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| Sunday, 19 May 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Priyankara - from 5-room guest house to 2-star tourist hotel by BEVERLEY JANSZ When Danny Wickramasekera, popularly known as 'Ralahamy' - village headman began his hotel career at the Tissa Rest House, Tissamaharama in the late sixties, his ambition was to some day be the owner of a hotel. At the start it was only 'wishful thinking' because his only possession was a block of land at Tissamaharama. Honesty and hard work, soon made him the Manager of Tissa Rest House. From then onwards it was no 'looking back' for Danny 'Ralahamy'. In 1970 Danny's ambition and vision in life began to blossom when he opened a 5-room guest house 'Priyankara' named after his only son, Priyankara Wickremasekera, at Tissamaharama. Danny's son, Priyankara followed the footsteps of his father and after graduating from the Ceylon Hotels School in 1990, took over the guest house. In 1991 it was upgraded to an 'A' class guest house. In 1992 the foundation stone was laid for a star class tourist hotel. Hard work put in by the father-son combination saw the doors of a 2-star tourist hotel open in 1995, after a short period of three years, with thirty fully air conditioned rooms. It was then that 'Ralahamy' realised that his vision in life to be the proud owner of a star class tourist hotel, was not just 'wishful thinking'. At Tissamaharama, in Kataragama, there is no dearth of hotels and guest houses because of its proximity to the Yala and Bundala National Parks. However, Priyankara Hotel, on the Kataragama Road, in Tissamaharama is definitely different. It is tucked behind a hedge on the opposite side of the Kataragama road, to the lake. It boasts of a scenic view of paddy fields. The difference is noticeable as soon as you step into its long lobby. The atmosphere, thanks to the light filtering through occasional blue glass window panes, seems sophisticated. The receptionists wear ties with the hotel's stylized logo (resembling a contented bird on its nest) and gray and blue is the theme of the hotel from steward's neat uniform to floor tiles. Access to the room is by a staircase behind the bar counter. The 30-guest rooms (all split type air conditioned) are well designed with green tiled floors, dark furnishing and adequate bathrooms with hot water. All rooms have balconies from where guests get a scenic view of the evergreen paddy fields. The theme of sophistication continues in the restaurant, a gracious looking room, completing the image of the hotel as a charming hideaway. Priyankara Hotel is well placed for safaris to the nearby Yala and Bundala National Parks. The hotel received merit awards in 1994 and 1995. It was presented with the Southern Province Entrepreneur Bronze award in 1997 and 1999 for service sector. It also received the silver award for service in 1996. Since 1995 the hotel has become a popular choice for major tour operators and major travel agents, for the Yala and Bundala National Parks. It offers its guests delicious Western and Eastern cuisine, Sri Lankan specialities, and all modern facilities that a 5-star hotel offers its guests. Priyankara Hotel is owned and managed by Priyankara Hotels (Pvt) Ltd. Kataragama Road, Tissamaharama. The Directors are Danny Wickremasekera (Chairman), Mrs. D. Wickremasekera (Directress) and Priyankara Wickremasekera (Managing Director). Versatile and experienced hotelier, Ajith Dahanayake who has over 20 years experience in the hotel trade, took up duties as the Manager of the hotel from May 1, this year. |
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