Hilton has been named Sri Lanka’s Best Workplace for 2025, but this isn’t just about corporate accolades, it’s a story of people-first leadership, rural empowerment, and a transformative culture that’s redefining hospitality in South Asia. From the inspiring journey of a village youth to full-time employment, to Hilton’s innovative HAPPY program and regional training initiatives, this win reflects more than just workplace excellence, it’s about creating futures, fostering resilience, and proving that when a company believes in people, extraordinary things happen.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has officially been named the Best Workplace in Sri Lanka™ 2025 by Great Place to Work, securing the top spot for the first time in the country’s large-sized business category. This milestone comes after four consecutive years of being recognized as Sri Lanka’s leading hospitality employer. It underscores Hilton’s commitment to building a purpose-driven, people-first workplace culture.
The recognition arrives at a time when Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sector is rebounding, heightening demand for skilled local talent. Hilton’s accolade strengthens its employer brand while reaffirming its deep focus on career development, retention, and nurturing talent across the country.
This national title is part of a larger wave of regional honors for Hilton in 2025, with the brand also earning the distinction of Best Workplace in Vietnam and Best Hospitality Employer in the Philippines. A major contributor to Hilton’s success is its people-centric culture. The story of Vishmi Prabha, a young woman from Yodakandiya, epitomizes this commitment. Vishmi entered the hospitality world through Hilton Yala Resort’s newly launched Hospitality Apprenticeship for Youth (HAPPY) program, spearheaded by resort GM Gitanjali Chakravarthy.
The three-month initiative offers hands-on training, mentorship, and life skills development for youth in surrounding communities. Vishmi rotated through key hotel departments such as food and beverage, housekeeping, and front office operations gaining practical knowledge and exposure to global hospitality standards.
Under the mentorship of Gitanjali, Vishmi says her leadership outlook transformed. “My view of leadership changed entirely under her guidance. She taught me that strength and grace go hand in hand. I now understand that true leadership values integrity, empathy, and resilience, traits that go beyond gender,” Vishmi shared. She is now employed full-time at Hilton Yala as a waitress and serves as an inspiration to others in her village. The HAPPY program has trained 53 young people so far, with five, including Vishmi, now permanently employed at Hilton.
Alexandra Murray, Hilton’s Area Vice President and Head of South East Asia, remarked, “Being recognized as the best place to work in Sri Lanka is a collective triumph. It reflects the dedication of every team member who gives their best each day. Stories like Vishmi’s remind us that great workplaces aren’t built by policy alone they’re built by belief in people and the opportunities we create for them to grow.”
Hilton’s holistic employee initiatives, spanning wellness, leadership, inclusion, and career advancement played a key role in earning the 2025 title. These include: Thrive@Hilton (focusing on wellbeing), Lead@Hilton (leadership training), Care for All (caregiving support), Careers@Hilton (hospitality career awareness), and Go Hilton (a global travel benefit for staff). In South East Asia, region-specific efforts like GoFlexi! (a flexible work scheme), the SEA Management Trainee Programme, and the Women in Leadership mentorship network add further value to Hilton’s inclusive ecosystem.
The Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka™ 2025 rankings were determined through Great Place to Work®’s confidential employee surveys and the Culture Audit© assessment. The award not only celebrates Hilton’s outstanding workplace but also underscores its long-term commitment to transforming lives and uplifting communities across Sri Lanka.
