Galena 2025: Relish the Royal Taste

Galena 2025; the annual signature event organized by the third-year undergraduates of the Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management Degree Programme offered by the Department of Tourism Studies, Faculty of Management of Uva Wellassa University was successfully held on 15th January 2025 at the university premises. The event, launched in 2015, was designed to provide students with practical experiences beyond theoretical knowledge, while also offering guests a star-class dining experience, where they could learn various hospitality etiquettes. This event draws inspiration from the royal heritage and grandeur of ancient Sri Lanka, showcasing the country’s cultural richness through the themes of royal hospitality and the luxurious lifestyle of the Kandyan kings by converting a lecture hall into a star-class restaurant. Galena 2025 captivated attendees with its exceptional blend of Royal Kandyan heritage, elegant decorations, entertainment, games, and culinary delights. Senior Professor Kolitha B. Wijesekara, the Chief Guest, graced the occasion, which saw over 200 distinguished guests in attendance, including Deans of the faculties, academic and administrative staff members, Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, and his team. Notable figures such as Mr. Mahesh Gammanpila, Chief Secretary of Uva Province, officers from the Uva Provincial Ministry of Tourism, members of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, representatives from Aitken Spence, leading hoteliers, and professionals from the tourism industry also participated in the event. The celebration was attended by enthusiastic undergraduates, all of whom contributed to making Galena 2025 a grand success.
 
This year, a wide range of sponsors and supporters have come together to make the Galena 2025 event a success. Notable among them are the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau as the Title Partner, Uva Provincial Tourism Department as the Platinum Sponsor, 98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ravana Pool Club as the Diamond Sponsor, Le Lily Spa, Browns Hotels and Resorts, HS Fabric Collection and Nilum Fashion as Gold Sponsors, Nelna Farm and Ceylon Artisan Tea Association as Food Partners, Thema Collection as Gift Partner, Riverside Hotel-Badulla and Tell me Events as Silver Sponsors, MKB Supermarket, White House-Badulla as Bronze Sponsors and HTE Alumni Association. In addition, media partners such as Aruna Newspaper, Ada Derana, and the media team of the university – Uva Rayon Media Unit, have provided their support for media coverage and promotion. The Galena program continues to be a distinguished and unique opportunity for students pursuing degrees in the fields of Tourism, Hospitality, and Events at Uva Wellassa University. It provides them with invaluable practical experience and an in-depth understanding of the tourism industry, enhancing their skills and future prospects in this dynamic field.