Ceylon Hotels Corporation marks 60 years with renewed focus on Sri Lanka’s hospitality heritage

Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC (CHC) is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, marking six decades of hospitality and its contribution to the development and evolution of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Established in 1966 under the Ceylon Hotels Corporation Act No. 14 of 1966, CHC emerged at a defining stage in the country’s tourism journey, when Sri Lanka was beginning to develop the infrastructure required to establish itself as an international tourism destination.

From its early years, CHC played an important role in extending hospitality beyond the country’s established cities into the hill country, ancient kingdoms, wildlife regions and coastal destinations.

Its historic rest houses became familiar landmarks for generations of local and international travellers, offering accommodation as well as an introduction to Sri Lankan food, culture and hospitality.

Today, CHC’s portfolio brings together EKHO Hotels & Resorts, Queen’s Hotel and Hotel Suisse in Kandy, and the Heritage Collection, with properties located across some of Sri Lanka’s most culturally, historically and naturally significant destinations.

Coinciding with its 60th anniversary, CHC is entering a new phase of investment aimed at preserving the character of its historic properties while enhancing the overall hospitality experience for a new generation of travellers.

The historic Pussellawa Rest House has undergone renovations as part of this renewed focus, while the rest houses in Belihuloya and Kithulgala are currently being reimagined to offer an elevated hospitality experience while retaining their strong connection to their respective destinations and heritage.

Both properties are scheduled to reopen to the public in October 2026.

In Kandy, Hotel Suisse has also undergone extensive renovations, breathing new life into one of the city’s longstanding heritage hotels while preserving the history and distinctive character of the property.

These developments form part of CHC’s wider direction to safeguard the stories and character associated with its heritage properties while ensuring they remain relevant to contemporary travellers.

Beyond its properties, CHC’s six-decade journey has been shaped by generations of employees who have welcomed guests, prepared meals, maintained historic properties and shared the stories of the destinations in which the company operates.

Partners, surrounding communities and generations of travellers have also played an important role in shaping the Corporation’s journey and its place within Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape.

As travellers increasingly seek authentic experiences and stronger connections with the destinations they visit, CHC is positioning its heritage as an important foundation for its next chapter.

Its collection of properties offers the Corporation an opportunity to combine the character and history of individual destinations with evolving expectations in modern hospitality.

From historic rest houses that welcomed travellers journeying across the island to destination-led hospitality experiences today, Ceylon Hotels Corporation has continued to evolve alongside Sri Lankan tourism.

Sixty years on, CHC is looking ahead with a renewed commitment to preserving its legacy, elevating the guest experience and creating new stories for future generations of travellers.

Founded in 1966, Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC is one of Sri Lanka’s longstanding hospitality companies.

Its portfolio includes EKHO Hotels & Resorts, Queen’s Hotel, Hotel Suisse and the Heritage Collection.

Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC is managed by Galle Face Group (Pvt) Limited.