Here’s our story

About Us

Ayubowan Vanakkam, Mamakachchak Hondamai and welcome to Thema Collection!

Through our collection of hotels, we strive to create authentic experiences through our unique locations, locally inspired design, and warm Sri Lankan hospitality in some of the best hideouts in Sri Lanka.

Introducing the different aspects of local culture

Since the inception of Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa - Pasikuda (2011) and Aliya Resort & Spa - Sigiriya (2013), our mission has been to provide guests with an authentic and sustainable experience that showcases the best of our property's location—its biodiversity, cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. Each property is conceptualized based on these principles to offer an immersive journey into Sri Lanka. Sustainability is one of our core values, and each property has its own tailored policies and projects to best suit our environment.

Chandra Wickramasinghe
Founder & Chairman - Thema Collection

Ayubowan and welcome to Thema Collection. Our journey is centred around our love to conceptualise properties and experiences that show the best of Sri Lanka’s culture, history and wonderful biodiversity. Each of our properties has its own story and we hope you discover the best of Sri Lanka through Thema Collection.

Who We Are

We are dedicated to creating thematic properties in Sri Lanka. Our local culture is our passion and portraying its beauty to visitors is what brings pride to our hearts. While providing stays and experiences like no other we also believe that sustainable and eco-friendly practices are key to making the planet a better place to live in.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is centered around our country’s amazing biodiversity and culture, not to mention, the wonders of nature that are tucked away in the very core of the island which serves as an inspiration of our thematic resorts. While allowing our guests to experience the authenticity of Sri Lanka, we are also focused on preserving the environment and uplifting our communities.

Board of Directors

Mr. Chandra Wickramasinghe

Founder, Chairman & Managing Director

With the growing demand for authentic Sri Lankan experiences when it comes to hotel stays on the island, Mr. Chandra Wickramamsinghe came up with the perfect concept for travellers – Thema Collection. As the founder of this family-owned chain of hotels, he played a vital role in the design and concepts of each of the properties in popular tourist hotspots in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Chandra has incorporated something unique and purely Sri Lankan in each property which is enjoyed by foreign and local guests alike. He believes that the exclusivity of Thema Collection hotels is what brings challenges to the group but is also rewarding in terms of guest satisfaction. The chairman’s personal favourite is Maalu Maalu Passikudah.

Chamin Wickramasinghe

Director / Chief Executive Officer

The CEO of Thema Collection is an individual who has worked his way up the ladder starting from 1991. He has worked for many well-known hotel chains in Sri Lanka and achieved great heights on the academic side of the hotel industry as well. Chamin Wickramasinghe is a member of the Charted Management Institute (UK), the Institute of Hospitality (UK) and the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association.

He enjoys the daily challenges of running a hotel chain like Thema Collection with a range of unique properties under the brand. What Chamin like most about the properties is that they showcase socio-cultural aspects of Sri Lanka and each of the hotels operates differently.

Maxime Wickramasinghe

Director – Marketing & Business Development

The son of Mr. Chandra Wickramasinghe, the founder and chairman of Thema Collection, Maxime Wickramasinghe is inspired by his father to create unique hotel experiences where guests can immerse themselves in the cultural heritage and vibrant biodiversity of Sri Lanka. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Thema Collection since 2018.

Maxime holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance, awarded by The University of Manchester. As a passionate traveller and nature lover, Maxime loves to learn about Sri Lanka and continues to create guest experiences off the beaten track. What he loves about properties in Thema Collection is the uniqueness of each property and the stories they tell.

Managers

Mr. Mohamed Sharafath

Manager – Sales

With an experience of 19 years in the hotel industry and holding a Master’s in Business Administration, Mohamed Sharafath contributes to Thema Collection as the Sales Manager. What he enjoys the most in his job are meeting different people, traveling, and sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years with others joining the industry.

The aspects of Thema Collection that inspire Mohamed the most are the diversity in its concepts and the beautiful experiences offered by each hotel on different parts of the island.

Mr. Thilan Peiris

Manager - Corporate Sales

Mr. Sheran Fonseka

General Manager - Operations

As a professional with over 8 years in the hospitality industry and over 10 years in the finance industry, Sheran Fonseka’s passion for hospitality emerged when he had the opportunity to work for a boutique hotel chain. He has a BA (Hons) in Business Administration.

