Vavuniya hotelier set for expansion

by Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana

Although Vavuniya was among the government administrated areas in the North during the 30 year old battle, the dark silhouettes of terrorism had been overshadowing it for a long time. Being the last commercial town situated on the A9 route penetrating through a vast area up to Jaffna held by the LTTE for many years, this bustling town somewhat had a sense of uncertainty over the regular lifestyle.

Vavuniya Town

Easy access to the hotel

The Rock Side Hotel

Ranjith Ruwan Wijewardena

However, after the reopening of the A9 Road following the defeat of the terrorism in 2009 a rapid transformation of both in the civil and the commercial lifestyles became a reality during the past three years. Despite the basic infrastructure levels were improving with tarmac roads and city lighting systems, the commercial aspect of Vavuniya town was converting into a busy town similar to of one seen in the South. Amidst basic shops selling consumer goods and groceries, modern styled supermarket chains were coming up with restaurants and hotels emerging in many places. Accommodation facilities for touring personnel have been improved with new hotels being built in the area, a sign to underline the economy's turn for the better after many years. The Sunday Observer had an opportunity to speak to one of the many hoteliers in the town who had been carrying out a lucrative business for a couple of years.

Having a large representation of Tamils in the town population who undertook a majority of trades and businesses in Vavuniya Ranjith Ruwan Wijewardana is a promising Sinhala entrepreneur who relied on successful hotel business amidst challenges of this post developing township. Ranjith owns a 25 room establishment named

The Rock Side Hotel, situated in an eco-friendly green pasture along the A9 Road where he gives accommodation to local and foreign tourists bound for either north or the south.

Ranjith started his venture in January 2010 with several rooms and a restaurant with a tiny staff and upgraded his accommodation facility to a reputed hotel within a period of three years. The Rock Side Hotel currently has 22 standard rooms and three executive rooms with a large restaurant with a seating capacity for 60 guests. A staff of 15 including waiters, chefs, cleaners and room attendants work under him. The hotel has a full fledged kitchen that could cater to any desire with different menus of cuisine.

Explaining his beginnings, Ranjith, a resident of Madukanda, Vavuniya said how the foreign and local NGO workers became his targeted market.

The groups that travel to North for various missions did not have a proper place to spend the night after Anuradhapura and this was becoming a hotspot in a place like Vavuniya. Gradually the market grew with many trade representatives and government officials came in search of accommodation or perhaps a quick meal during their long journey.

With the clearing and developing of rebel held areas such as Kilinochchi, a large number of people from other parts of the country started visiting the north and Ranjith's business went up in no time.

With this, competition was emerging in the area with several other hotels being built. Ranjith believes that constant development in his venture would upgrade his hotel to a star class one in the future.

A swimming pool is one among his wish list that would attract more crowds in the sunny city.

There are certain areas he finds quite challenging in his business such as finding trained and skilled staff for cooking and waiting.

Many of his current staffers are from the suburbs and they wish to move towards major towns in the south in search of jobs in bigger hotels. Although there are plenty of fresh hotel school leavers, it is difficult to find any in an area like Vavuniya perhaps due to the negative mindset of the people.

Ranjith is willing to pay attractive salaries to the skilled staff to cater to the increasing tourism industry in the North and the touring locals.