Khalil the hero and his wife were received at the hotel in traditional fanfare with staff members on horseback escorting the guests to the hotel and an elephant along with senior members of staff welcoming them at the entrance of the resort. Subsequent to lighting the traditional oil lamp Khalil and his wife were shown to their luxury suite overlooking the awe inspiring Kandalama Lake and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress as a backdrop.

"We are thrilled that we were able to show our gratitude to Mr. Khalil for single-handedly taking the Sri Lankan cricketers to safety when they were attacked in Lahore. We are truly honoured that we were able to extend to him and his wife our hospitality at Sri Lanka’s best five-star resort" stated Mr. B H R Sariffo’deen, Assistant Vice President, Aitken Spence Hotels.

Heritance Kandalama, unique in every aspect spans nearly a kilometer, consisting of two wings joined by endless columned corridors winding in and out under the overhang of an enormous liana festooned rock. This amazing vista provides kaleidoscopic changes with every passing hour.

"I never imagined that a hotel of this nature was possible, I am amazed by the beauty that surrounds me at the hotel. Your humble staff signifies the true Sri Lankan identity - that you are a friendly nation – and I believe that the staff at Heritance Kandalama is leading the rest of the nation in that trait" stated Mr. Khalil through his interpreter.

Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka’s most awarded hotel, was recognized as the Best 5-Star Resort at the Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism for the second consecutive year.