A groundbreaking milestone in South Asia’s tourism industry was achieved on January 10th with the grand opening of “Amba Yaalu”, the island nation’s first 100% female-staffed tourist hotel. 

A thematic resort nestled in the middle of a mango plantation with 457 TJC mango trees bordering the tranquil banks of Kandalama Reservoir. Inspired by the novel ‘Amba Yaluwo’ (Mango Friends) and the golden era of Sri Lankan cinema, this unique property is Sri Lanka’s first hotel fully managed and staffed by women.

Built under the auspices of “Thema Collection”, the hotel was inaugurated with a lively ceremony attended by embassy officials, government representatives, and prominent figures in the tourism industry. Highlighting the cultural significance of the event, two female Buddhist monks conducted a Pirith sermon to bless the hotel and its all-women staff.

The visionary behind this initiative, Chandra Wickramasinghe, Chairman of “Thema Collection”, emphasized that the hotel showcases how women can excel in every facet of the hospitality industry. The hotel manager, Madhuwanthi Adhikari, shared her enthusiasm for leading this one-of-a-kind project.

Adding to the excitement, Anuradhapura native Kaushalya Batagoda has taken on the role of head chef, using her culinary expertise acquired locally and abroad. “It’s an incredible honor to be a part of this all-female team and lead the culinary department of such a unique venture,” she expressed.

Reflecting a vintage cinematic charm, ‘Amba Yaalu’ incorporates elements inspired by the iconic Sinhala novel ‘Amba Yaaluwo’, by B. Ilangaratne. The hotel features an old movie theater as part of its design, with posters, banners, and antique camera equipment displayed throughout. The restaurant itself is styled to resemble a retro cinema, creating a nostalgic experience for guests.