Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
Deshamanya Flight Lieutenant Subodha Angammana (Rtd) is a name that resonates with excellence, service, and innovation. A proud alumnus of Trinity College, Kandy, his remarkable journey through diverse paths in hospitality, military service, education, and social work makes him a true inspiration to Sri Lankans and beyond.
A Global Foundation in Hospitality
His journey in hospitality began with a Basic Housekeeping Course at the Ceylon Hotel School, Kandy, followed by industrial training at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo. In 1998, he pursued higher education in Australia, obtaining several prestigious qualifications including:
Certificate in Hospitality (Restaurant & Catering Management)
Certificate IV in Hospitality (Accommodation Services Supervision)
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Hospitality Management (HRM)
While studying in Australia, he also worked part-time at Sydney Tower Buffet and played a role in one of the world’s largest catering operations at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
From International Hotels to National Defense
Upon returning to Sri Lanka, he contributed to the hospitality sector at Elephant Corridors, Sri Lanka’s first-ever boutique hotel, and later gained overseas experience in the United Kingdom at Mood Nightclub, Milton Keynes.
In 2005, he joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as a Student Officer, receiving rigorous training at Diyatalawa. His postings included major SLAF stations in Colombo, Anuradhapura, China Bay, and Diyatalawa, where he served as Resident Manager cum Base Catering Officer.
His dedication earned him multiple medals, including the North and East Humanitarian Operation Medals, and he had the rare honour of hosting UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2009.
He retired from the Air Force in 2012 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
Hospitality Leader and Author
Post-military, he served as Duty Manager at Hotel Topaz/The Tourmaline, Kandy, and then established two successful ventures:
Home Away From Home in Peradeniya (2014–present)
Area 51 in Matale (2016–present)
In 2019, he earned a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and later completed a Mini MBA. He is currently reading for his PhD in Business Administration.
Pioneering Hospitality Literature in Sri Lanka
He is the first Sri Lankan to author hospitality books in the country:
“MASTER GUIDE ON HOSPITALITY” (Published 2024)
“HOSPITALITY SUPERVISION” – the first-ever book for hospitality supervisors in Sri Lanka (Published 2024)
“SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FOR HOSPITALITY MANAGERS” – launched at Kandy Book Fair 2025, KCC, on June 28, 2025
Sports & Social Service
A passionate swimmer, he represented Trinity College (1987–1993) and the Sri Lanka Air Force in various aquatic competitions. He was also Officer-in-Charge of Aquatic Sports at SLAF Anuradhapura (2008, 2009 & 2011).
Through his Flight Lieutenant Subodha Angammana (Rtd) Social Service Foundation (founded in 2021), he actively supports underprivileged families with book donations, dry rations, and more-driven by compassion and supported by friends and well-wishers.
A Life of Service, Innovation, and Legacy
From military ranks to entrepreneurial heights, from global hospitality stages to the hearts of local communities, Deshamanya Flight Lieutenant Subodha Angammana (Rtd) stands as a beacon of leadership, learning, and humanity.
