Role Players 2024
Gitanjali Chakravarthy
General Manager
Hilton Yala Resort
Gitanjali made history for Hilton Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan Tourism in September 2019, becoming the
first Sri Lankan woman to hold the position of General Manager for a global brand - specifically the
Hilton Yala Resort in Sri Lanka. An inspirational figure, her remarkable passion and unwavering
commitment to delivering the highest standards traces back to her beginnings at SLITHM.(Sri Lanka
Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management)
A proud SLITHM alumna, Gitanjali possesses over 30 years of local and international experience, holding senior positions at esteemed hospitality chains like Mövenpick, Taj, Como Hotels & Resorts & Shangri-la. Before returning to Sri Lanka in 2014, she served as the Group Rooms Division Director for COMO Hotels & Resorts in Singapore, contributing to their properties worldwide.
As a Senior Lecturer and the head of the housekeeping faculty at SLITHM from 1998 to 2003, Gitanjali groomed the next generation of hoteliers to excel at the premier level. Prior to joining Hilton Yala, she was the General Manager of the award-winning Ulagalla by Uga Escapes, the first resort in Sri Lanka to be ranked in four Asian categories at the 2019 Trip Advisor accolades.
Having dedicated over three decades to the hospitality industry, Gitanjali maintains a fervent enthusiasm for learning. In 2021, she successfully completed her Master's in Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management at the University of Colombo. Her thesis centered on analyzing the factors influencing the career progression of women within Sri Lankan hotels. Recognizing her contributions to the industry, Gitanjali received several awards, including the Pioneering Woman Leader Award at the 7th Edition of the World Woman Leadership Congress, the Gold Award for Hospitality at the Top 50 Career Women Awards, and the Sri Lanka Women Leaders – Hospitality Professional at the World Women Leadership Congress.
Known for her exquisite public relations skills and customer focus, Gitanjali stands out in this maledominated field. Her compassionate initiatives in social community projects have elevated the living standards of many. Her room-enlightening charisma, pleasing personality, and sublime fashion taste make her a rare and invaluable professional to the Hospitality & Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka, and undoubtedly one to watch.
A proud SLITHM alumna, Gitanjali possesses over 30 years of local and international experience, holding senior positions at esteemed hospitality chains like Mövenpick, Taj, Como Hotels & Resorts & Shangri-la. Before returning to Sri Lanka in 2014, she served as the Group Rooms Division Director for COMO Hotels & Resorts in Singapore, contributing to their properties worldwide.
As a Senior Lecturer and the head of the housekeeping faculty at SLITHM from 1998 to 2003, Gitanjali groomed the next generation of hoteliers to excel at the premier level. Prior to joining Hilton Yala, she was the General Manager of the award-winning Ulagalla by Uga Escapes, the first resort in Sri Lanka to be ranked in four Asian categories at the 2019 Trip Advisor accolades.
Having dedicated over three decades to the hospitality industry, Gitanjali maintains a fervent enthusiasm for learning. In 2021, she successfully completed her Master's in Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management at the University of Colombo. Her thesis centered on analyzing the factors influencing the career progression of women within Sri Lankan hotels. Recognizing her contributions to the industry, Gitanjali received several awards, including the Pioneering Woman Leader Award at the 7th Edition of the World Woman Leadership Congress, the Gold Award for Hospitality at the Top 50 Career Women Awards, and the Sri Lanka Women Leaders – Hospitality Professional at the World Women Leadership Congress.
Known for her exquisite public relations skills and customer focus, Gitanjali stands out in this maledominated field. Her compassionate initiatives in social community projects have elevated the living standards of many. Her room-enlightening charisma, pleasing personality, and sublime fashion taste make her a rare and invaluable professional to the Hospitality & Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka, and undoubtedly one to watch.