In the wake of significant challenges facing Sri Lanka’s economy, an innovative all-women resort is striving to revolutionize the hospitality sector, which has traditionally been dominated by men. Jeewanthi Adikari, who once aspired to be an accountant, now leads Amba Yaalu, the nation’s first resort operated entirely by women. Her journey began with a three-month hospitality training program, which set her on a path through a two-decade career in the industry. At 42, she stands at the forefront of a movement to balance gender inequality in tourism, a field critical to the country’s post-crisis economic recovery.
This pioneering resort, located in Dambulla, not only serves as a model for female empowerment but also aspires to reshape a sector where women have historically been underrepresented. In Sri Lanka, despite women making up 52% of the 22-million-strong population, they account for merely 10% of the workforce in the hospitality industry. Amba Yaalu intends to bridge this gap by fostering an environment where women can thrive professionally.
Situated approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) northeast of Colombo amid a lush mango plantation, the resort empowers 75 women who manage all operations, from gardening and kitchen duties to guest services and security, supported by seven former military personnel. The resort also offers various training programs to enhance the skills of women in the hospitality field, emphasizing sustainable career pathways.
Since its opening in January, Amba Yaalu has gained attention as a beacon of potential for women’s integration into the tourism economy of this debt-laden nation. The initiative emerged from the vision of seasoned hotelier Chandra Wickramasinghe, inspired by the strength of women, particularly his own mother, who raised her family as a single parent. The venture aims to propel women into leadership roles, demonstrating their capacity to influence and innovate within the industry.
Systemic hurdles, such as entrenched gender norms, language barriers, inadequate training opportunities, and traditionally low wages, have historically restricted women’s participation in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector, notes Suranga Silva, a professor of tourism economics at the University of Colombo. Despite women achieving notable positions in politics and government, these societal barriers persist. Currently, Harini Amarasuriya, a woman, serves as the country’s Prime Minister, highlighting the potential for further gender parity.
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, a crucial cash earner, has seen a decrease in its contribution to the national economy, dropping to 2.3% in 2023 from 5% in 2018. This decline is compounded by a dearth of trained women and a tendency for them to exit the workforce post-marriage—a trend exacerbated by the challenges of the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019 and the global pandemic.
The resort’s executive chef, Kaushalya Batagoda, acknowledges the shortage of women in professional kitchen roles. However, she notes a growing interest among young women eager to pursue such careers, with numerous applications from aspiring female chefs. This indicates a shift in attitudes and a burgeoning interest in culinary professions among women.
Advocates for women’s rights have praised the creation of Amba Yaalu for expanding career opportunities in Sri Lanka, traditionally limited for women. Sepali Kottegoda, a women’s rights activist, views such enterprises as crucial in providing safe and empowering employment for women. Silva suggests that collaborative efforts by the government and industry stakeholders are essential for developing training programs that enhance women’s skills and improve their employability.
At the Amba Yaalu resort, efforts are underway to address these challenges, with Adikari at the helm, inviting women to participate and advance in their careers. “This is purely to empower women,” Adikari states. “We invite women to come and join us, see whether they can perform better in the career, sharpen their capacities and skills, and contribute to the industry.”
