Trailblazer of Sri Lanka Tourism: Chandra Wickramasinghe marks five decades of innovation

This year marks a golden milestone for Wickramasinghe Arachchige Don Chandrasiri Jayalath Wickramasinghe, fondly known as Chandra Wickramasinghe, who celebrates 50 years of remarkable contribution to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. 

Born on 5 June 1953 in Kurunegala and educated at Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, Chandra’s story is one of vision, courage, and enduring passion for hospitality.

His early journey into tourism began in 1975, when he started following a Diploma in Tourism from the Sri Lanka Technical College, Colombo 10, while also studying French at the Alliance Française de Colombo. Immediately after completing the Front Office Management Diploma at the Ceylon Hotel School, he started his career as a receptionist at Hotel Samudra, gaining invaluable frontline experience. Thereafter he flew to France, where he completed his Certificate in Spoken French at the Alliance Française de Paris. Returning with both practical skills and international exposure, he obtained the National Tour Guide Diploma from Tourist Board and started practicing as a guide lecturer and freelance tour guide for French operators such as Jet Tours and Kuoni, immersing himself fully in the world of travel and tourism. These formative years equipped him with invaluable knowledge and a deep appreciation for the potential of Sri Lanka as a world-class destination.

In 1982, Chandra and his partners took the bold step of founding a specialised travel agency, Connaissance De Ceylan, which quickly grew into a pioneering force in inbound tourism. His entrepreneurial vision expanded further in 1994 when he built his first hotel, the Culture Club Resort in Kandalama. It was the first hotel ever to be constructed on the banks of the Kandalama Lake, and at the time, building in such a pristine environment was a bold step, one that set the tone for eco-conscious hospitality in the region. This marked the beginning of a career defined by bold ‘firsts’ in Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape. Two years later, in 1996, he opened Le Kandyan Hotel in Kandy, continuing his commitment to regional hospitality development. As former Cabinet Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama notes, “He is a linguistic and artistic individual, unafraid to take risks. He identified the ‘Nadi’—the nodal points of tourists—which played a key role in developing destinations.”

Over the decades, Chandra introduced several landmark projects that broke new ground in the industry. In 2011, he created Maalu Maalu Passikudah, the first hotel to be built on Sri Lanka’s East Coast after the end of the three-decade civil war, symbolising both renewal and hope for the region. In 2018, he was instrumental in bringing Raid Amazones, the world’s largest women’s adventure challenge, to Sri Lanka’s East Coast, making it the first international event to be hosted in the area post-conflict. In 2019, when the tourism industry was reeling from the Easter Sunday attacks, Chandra was the only hotelier to complete and launch a project in the aftermath, the Tea and Experience Factory at Mandaram Nuwara, standing as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.

Even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when global tourism had ground to a halt, Chandra defied the odds by completing and opening Wild Glamping Gal Oya—the only hotel project in Sri Lanka to be launched during that unprecedented time. Demonstrating the same spirit of resilience and vision, in 2021 he worked closely with the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka to facilitate the historic visit of a French naval vessel carrying more than 250 officers, marking the first international visit of its kind to the island under new normal travel trends. Most recently, in 2025, he unveiled Amba Yaalu in Kandalama, Sri Lanka’s first and only hotel to be 100% female-led and operated, a pioneering concept that is believed to be unique in the world and a powerful symbol of inclusivity and women’s empowerment in the hospitality sector. These milestones are a reminder of his unwavering drive to break new ground and his lifelong reputation for bold ‘firsts’ in Sri Lanka’s tourism journey.

His portfolio grew under the Theme Resorts and Spas brand (now known as Thema Collection), established in 2014, uniting some of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive properties including Aliya Resort and Spa in Sigiriya, Mountbatten Bungalow in Kandy, Kithala Resort in Tissamaharama, Scottish Planter Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, Ayurvie Weligama, Wild Glamping Knuckles, Parangi Weligama Bay, Vis Ta Vie Mirissa, Waraka Udawalawa and many more. Each project carried his hallmark of blending authentic Sri Lankan culture with innovative hospitality concepts. Adding to his legacy, ornithologist and environmentalist Prof. Sarath Kotagama reflects, “He was the first to introduce the role of a naturalist to guide clients on nature tours, allowing people to appreciate nature in its true form. It was a historic milestone, as he pioneered a trend that has now spread like fireworks—today, naturalists can be found in almost every property.”

