As Resort Manager of Amba Yaalu Kandalama—the region’s first woman-led hotel—Jeewanthi Adhikari is breaking new ground in Sri Lankan hospitality. With 23 years of industry experience, her journey began unexpectedly: a short food and beverage course taken to fill time after school sparked a passion that would shape her career.
Originally set on accounting, Jeewanthi quickly discovered her natural affinity for service, learning, and leadership. When Thema Collection launched its sustainability-driven concept, she was the ideal local candidate to lead it. Today, she champions calm, adaptive management and a vision rooted in equity, community, and guest connection.
We spoke to Jeewanthi about her leadership style, the power of feedback, and her mission to inspire more women to rise in hospitality.
Certainly, Andrea—here’s the full Q&A section for Jeewanthi Adhikari, adapted to match the tone and structure of the Kelvin Mosha profile while keeping it concise and engaging:
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
It wasn’t planned—I initially wanted to be an accountant. But a short food and beverage course opened my eyes to the world of hospitality. I was instantly drawn to the diversity, the service culture, and the personal growth it offered. I learned quickly and realised it wasn’t just interest—it was passion. That passion has carried me through 23 years and brought me to where I am today.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
At Amba Yaalu, nature and tranquillity are central to the guest experience. We tailor every detail to what guests truly want, and feedback is treated as a vital tool for improvement. Trends are adopted thoughtfully, always with the goal of exceeding expectations without losing our authentic touch.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I’ve missed a few opportunities by choosing a slow and steady path early on. But every step has shaped me, and I’ve learned to trust the journey.
What defines your management style?
I’m calm under pressure and lean toward macro management, but I adapt to the situation. When needed, I’ll dive into the details. My style is flexible, responsive, and always grounded in the environment I’m working in.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel?
My mission is to sustain and grow Sri Lanka’s first woman-led hotel while inspiring more women to lead. Thema Collection is already challenging gender norms, and we aim to increase female participation in hospitality from 10% to 50%. Community involvement, training, and mentorship are key to that vision.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Don’t give up. Hospitality has so much to offer—work hard, stay curious, and the rewards will follow.