-cut focus on its people, customers and communities. Pizza Hut focuses on caring for all who are part of its journey – the people who work for the business, the customers who patronise the brand and the communities within which it prospers. This project promotes the spirit of togetherness and creates a bigger vision of being much more than just a food and beverage brand.

To contribute to this collective vision, ChildFund Sri Lanka has enrolled girls with disabilities and has widened the streams available for training and quality of teaching. The Department of Social Service intends to make the Persons with Disability (PWD) community, active stakeholders, by unlocking their fullest potential to aid national economic development.

Pizza Hut Sri Lanka has established an industrial food technology unit at the vocational centre with a state-of-the-art kitchen consisting of the latest equipment, with the prime objective of providing these individuals a comprehensive curriculum, ranging from food and beverage, hygiene & food safety standards to proficiency in English. This would be a 2-year programme where they would be trained under the leadership and guidance of skilled trainers and the staff of Pizza Hut. Upon the successful completion of the 2-year course at this food technology unit, graduates will be employed within the Pizza Hut chain or with other socially responsible entities in the country, with whom discussions have already been initiated.

Mr. Amar Raj Singh, Managing Director of Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. said, “Social and economic inclusion go hand in hand. It is very critical that the efforts and investments being made by the Government and NGOs, are given the last mile opportunity by businesses across Sri Lanka, to create employability, add value and provide economic upliftment to those with difficulties and the marginalized sections of society. We at Gamma Lanka are very happy and privileged to be partners in this great effort across the country. ‘An Equal Slice For Everyone’ is a symbol of shared opportunity through focused skills development and understanding. It is very encouraging to see the positive response we have received across the industry and from our own employees. We look forward to rolling this programme across Sri Lanka.”

Ms. Neelam Makhijani, Country Director of ChildFund India and Sri Lanka said, “We are excited to launch this very unique project which highlights our partnership with the private sector and the government, on the same platform. Together, we have combined our resources and skills to ensure greater opportunities for youth with disabilities, to support the first batch of 30 young women who will benefit from this new pizza making module as part of their vocational training course. Thereafter, 20-30 young women with disabilities will be enrolled annually for the course. The newly renovated buildings, accommodation and sanitation facilities and support through soft skills training provided by ChildFund Sri Lanka will also contribute to eliminating employment barriers for these youth with disabilities and improve their lives. ChildFund is thankful to Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka and the Department of Social Services for their collaboration to equip these young adults with skills to overcome challenges and inspire positive change creating a better future not just for themselves, but for their families and communities.”

The inauguration of the food technology unit at the vocational training centre at Amunukumbura is the first step of many to come. Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. envisions being a part of this journey with more centres being planned in the near future right across Sri Lanka, providing the community with a definite sense of achievement, pride and social inclusion.

Mr. Yasa Nadaraja, CEO of Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. added, “Pizza Hut’s Social Purpose theme ‘An Equal Slice for Everyone’ exemplifies our involvement to help people with disabilities to be gainfully employed, thus bridging the gaps the community currently faces. This initiative, in partnership with equally passionate, like-minded organizations is a step in the right direction to create a positive change in the community. We are extremely humbled and privileged to inaugurate this project and look forward to implementing more such initiatives in time to come.”

Mr. Kaushal Mendis, Director of Human Resources of Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. said, “Access to employment is recognized as a fundamental human right in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In Sri Lanka, the proportion of persons with disabilities participating in the labour market is at a bare minimum level for various reasons. As a responsible corporate citizen, our focus is to create social impact by enabling the PWDs through formal vocational education. We will also create inclusive work environments where, PWDs will be empowered and won’t feel ‘different’ at work. We firmly believe that our efforts will not only improve the quality of life of persons with disability but also promote and safeguard equality, self-determination, dignity and social inclusion of such persons. We thank ChildFund Sri Lanka and the Department of Social Services for collaborating with us in taking a giant step for the progress of this initiative. We keenly look forward to continuing this partnership in time to come.”

Mr. Chandana Ranaweera Arachchi, Director of Department of Social Services added, “Under the guidance of the Hon. Minister and Secretary, State Ministry of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control the Department of Social Services conducts vocational training for persons with disabilities, in order to socially integrate them as a dignified citizen. Towards achieving this partnership arrangement, Child Fund Sri Lanka and Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., has collaborated with the Department of Social Services and marks a milestone today. In this special occasion I would like to express my gratitude and heart-felt wishes for all who have contributed.”

Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka and Pizza Hut extend partnership to elevate culinary experiences

USAID and Pizza Hut Open First of 28 Commercial Training Kitchens for Sri Lankan Youth

Pizza Hut SL launches the ‘Hut Cyclist’ initiative to strengthen delivery during crisis

Pizza Hut, ChildFund & Department of Social Services join hands to empower People with Disabilities in Sri Lanka