Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Located in the picturesque town of Dambulla, Sri Lanka, Amba Yaalu Kandalama is a revolutionary resort that is not just redefining luxury hospitality but also breaking longstanding gender barriers within the tourism industry. Located approximately 138 kilometers from Colombo, this all-women-run resort is in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, surrounded by ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, as well as stunning natural landscapes.
The resort offers easy access to historical sites, while nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, famous for their elephant gatherings and diverse birdlife. With the majestic Sleeping Soldier Mountain looming in the distance and the tranquil Kandalama Lake offering breathtaking views, Amba Yaalu is more than just a vacation destination. It’s a groundbreaking project that challenges entrenched gender norms and is a beacon of empowerment for women in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
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Amba Yaalu – Breaking gender barriers in hospitality
Amba Yaalu Kandalama is Sri Lanka’s first hotel entirely operated and managed by women, marking a significant milestone in the country’s hospitality sector. Historically, the tourism industry in Sri Lanka has been male-dominated, with women accounting for only about 10% of the 200,000-strong workforce in hospitality. Despite making up 52% of the population, women have faced substantial barriers in accessing leadership roles within the sector.
However, Amba Yaalu, which opened its doors in January 2025, challenges these gender norms by offering opportunities for women to take on leadership and operational roles traditionally reserved for men. This pioneering resort aims to empower women and redefine their roles in hospitality by creating a platform for growth, skill development, and leadership in an industry that has been slow to embrace gender equality.
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Highlights of Amba Yaalu resort
Designed with sustainability at its core, Amba Yaalu Kandalama blends luxury with eco-consciousness. Set amidst a mango plantation, the resort is home to 457 TJC mango trees and boasts an array of green initiatives, including 157 solar panels that generate over 140 kW of power. Sustainability extends to its offerings, with organic farming practices incorporated into the resort’s culinary offerings, creating a harmonious connection with nature. The resort features 33 elegantly designed rooms, each with stunning views of Kandalama Lake and the surrounding mango gardens. Additionally, guests can indulge in a variety of experiences, from Ayurvedic treatments at the Ayurvie Spa to yoga sessions on the serene terrace.
For those seeking adventure, the resort offers curated activities such as boat rides on Kandalama Lake, birdwatching tours, hot air balloon rides, and scenic E-bike rides. Amba Yaalu also offers a dedicated Vegan Restaurant, a Main Restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and the signature Yaka Bar, where guests can enjoy cocktails infused with Sri Lanka’s unique flavors. The infinity pool, overlooking Kandalama Lake, provides a serene escape, while the resort’s unique approach to hospitality is centered on providing exceptional service with a nurturing, motherly touch.
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Women team at Amba Yaalu: Empowering women in every role
The resort is a testament to the power of women working together in an environment where they hold all key roles. With a team of 80 female staff members, Amba Yaalu is redefining what it means to be a woman in the hospitality industry. From gardening and kitchen work to guest services and security, women are at the forefront of every aspect of resort operations. Notably, the resort employs seven former military personnel, all women, ensuring guest safety. The leadership at Amba Yaalu goes beyond providing employment for women. It offers them training programs designed to build essential skills in hospitality, creating opportunities for career growth and personal development. The resort’s commitment to female empowerment extends to the guests it serves, offering a unique model of inclusive leadership.
Women in tourism: A growing shift
For many years, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has largely been inaccessible to women due to societal and structural barriers. However, with initiatives like Amba Yaalu Kandalama, this is beginning to change. A growing number of young women are now expressing interest in joining the sector, seeking career opportunities that allow them to take on leadership roles. Industry leaders, like Chandra Wickremesinghe, the owner of Amba Yaalu and a seasoned hotelier, recognize the untapped potential of women in tourism. Wickremesinghe’s vision for the resort was shaped by the understanding that women have long been the backbone of Sri Lankan homes, providing hospitality, warmth, and care. “Amba Yaalu embodies the nurturing spirit of motherly women, who have for centuries held the home together,” says Wickremesinghe, whose innovative approach is helping pave the way for more women to assume leadership roles in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
Women empowerment: A platform for change
Amba Yaalu Kandalama goes beyond just offering employment; it serves as a platform for empowerment. The resort is not only a place for women to find meaningful work, but also a space for them to hone new skills, advance their careers, and break free from traditional gender constraints. The resort’s success is being hailed as a model for women’s empowerment in the tourism industry. Sepali Kottegoda, a prominent women’s rights activist in Sri Lanka, has praised Amba Yaalu as a prime example of how businesses can open up new career opportunities for women in fields that were once seen as male-dominated.
The resort’s approach offers a glimpse into what’s possible when businesses prioritize inclusion and diversity, both in their operations and in the roles they offer. According to Jeewanthi Adikari, the top in charge of the resort, “This is purely to empower women. We invite women to come and join us, see whether they can perform better in their careers, sharpen their capacities and skills, and contribute to the industry.” This sentiment is echoed by industry observers, who believe that initiatives like Amba Yaalu Kandalama have the potential to drive both social and economic change in Sri Lanka.
A bold call for more opportunities
While Amba Yaalu Kandalama is a groundbreaking success, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities in the tourism industry. Many women in Sri Lanka still face challenges when it comes to entering the workforce or advancing in their careers. A collaborative effort between the government and the private sector will be crucial to providing the necessary support and training to increase women’s participation in tourism. As Amba Yaalu continues to grow and thrive, it serves as a powerful reminder that when women are given the opportunity to lead, they can drive meaningful change, both in the tourism industry and in society as a whole. The resort’s success represents a turning point for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, showcasing how empowering women can have a lasting impact on both the economy and social progress.
A new era for women in tourism
Amba Yaalu Kandalama is more than just a resort. It is a movement. A celebration of female empowerment, sustainability, and the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, it is redefining what it means to be a woman in the tourism industry. By offering women the chance to lead, innovate, and excel, Amba Yaalu is not only transforming the landscape of Sri Lankan hospitality but also setting a powerful example for gender equality in the global tourism sector.