Beyond his work at home, Chandra has been a tireless ambassador for Sri Lanka on the world stage. Since first representing the country at the Semaine Mondiale du Tourisme et des Voyages in Paris in 1984, he has continued to champion Sri Lanka year after year at leading international tourism fairs, including ITB in Germany, IFTM in France, WTM in the UK, IBTM and FITUR in Spain and ATM in Dubai. His dedication to strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence overseas did not go unnoticed—in 2017, the French Government honoured him with the title of Officier de l’Ordre National du Mérite, a distinction that recognised not only his personal achievements but also his role in deepening Franco-Sri Lankan ties through tourism. As industry veteran Gehan Perera fittingly observed, “His efforts in single-handedly promoting Sri Lanka to the French market remain unmatched to this day. Chandra is like a fine French wine—only getting better with age.”

Chandra’s contributions have been celebrated nationally as well. In 1999, he received the National Silver Award as Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year from the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, an early recognition of his entrepreneurial vision. Nearly two decades later, in 2018, he was honoured with the Tourism Legend Award, cementing his reputation as a pioneer whose influence continues to shape the industry.

Beyond hospitality ventures, Chandra has played an influential role in shaping tourism policy and industry leadership in Sri Lanka. He has served as President of the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (2001/2002), President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (2008/2009), member of the Board of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (2009/2010), member of the Board of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (2010–2016), and founding President of the Alliance Française de Kotte (2010–2016). He continues to contribute as a member of the Tourism Advisory Committee since 2021.

Under his leadership, Sri Lanka has hosted several major international events, including Concorde’s arrival in 1995, the Golden Oldies Cricket Carnival in 2006, and multiple editions of Raid Amazones between 2004 and 2023. In 2016, the country welcomed both the SNAV Congress (Syndicat National des Agences de Voyages) and the Les Entreprises du Voyage (LEV) Congress, a collaboration that significantly boosted French tourist arrivals from 68,000 to over 100,000. SNAV and Les Entreprises du Voyage President Jean-Pierre Mas noted, “We have known and collaborated with Chandra for more than half a century. He is a great professional, capable of creating programs tailored to demand while possessing a deep and precise knowledge of Sri Lanka’s diversity. He is always focused on finding solutions that match the wishes and budgets of clients.” In 2023, Sri Lanka hosted the 67th Annual Convention of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), coordinated with TAAI President Jyothi Mayal and Balbir Singh. Mayal reflected, “We have known Chandra for more than 30 years through the Travel Agents Association of India and the convention that was initiated through your vision. His passion, commitment, and thoroughness have made him stand out in the tourism field. His contribution to the industry is immeasurable, with pioneering projects such as Amba Yaalu Kandalama—the first all-women hotel in Sri Lanka.”

Equally noteworthy is his unwavering commitment to community upliftment. Over the years, he has built houses for families affected by the tsunami and the war, established three preschools and four computer centres under the R.e.V. program, and built capacity for more than 6,450 children. Initiatives such as the Biodiversity Educational Research Initiative (BERI) and tourism-driven community empowerment programs further showcase his dedication to ensuring that the positive impact of his work extends far beyond his hotels, touching the lives of ordinary Sri Lankans in meaningful and lasting ways.

From being a young graduate eager to learn the ropes of tourism to becoming a visionary entrepreneur and respected leader, Chandra Wickramasinghe’s 50-year journey is a powerful story of perseverance, innovation and service. His pioneering projects have not only redefined Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector but also contributed to shaping the nation’s image on the global stage. As the country looks ahead to a new era of tourism, his legacy stands as both an inspiration and a blueprint for the future.