What Sheran likes the most about Thema Collection is the unique aspects of properties; the open spaces at Aliya Resort, The calm waters and relaxing breeze at Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa, and the serene surroundings at other properties.

Mr. Ashan Karunananda

General Manager - Sustainability & Product Development

Ashan Karunananda’s drive to pursue a career in sustainability stems from a deep-seated concern for the environment and the impact of human activities on the natural world. Ashan is particularly passionate about taking action to protect the planet, and believe that through research, awareness creation, and capacity-building, can make meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.

Mr. Kasun Perera

Senior Architect

Property Managers

Kasun Wijerathne

Regional General Manager - Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya

Ananda Wickramasinghe

Resort Manager – Kithala Resort, Tissa-Yala

Ananda Wickramasinghe is a diploma holder in the Rooms Division from SLITHM. He is passionate about this industry as he sees endless learning opportunities through his challenges every day. Ananda is always intrigued by the lush greenery and exotic bird life that surrounds Kithala Resort.

Ms. Jeewanthi Adhikari

Resort Manager - Amba Yaalu, Kandalama

Mr. Rohana Jayathilaka

Resort Manager - Maalu Maalu Resort, Pasikuda

Mr. Dimuthu Dilshan

Resort Manager - Ayurvie, Weligama

Mr. Manusanka Pitiyekumbara

Bungalow Executive - Mountbatten Bungalow, Kandy

Mr. Buddhika Kohona

Cluster Manager (Central Cluster) - SGB/ MBB/ T&E/ WGK

Entering the industry just after his Advanced Level, Buddhika Kohona continued to pursue his future in the tourism industry. He is greatly inspired by his team at Tea & Experience Factory and enjoys working with them. The Leaf to Cup experience at the hotel is what he finds most amazing about the hotel.

Mr. Krishantha Wijeratne

Villa Manager - Parangi, Weligama

Asanka Sanjeewa

Resort Manager - Wild Glamping, Gal Oya

Mr. Nihal Rupasinghe

Villa Manager - Vis Ta Vie, Mirissa

Mr. Madhawa Kalawana

Resort Manager - Waraka, Udawalawe

Naturalists

Mr. Chamal Jayaweera

Naturalist cum Factory Operations Executive

My journey into the world of nature started with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Plantation Management, specializing in soil science and plantation crop management. From cultivating tea at Blairomond Estate Udapussellawa Plantation to exploring the wetlands of Diyasaru and delving into herpetofauna research, my passion for Sri Lankan wildlife runs deep.

As a wildlife photographer, field biologist, and university guest lecturer, I'm dedicated to sharing the wonders of our natural world with you. I'm here to ensure your experience is nothing short of authentic. Let's explore together and uncover the beauty of Sri Lanka's biodiversity.

Mr. Achintha De Zoysa

Senior Naturalist - Wild Glamping, Gal Oya

Mr. Akash Ukwatta

Senior Executive - Sustainability & Naturalist - Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya

I’m a explorer at heart and a passionate advocate for nature. As the Senior Executive – Sustainability & Naturalist at Aliya Resort, I blend my love for wildlife conservation with creating immersive guest experiences. My decade-long journey as a Wild Animal Rescuer with the Youth Exploration Society fuels my commitment to environmental stewardship.

Beyond my current role, I’ve embraced diverse challenges, from quantity surveying and financial planning to teaching at Peradeniya Medical Faculty - each shaping my skills in management, public relations, and adaptability. A certified jungle survivalist and a national karate champion, I thrive in both structured and dynamic environments. At Aliya Resort, I channel my expertise into sustainability efforts and wildlife experiences, ensuring every guest leaves with a deeper connection to nature.

Mr. Vishud Jayathilaka

Naturalist - Wild Glamping, Gal Oya

Mr. Banuka Isuru

Naturalist cum Camp Keeper - Wild Glamping, Knuckles

Ms. Sithumi Devindi

Trainee Naturalist - Amba Yaalu, Kandalama

About Us

Chandra Wickramasinghe Founder & Chairman - Thema Collection

Who We Are

Our Philosophy

Chandra Wickramasinghe
Founder & Chairman - Thema Collection