In the heart of Sri Lanka’s tourism belt, a unique resort is breaking barriers.
Amba Yaalu, located in Dambulla, is the country’s first resort entirely staffed and managed by women. It is not just a place for travelers—it is a statement against gender inequality in the tourism industry.
For Jeewanthi Adikari, who leads the resort, the journey began in an unexpected way. She had planned to pursue accounting but found herself drawn to hospitality after a short training program. Now, with more than 20 years of experience, she oversees daily operations at the resort, where women are at the forefront of every role. From security to housekeeping, gardening to guest services, a team of 75 women keeps the resort running.
Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry is a crucial part of the economy, yet women make up only 10% of its workforce. Despite representing more than half of the country’s 22 million population, many women face barriers that keep them out of the sector. Social stigma, language barriers, and family expectations often limit their opportunities. The resort aims to change that.
Amba Yaalu was founded by veteran hotelier Chandra Wickramasinghe, who was inspired by the resilience of his mother, who raised eight children alone. He believed in the potential of women and wanted to create a space where they could thrive. His vision became a reality when the resort opened in January.
Beyond providing employment, the resort serves as a training ground. Women receive skills development in various aspects of hospitality, helping them build long-term careers. The kitchen, led by executive chef Kaushalya Batagoda, is one area where fresh talent is being nurtured. With a shortage of female professionals in culinary roles, the resort has taken in many newcomers eager to learn.
Tourism was once Sri Lanka’s third-largest source of foreign exchange, contributing 5% to the economy in 2018. However, a series of crises, including the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings and the pandemic, caused a sharp decline. By 2023, the industry’s contribution had dropped to 2.3%. Experts believe increasing female participation could help revive the sector.
Professor Suranga Silva, an expert in tourism economics, points out that Sri Lanka lags behind global and regional levels in employing women in tourism. He argues that the industry cannot afford to overlook half the population. Even though women have held high political offices—including the current prime minister, Harini Amarasuriya—deep-rooted gender roles still restrict economic opportunities.
For the women working at Amba Yaalu, the resort is more than just a workplace. It is a chance to prove their abilities, gain financial independence, and reshape an industry that has long been dominated by men. Women’s rights activists have praised the initiative, seeing it as a step toward a more inclusive future.
As applications from women continue to pour in, the message is clear: given the opportunity, they are ready to lead.