Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka’s most awarded hotel, was recognized as the Best 5-Star Resort at the Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism for the second consecutive year.

Held at the BMICH on Monday, the objective of this prestigious awards ceremony is to recognize and reward excellence among industry stakeholders of past and present and to encourage and ensure an even greater contribution in the future. The awards criterion is designed to motivate industry stakeholders to work towards the primary goal of sustainable development of the tourism industry.

Heritance Kandalama was adjudged the winner of the 5-star resort category by a distinguished panel of judges based on comprehensive evaluation criteria comprising revenue generation, innovation, social, cultural, environmental and economic best practices, as well as its contribution as a role model for tourism excellence.

“We are thrilled and honoured that Heritance Kandalama has once again been recognized by the Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism. We strive continuously to ensure that the guest experience at our hotel is unparalleled globally. Being recognised as the country’s best is a humbling feat, which has invigorated our commitment of delivering exceptional experiences to our guests”, said Jeevaka Weerakone, General Manager, Heritance Kandalama.

Heritance Kandalama is positioned regally by the placid waters of the Kandalama tank; it surveys the rich wildlife that visits its precincts. Located amidst verdant jungle, calm waters and rocky mountains, it offers a holiday where one can wake up to bird calls, stunning vistas, profuse foliage and absolute luxury. Heritance Kandalama is flanked by two UNESCO world heritage sites-the 1st century BC Dambulla rock temple and the 5th century AD Sigiriya rock fortress while it also has its share of unrivalled international recognition.

At Heritance Kandalama award winning service is more than a goal, it is an expectation and has become part of our culture which we are all very proud of”, said B H R Sarifodeen, Assistant Vice President, Aitken Spence Hotels.

“The ability to provide the world’s finest guest experiences is made tangible by the accolades won by Hertiance Kandalama. The awards won by the hotel are a testament of our commitment to our guest and the environment in which we operate in”, said Malin Hapugoda, Managing Director, Aitken Spence Hotels & Resorts.

The company’s premier resorts operate under the brand Heritance and has recently launched its first Heritance property in India with the opening of Heritance Madurai. The hotel, which comprises of 81 rooms including 35 villas, is the latest edition to the Heritance Hotels & Resorts portfolio which currently includes Heritance Ahungalla and Heritance Kandalama.