Thema Collection Takes Center Stage at SLTC Research Awards 2025 for Its Leadership in Sustainable Tourism!

In a celebration of industrial research, innovation, and collaboration, the Sri Lanka Technology Campus (SLTC) hosted its inaugural SLTC Research & Innovation Awards 2025 at the BMICH, Colombo. The event honored exemplary achievements in research excellence and highlighted the vital role of academia-industry partnerships in driving sustainable development.

A standout of the evening was Thema Collection, whose pioneering hospitality initiatives, Wild Glamping Gal Oya and Amba Yaalu – Kandalama, received multiple accolades for their commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.

Wild Glamping Gal Oya, a luxury eco-resort developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, earned three major recognitions: Outstanding Research Commercialization Award – Environment and Sustainability Research, Inclusive Growth Award for Socio-Economic Empowerment Research, and a Merit Award for Outstanding R&D.

Conceptualized by Mr. Chandra Wickramasinghe, Chairman of Thema Collection, Wild Glamping Gal Oya integrates the cultural heritage of the indigenous Rathugala Veddah community with the rich biodiversity of the Gal Oya region. Designed as a low-footprint, village-like glamping site, it reflects a deep respect for local traditions and the natural environment.

“It was a big cultural change,” said Mr. Wickramasinghe. “We had to work with the indigenous community, and at first, they were not very receptive. It took time for them to open up. We had to live with them, learn their ways, and show that we were not there to take, but to protect what’s around us and create something that lasts with nature.”

Also honored was Amba Yaalu - Kandalama, Sri Lanka’s first 100% female-led hotel, which received recognition for its remarkable model of women's empowerment in tourism. Inspired by his mother, Mr. Wickramasinghe created the property to support the capabilities of women in the hospitality sector.

“Amba Yaalu is more than a resort; it is a promise. A promise born from the strength of women, inspired by my own mother who raised eight children alone, and rooted in the lush mango groves beside Kandalama Lake. Here, we are rewriting the story of hospitality: women-led, women-empowered, and women-delivering warmth and care at every turn. Even our day-to-day suppliers, from mushrooms to flowers, are women, creating a community where female talent thrives at every level,” he noted. “Through this peaceful sanctuary, we show not only that women can lead, but that their compassion, creativity, and courage are the very heart of meaningful hospitality. This is our gift to Sri Lanka, a movement wrapped in mango blossoms and bound by purpose.”

Despite women comprising over half of Sri Lanka’s population and maintaining high literacy levels, fewer than 10% are employed in the formal hospitality industry. Thema Collection seeks to challenge this gap by fostering professional growth, creating safe work environments, and providing equal opportunities.

With a portfolio of 16 distinctive properties across the island, each built around authentic Sri Lankan narratives, Thema Collection continues to position itself at the forefront of sustainable tourism. The recognition at the SLTC Research & Innovation Awards 2025 further reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible innovation and inclusive growth.