The hotel occupies a pride of place in the development of tourism in the Jaffna District. It was established in the year 1982 by Soosaipillai Gnanaprakasam with twenty five rooms. However, following the war environment, Sri Lanka army took over the hotel for their use, however, designated rent was paid by government for the use of hotel by the army.

Sangarapillai Kailasapillai became the new owner of the hotel in 2010, but it was in 2011  the hotel was handed back to the owner by the army, and it re-opened for business in May the same year.

Now there are thirty two rooms, air conditioned and TV installed, catering to every type of guest as single, double or family rooms, with laundry service, restaurant and convenient parking for vehicles.

Besides there is a spacious hall, which can accommodate up to 250 guests at a single time for occasion. Together with the traditional Jaffna foods, Indian and Chinese food items, prepared by expert cooks are available in the hotel.

The special Jaffna food variety comprises of crab, prawn, fish and scuttle fish which are instantly prepared and served hot. Traditional artefacts of the land are also displayed in the hotel.

Transport facilities are also arranged for tourists and guests coming to the hotel and their every need is given special care. Gnanams Hotel is proud to be associated in the development of tourism in Jaffna.

By Sornakumar Soruben