our story
A multi-generational estate with a rich history
Origins of the estate
The Kotaliyade Estate, on which Ambarella Lodge is located, has been in the Siriwardena family for 5 generations. In the late 19th century, the current owner’s great great grandfather Gerald Dezoysa Siriwardena, an Ayurvedic doctor, decided to move his family from the south of Sri Lanka up to the small village of Marandagahamula. Here he opened up the regions first dispensary and began to ran the newly acquired Kotaliyade estate as a coconut farm.
Beginnings of the Spice Garden
Fast forward to the 21st century, the Kotaliyade Estate was in need of care and the family’s descendant, Ronald and his Swiss wife Anne-Marie Siriwardena, chose to move to the estate with their sons. Once settled in their new home, they helped run the the coconut farm and Mrs Siriwardena planted the estate’s very first Spice Garden.
Opening our gates to the world
In 2018, Louis Siriwardena, son of Jemina and Ronald, chose to turn his focus back to his childhood home. With his extensive experience in the travel industry and diploma from the Ecole Hôtelière de Genève, he envisioned the eco-lodge that is now Ambarella. His family and him are now proud to welcome guests from all over the world to this beautiful corner of Sri Lanka.
