Breaking 54-year tradition, SLHGA appoints Dr. Chakravarthy as President

The Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates’ Association (SLHGA)—the country’s largest body of professional hoteliers—made a historic milestone with the appointment of its first-ever woman President, Dr. Gitanjali Chakravarthy.

Founded in 1971, SLHGA has grown to represent over 1,500 members who lead and inspire within the hospitality industry both locally and internationally.

From her beginnings as a Senior Lecturer at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management to leading world-class properties such as Hilton Yala Resort and Uga Ulagalla, Dr. Chakravarthy has seamlessly combined academic rigor, operational excellence, and visionary leadership.

Properties under her leadership have also earned prestigious honors such as the Connie Award, Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, and multiple World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Her global experience with COMO Hotels & Resorts, together with her expertise in procurement and performance management, has set new benchmarks in the industry.

Her outstanding contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named a Global Woman Leader at the World Women Leadership Congress, receiving the Global CEO Top Business Women Award, and being listed among Sri Lanka’s Top 50 Career Women.

Today, as the first woman to lead SLHGA, Dr. Chakravarthy not only breaks barriers but also serves as an inspiration to countless women in Sri Lanka and across the region.