Our Story.
Ella’s voice.
For over 17 years, the Traders Association - Ella has united the hotels, cafés, villas, and tour operators that make our hill country one of Sri Lanka's most beloved destinations.
“To empower every hospitality business in Ella to thrive through community, advocacy, and shared opportunity.”
From a handful of guesthouses — to a movement.
In 2009, a small group of passionate hoteliers and restaurateurs gathered around a shared concern: Ella's tourism was growing fast, but businesses were growing in isolation. Without a unified voice, pricing wars, quality inconsistencies, and duplicated marketing efforts were hurting everyone. The answer was the Ella Traders Association — a neutral, member-driven body committed to lifting the entire industry together. Fifteen years later, with over 1,200 members and dozens of community initiatives, that founding vision is more alive than ever.
The principles that guide us.
Codified in our Constitution and reaffirmed by the general body.
Community First
Every decision begins with what's best for our members and the wider Ella community we call home.
Integrity
We operate with honesty and transparency, building trust between businesses, guests, and partners alike.
Excellence
We champion the highest standards of hospitality, helping every member deliver unforgettable experiences.
Sustainability
We protect Ella's natural beauty and culture, ensuring tourism uplifts both people and the land.
Our elected leadership.
The volunteers who steer the Association forward, elected annually by the general body.
Githan Salinda
Malith De Silva
Sunil Premasiri
Harshana Abewickrama
Duminda Upajeewa Bandara
Become part ofour story.
Join 1,200+ hospitality professionals shaping the future of tourism in Ella. Your business deserves a community.