Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, traditionally dominated by men, is witnessing a start of transformative shift as women assume leadership and operational roles in a few key resorts, challenging entrenched gender norms. Despite comprising 52% of the population, women represent only about 10% of the 200,000-strong workforce in the hospitality industry.
Two pioneering resorts—Amba Yaalu and Uga Ulagalla—are at the forefront of increasing female participation and leadership in the sector.
Amba Yaalu
Located in Dambulla, Amba Yaalu is a resort entirely staffed and managed by women. Opened in January 2025, the resort employs 75 women who oversee all aspects of operations, from cooking and housekeeping to security, which is provided by seven former female military personnel. The resort also offers training programs to empower women with skills in hospitality and leadership.
The initiative was conceived by hotelier Chandra Wickramasinghe, inspired by the strength of his mother who raised him and his seven siblings as a single parent. The resort is managed by Jeewanthi Adikari, a 42-year-old hospitality professional with over two decades of experience.
“This is a place where women can realize their potential. They will not be inside the shell. Instead, they will come out and try to perform better,” Adikari said.
For more information about Amba Yaalu, visit their official website. The Ma Collection
Uga Ulagalla
Uga Ulagalla Resort, a five-star luxury resort located in the Cultural Triangle, is also committed to increasing women’s participation in the industry. The resort is set amidst 58 acres of lush greenery and offers 25 villas with private pools, providing guests with a unique blend of luxury and nature. UGA Escapes
The resort’s Director of Public and Cultural Affairs, Russell Clements, highlighted the low female representation in Sri Lanka’s tourism workforce.
“Parents often discourage their daughters from entering the hospitality sector due to concerns about safety and long working hours. Even after marriage, women face challenges balancing family life with work commitments,” Clements said.
Uga Ulagalla is actively working to increase female staff participation to 20%. The resort’s commitment to developing female talent is exemplified by the success of Dilrukshi Priyadarshani, who joined as a housekeeping attendant and, through training and support, rose to the position of Front Office Manager—a notable achievement for a woman in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
“My journey from housekeeping to management was not easy, but the support and training I received gave me the confidence to grow in this industry,” Priyadarshani said.
For more information about Uga Ulagalla, visit their official website. UGA Escapes
Challenges and Future Prospects
The Sri Lankan tourism sector contributed 2.3 … national economy in 2023, down from 5% in … , due to the 2019 Easter Sunday … COVID-19 pandemic. A shortage of skilled women professionals remains a key challenge, compounded by social stigma, low salaries, and lack of training opportunities.
Professor Suranga Silva, a tourism economist at the University of Colombo, emphasized the need for more inclusive training programs to encourage female participation in the industry.
“Tourism cannot be isolated from women. A dramatic change is taking place as more young … training and support from both the government and private sector are essential,” Silva said.
A Changing Landscape
Amba Yaalu and Uga Ulagalla represent a growing shift in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, where women are stepping into roles traditionally held by men. Industry leaders hope these efforts will inspire other resorts to create more opportunities for women, not only as workers but also as leaders in the sector.
“This is purely to empower women,” Adikari said. “We invite women to come and … sharpen their skills, and contribute to the industry.”
Cover Image: Amba Yaalu
