Vella has received official recognition as a Great Place to Work, marking a pivotal achievement in the organization’s commitment to fostering a culture built on trust, shared objectives, and collective development. Great Place to Work® serves as the leading authority globally on workplace culture, employee experiences, and the leadership practices that contribute to superior revenue generation, employee retention, and enhanced innovation.
Securing this certification on their initial attempt highlights the robust employee culture at Vella, which spans a diverse range of sectors including hospitality, adventure, tea, retail, leisure, and lifestyle experiences. The Group’s expanding portfolio features some of Sri Lanka’s most unique destination-oriented brands, including the serene luxury of 98 Acres Resort & Spa, the lively atmosphere of Ravana Pool Club, and the adventurous offerings at Flying Ravana Adventure Park, Ella Swing, and Amber Swing. Additionally, Vella’s presence in the leisure and hospitality market is enriched by Walaa Kulu and Villa Lé Maas Tota, while Halpē Tea, Halpe Tea Tour, Ceylon Tea Supermarket, Kiri Kopi, and Ceylon Escapade enhance the Group’s footprint in tea, retail, café culture, and travel experiences. Collectively, these brands embody Vella’s vision of crafting meaningful experiences that honor Sri Lanka’s stunning natural beauty, cultural depth, and growing stature as a premier global destination.
The “Great Place to Work” certification is widely acknowledged as a standard for assessing workplace culture, awarded based on employee feedback and organizational practices that exhibit trust, pride, credibility, respect, fairness, and camaraderie among employees. For Vella, this recognition transcends mere acknowledgment; it symbolizes the dedication of the individuals behind its brands—those who bring each guest experience and service standard to life consistently. Chamara Abeyrathne, Co-Founder and Director of Vella, commented on this achievement, stating:
“This recognition belongs to our people. Achieving Great Place to Work certification on our first attempt is a proud milestone, but more importantly, it reflects the purpose and values that define Vella from within. Our culture is shaped by individuals and teams who take ownership, work with passion and joy, and are driven by insights in their approach to service and growth. This certification is a significant indicator of our progress, not an endpoint, and we remain devoted to cultivating a workplace where our employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.”
The certification arrives at a crucial time for Vella as it continues to solidify its role in Sri Lanka’s hospitality and experiential tourism sector. With brands that immerse travelers in nature, adventure, culture, and the heritage of Ceylon tea, the Group’s workforce remains integral to its growth narrative. This recognition reinforces Vella’s dedication to developing talent, enhancing internal engagement, and fostering an environment where employees can take pride in their contributions and work with purpose.
