- A beacon of exceptional hospitality
The Sunday Morning Brunch recently visited Jaffna, and while we visited almost exclusively to explore the city of Jaffna during the Deepavali festivities, we were also given the opportunity to experience the hospitality of Jetwing Jaffna immediately following the Deepavali celebrations, staying there for a night to recharge after the exertions of Deepavali.
Jetwing Jaffna is situated conveniently on Mahatma Gandhi Road, near the Jaffna bus and railway stations. Its strategic location at the heart of Jaffna city gives guests a captivating view of the surroundings. Although the hotel’s contemporary architecture sets it apart from the more traditional buildings nearby, its direct connection to the hustle and bustle of the centre of the city of Jaffna made it an incredibly practical choice, especially when we were preparing to embark on our night bus journey back to Colombo the following day.
Having previously experienced various Jetwing properties across the island, it is evident that Jetwing Jaffna possesses a distinctive charm, which may be attributed to its management (helmed by General Manager Nilanthi Wijesooriya) and unique location. The imprint of Jetwing’s hospitality, consistently remarkable across its properties, further enhances the allure of Jetwing Jaffna, showcasing a commitment to excellence in service and guest experience.
A deeper mission of growth in the region
When discussing Jetwing Jaffna, the focal point undoubtedly lies in its exemplary hospitality, a testament to the specialised training provided by Jetwing, specifically the Jetwing Youth Development Project (JYDP). The dedicated hospitality personnel at Jetwing Jaffna embody the unique and quintessential Sri Lankan hospitality synonymous with the Jetwing brand. The training system implemented by Jetwing has yielded a cadre of individuals who exemplify this distinctive style.
One such trainee, Balasubramanium Senthuran, a standout participant in the programme, expressed how the training had significantly elevated his quality of life. Moreover, it afforded him an unexpected opportunity that he had never envisioned for himself. The transformative impact of Jetwing’s training is evidently profound, shaping not only the service at Jetwing Jaffna but also positively influencing the lives of those who undergo the programme.
Senthuran reflected on his experience with the Jetwing Youth Development Programme, stating: “JYDP is excellent. It has altered the trajectory of my life. The majority of our staff too are products of JYDP.” He further emphasised: “I am proud to have learned locally and now to lend my services to a Lankan-made company; because when I work for Jetwing, I am also allowing my community to flourish.”
Senthuran’s sentiments shed light on Jetwing’s commitment to community integration. He pointed out the distinctive nature of Jetwing properties, where active engagement with the local community is a cornerstone. Jetwing not only hires local women skilled in preparing traditional dishes but also utilises locally-sourced ingredients and vehicles from the area. This holistic approach aims to empower the community, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and prosperity within the immediate community surrounding the Jetwing property.
General Manager Wijesooriya, being a female leader in the industry, expressed a personal connection with the local women, acknowledging that in Jaffna, there exists a cultural hesitancy when it comes to women working in hotels, especially during nighttime.
However, she reassured that upon her arrival, it had been understood that the well-being of female staff members would be a priority. This supportive environment has resulted in a positive shift, with an increasing number of women from Jaffna joining the hotel staff, defying cultural norms and contributing to the vibrant team at Jetwing Jaffna.
A testament to the glory of Jaffna cuisine
The culinary experience at Jetwing Jaffna stands out prominently, as highlighted by Wijesooriya. While the hotel boasts an Executive Chef of considerable expertise and experience in Sanath Athukorala, a distinctive aspect of its culinary team involves the employment of local women who specialise in preparing Jaffna-style cuisine for guests.
Chef Athukorala also emphasised on the authenticity of Jaffna-style cooking at Jetwing Jaffna. He highlighted the significance of having local hands involved in the culinary process, emphasising on the recruitment of both local women and men with a deep connection to Jaffna’s culinary heritage.
These individuals bring with them a wealth of family recipes and a genuine understanding of traditional cooking methods. This deliberate effort ensures that guests at Jetwing Jaffna can savour the true essence of authentic Jaffna-style cuisine, prepared with care and expertise by those who have inherited the culinary traditions of the region.
During our night stay, we were treated to an exceptional culinary experience, particularly when indulging in the renowned Jaffna-style crab featured in the dinner buffet. Traditionally, we have found the process of consuming crab to be somewhat cumbersome, often questioning whether the effort justifies the outcome. However, on this occasion, we can unequivocally affirm that the labour invested was entirely worthwhile to relish the authenticity of this crab curry dish. The flavours and preparation of the Jaffna-style crab surpassed any reservations we may have had, delivering a dining experience that truly justified the effort involved in savouring this exquisite dish.
Furthermore, our culinary exploration extended to the delightful rasavalli kilangu kool, a breakfast dish crafted from purple yam. This vibrant and uniquely purple offering, distinct to Jaffna, proved to be a refreshing and wholesome start to the day. Remarkably, this dish encompasses a complete meal in itself, making it a highly recommended culinary experience for anyone fortunate enough to travel to Yalpanam and explore the distinctive flavours that Jaffna has to offer.
The remaining array of dishes we sampled requires no commendation or formal introduction, for the Jaffna-style South Indian cuisine we tasted stood unparalleled to any other food experience we had encountered before. The distinct flavours and culinary expertise showcased in each dish exemplified a level of authenticity that set Jaffna’s cuisine apart. Most noteworthy was the dosa, a South Indian delicacy, which, if experienced in Jaffna, leaves you with the realisation that what you’ve previously considered as excellent dosa falls short of what it’s actually meant to be.
Hospitality in the heart of Jaffna
Fortunately, our accommodations afforded us a room with a picturesque and expansive view, encompassing the entirety of Kankesanthurai. The panorama extended seamlessly, offering a direct line of sight to the bay lagoon, providing a serene backdrop to our stay. Also, the view captured glimpses of ongoing construction activities within and around Kankesanthurai, indicative of the city’s burgeoning development.
This observation aligns with the prevailing sentiment that Jaffna is poised to become a significant player in the area of tourism and hospitality, emerging as an economic and technological hub. The evident growth and infrastructure projects visible from our vantage point showcased the city’s promising trajectory as the next prominent destination in various spheres of development.
For those who are yet to visit Jaffna and are residents of Sri Lanka, you may have inadvertently overlooked a hidden gem of a destination. Jaffna stands as a compelling example, challenging the conventional notion that Sri Lanka’s allure is confined to its southern beaches and central hills adorned with waterfalls.
The city, rich in cultural heritage and historical significance, beckons exploration and learning. Should the prospect of a journey to Jaffna arise, a recommended stop is at Jetwing Jaffna. It serves as the consummate finishing touch to an already perfect trip, bringing you a distinct and enriching experience that contributes to the narrative of Sri Lanka’s diverse and captivating landscape.