Surangani : Galle Face Hotel

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do at work?

I first joined the Galle Face Hotel, as a linen room supervisor, in the housekeeping department. My service period is 28 years. Now, im attached to the Front Office of the Galle Face Hotel. I greet the guests who come to the hotel with a nice, pleasant smile, inquire about the guests’ well-being, and fulfill my duty with great joy. If I talk a bit about my personal life, I am married. I have a good husband and two daughters. The eldest daughter is studying at Ragama Medical College and the other daughter is still schooling.

2. What inspired you to join the tourism and hospitality industry?

I chose this service because I really like tourism and hospitality services.

3. How do you envision your career developing from here, and how has your current job role helped you to envision this?

I feel great joy when local and foreign guests appreciate my friendly service and welcoming smile. I’m already very happy in my current role.

4. How has your confidence changed since starting this role?

The hotel appreciates my work and I have great pride in providing excellent service to our guests and making Galle Face a hotel that provides unforgettable service to our guests.

5. Explain What is one of the biggest myths about women working in tourism?

In the past, women did not enter the hotel industry because of the false propaganda in society about women. Women manage their time in hotel service with household chores. The belief that it is difficult for a woman to take leadership in the workplace and perform duties. Furthermore, the belief that the tourism industry is not suitable for women and that there is no security. However, despite the above myths, with the help of my husband, I have been able to take care of the education of my two children and my parents and have continued working in the hotel industry until now. Now, undermining the myths of today’s society, women are studying in hotel schools and working in hotels. This trend appears to be growing.