On January 10th, Sri Lanka achieved a groundbreaking milestone in tourism with the opening of "Amba Yaalu," the country’s first hotel fully run by women. Located in a peaceful mango plantation by the Kandalama Reservoir, this resort offers a unique experience surrounded by nature and culture.

A Beautiful Retreat in Nature

The hotel is set in a mango grove with 457 mango trees, right next to the calm Kandalama Reservoir. Inspired by the novel Amba Yaluwo (Mango Friends) and the golden age of Sri Lankan cinema, the hotel blends natural beauty with a touch of nostalgia. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful environment while also experiencing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural history.

Women Leading the Way in Hospitality

The hotel is managed by Thema Collection and is the first in Sri Lanka to be entirely staffed by women. Chandra Wickramasinghe, the Chairman of Thema Collection, shared that the hotel shows how women can excel in all parts of the hospitality industry. "I am proud to see this project proving that women can succeed and lead in every field," she said. Madhuwanthi Adhikari, the hotel manager, is thrilled to lead this special project. This all-female hotel is a symbol of progress and empowerment for women in Sri Lanka.

Kaushalya Batagoda: A Female Chef Leading the Kitchen

Kaushalya Batagoda, a talented chef from Anuradhapura, leads the kitchen at Amba Yaalu. With culinary experience from both Sri Lanka and abroad, Kaushalya is proud to be part of this all-women team. "It’s an honor to be a part of this project and to lead the kitchen," she said. Her role shows the importance of women in not only managing a hotel but also in running a successful kitchen.

A Touch of Sri Lankan Cinema and Culture

The hotel’s design draws inspiration from Sri Lanka’s golden era of cinema, with elements from the popular novel Amba Yaaluwo by B. Ilangaratne. The hotel features an old movie theater and a retro-style restaurant, filled with vintage movie posters, banners, and antique camera equipment, bringing back memories of the past.

To mark the opening, a ceremony was held with guests from embassies, the government, and the tourism industry. Two female Buddhist monks performed a Pirith sermon to bless the hotel and its all-female team, adding a spiritual touch to the celebration.

A New Beginning for Sri Lankan Tourism

"Amba Yaalu" is not just a hotel; it is a symbol of women’s power in the tourism industry. It shows that women can succeed and lead in all areas of hospitality. With its beautiful setting, cinematic charm, and strong focus on female empowerment, "Amba Yaalu" is changing the tourism industry in Sri Lanka and South Asia.

This new hotel is an exciting step forward for Sri Lanka’s tourism, offering visitors a special experience that mixes culture, nature, and the strength of women in the hospitality sector.