In 1988, I left Sri Lanka and worked in this beautiful country, the Maldives. In my first year, I worked in another CCR ( Crown & Champa Resorts) property and was then transferred to Veligandu in 1989.

Looking back on the past, a lot of changes had happened in Veligandu. When I first arrived in this resort, there were only 55 guest rooms.

We only had two big blocks for staff accommodation. These halls were pretty simple: no air conditioners and there were around 30 bunk beds inside. We ate our meals at the old cafeteria which was located near the carpentry. Food variety was less and we only enjoyed chicken dishes every Friday. Since there was no staff shop yet that time, we used to buy items like cigarette, Coca cola and toiletries directly from the store and pay not through salary deduction but in cash. We also enjoyed motivation trips like fishing and shopping in Thoddoo.

Things are very different now than it used to be. Guest restaurant was located near IT office. The power house was previously located in the area where we see the mosque. Football ground was near the incinerator. There was no staff
gym or even ekuveni ( team club house); only one table tennis board was available for us at the staff area. And when it comes to transfers, guests and team members travelled in and out of the island through boats instead of seaplane.

For 35 years, I have been working in Veligandu. I love what I do and I am grateful to be part of this team.