The Galle Face Hotel is undertaking a substantial restoration project due for completion late this year aimed at restoring the hotel to its former position as the regions iconic hotel. GFH’s Human Resource Management Program is also working with the team members to strengthen our service to our guests. 

The Welfare Society and Sports Committee of Galle Face Hotel partnered with the P.R.I.D.E. builders held a six-a-side cricket tournament on Sunday 20^th July 2014 at the Moors Ground in Colombo under the auspice of its Patron Sanjeev Gardiner.

The cricket tournament also marked another step in the efforts to build a team engagement environment at Galle Face Hotel. P.R.I.D.E. stands for building “Positive Relationships with Integrity, Dignity and through Engagement”. The management of Galle Face Hotel conceptualized P.R.I.D.E. as the umbrella branding for all hotel team members’ action and activity. The objectives being to deliver a strong leadership pipeline, to develop organizational capabilities and highly skilled motivated team members and finally an engaged team to set the mood for the entire work culture in preparation of the relaunch upon completion of the restoration program. The Galle Face Hotel recognizes that having a great team is the key to delivering great guest service, and P.R.I.D.E. is an integral part of this.

General Manager of the Galle Face Hotel Tony Fleming commenting on the P.R.I.D.E. programme and the fun-filled day noted, “A team that is engaged in P.R.I.D.E. evokes feelings of excitement with the passion to work hard and build and maintain a foundation of a truly great place to work. This is what we want the Galle Face Hotel to continue to be.”

The tournament featured 18 teams, from various departments across the hotel including, for the first time 2 ladies teams. With many showing their skill, talent and team spirit, the Accounts Team emerged victorious from the Men’s Category while Ladies A walked off winners of the Women’s Category for the Year 2014.

The winning team was awarded their trophies and prizes by former South African cricketer and the World Cup winning coach of the Indian cricket team Gary Kirsten during a special visit to Sri Lanka and Galle Face Hotel. During his visit, Gary Kirsten also handed over special recommendation certificates to Galle face Hotel’s employees of the month of June 2014, namely Heart of the House – Sisira Ramanayake (Engineering) and Front of House - Ajith Lal Sirisena (Food and Beverage from the 1864 restaurant).

Photo caption: Gary Kirsten autographing bats for the team 

About the Galle Face Hotel: The Galle Face Hotel is an award winning heritage hotel located at the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is steeped in the unique history of Sri Lanka amidst tradition and family values. It is probably the only Hotel in the world which has a setting of a sea front city Hotel combined with the features of a beachside resort together grandeur and elegance of the bygone era of Sri Lanka. Celebrating 150 years, the Galle Face Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a historical past that speaks of the historical significance of Sri Lanka. 

Today, the Galle Face Hotel is acclaimed as one of the best heritage Hotels in Sri Lanka and in 2012 it became the first Hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp. 

The old world charm of the Hotel harks back to a vintage when Aristocracy and celebrities spent their days in pampered luxury, and sipped their tea while enjoying the magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean. Over the years, many Heads of State and celebrities have graced the Hotel, charmed by its eclectic mix of imperial tradition, architecture and flavor. 

“The hotel is currently undertaking an ambitious restoration project restoring the Hotel’s rooms, restaurants and the ballrooms to their former glory with subtle modernization to enhance the quality of The Galle Face Hotel experience. The Hotel is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, and the project is guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for guests to enjoy.”

About the Galle Face Hotel Group: The Galle Face Hotel Group manages the hotel and leisure interest of The Galle Face Hotel, Kandy Hotels PLC & Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC. 

Under this banner are 3 distinct portfolios of businesses. 

The Deluxe Heritage Hotels Collection: The Galle face hotel in Colombo & Hotel Suisse & Queens Hotel in Kandy.

Each hotel is a connected to Sri Lankas history, imbibed with the splendor of yesteryear while continuing to serve visitors, foreign and domestic is gracious surrounds. 

The Resorts Collection: 4 hotels routed in some of Sri Lankas most special areas offer a modern facility with outstanding vista & access to experience this great country.

The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa, The Surf Hotel Bentota, The Safari Hotel Thissamaharama and The Lake House Polonnaruwa

Each of these recently refurbished hotels offers traditional Sri Lankian hospitality to visitors. 

The Heritage Rest House Collection: The quaint surroundings steeped with the enchantment of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage are the key elements of the Heritage Rest Houses that comprise of 12 properties around the island.

Ambepussa, Pussellawa, Kitulgala, Belihuloya, Ella, Hanwella, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, Mihintale, Medawachchiya, and Weligama.

Intimate traditional accommodation, in colonial bungalows, all with outstanding local cuisine is ideal bases from which to travel and explore Sri Lanka.