In recognition of its commitment to advancing women’s participation and leadership in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector, Amba Yaalu Kandalama – Thema Collection received the Gender Equality Champion of the Year 2026 – Accommodation award at ITB Berlin.
Located overlooking Kandalama Lake, the property was established to address the continued underrepresentation of women in formal tourism employment. Although women account for more than half of Sri Lanka’s population, workforce participation within hospitality remains constrained by social and structural barriers. Amba Yaalu Kandalama was therefore designed as a fully women-led hotel, demonstrating operational feasibility across managerial, technical, and service functions under female leadership.
Commenting on the recognition, Chairman of Thema Collection, Chandra Wickramasinghe, stated, “This initiative was developed with a long-term perspective on workforce inclusion. The objective has been to create a professional environment where women can assume leadership roles across all operational areas while maintaining service standards and business performance.”
The hotel’s operating model integrates gender equality principles into recruitment processes, leadership development pathways, workplace policies, and governance structures. Nearly 100 women are currently employed at the property, supported by structured training and mentorship programmes that facilitate career progression and internal mobility. The model also incorporates rural women entrepreneurs into its supply chain and community-based tourism activities, contributing to local economic participation.
Director – Marketing & Business Development, Maxime Wickramasinghe, noted, “The concept was designed to function as a commercially sustainable hospitality model. The focus has been on embedding inclusive practices within core business operations rather than positioning the property as a symbolic initiative.”
Environmental management is integrated into the property’s design and daily operations. Renewable energy applications, including rooftop solar panels, responsible water management systems, waste reduction initiatives, and low-impact architectural planning, contribute to improved resource efficiency. Guest experiences are also designed to encourage engagement with local culture and community livelihoods, reinforcing tourism’s role in inclusive and sustainable development.
Resort Manager Jeewanthi Adhikari stated, “The progress achieved reflects the commitment and professionalism of the team. Continuous training, operational discipline, and shared responsibility have been central to building a stable and supportive working environment.”
Amba Yaalu Kandalama by Thema Collection operates as part of a unique, thematic and eco-friendly hotel chain in Sri Lanka with 16 properties. The group integrates environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and social inclusion across its portfolio, with women’s participation and leadership development remaining key priorities within its broader sustainability framework.
This international recognition highlights the growing emphasis on inclusive workforce models within global tourism and underscores the practical application of gender-responsive strategies in hospitality operations.
