Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality brand under the John Keells Group, has announced two key leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its position as a driving force in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and expanding its global footprint.
Mr. Hishan Singhawansa has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Mr. Kamal Munasinghe takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Together, they will steer the group’s portfolio of 17 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, including the landmark US$1.2 billion Cinnamon Life integrated resort in Colombo.
Singhawansa, who brings over 17 years of experience at John Keells, takes on the role at a pivotal moment as Sri Lanka’s tourism rebounds beyond pre-pandemic levels. Outlining his vision, he noted, “Sri Lanka has the assets to be one of the most desired destinations in the world. What we need now is scale, innovation, and consistency. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is at the forefront of showcasing this potential, offering luxury, lifestyle, and authentic experiences that appeal to travellers globally.”
He also highlighted the group’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and community empowerment through initiatives such as the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, which aims to increase women’s participation in the industry to at least 24% by 2025, and EmpowHer, which promotes safer, more inclusive workplaces. Meanwhile, Cinnamon Nature Trails continues to position the brand as a leader in experiential and conservation-driven tourism.
Complementing this vision, Munasinghe brings nearly 30 years of global hospitality experience across Asia and Europe to his new role as COO. Having previously led Cinnamon Grand Colombo and the wider Colombo portfolio, his focus will be on operational excellence and redefining guest experiences. “Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has all the right ingredients to stand among the leading hospitality brands of the region,” Munasinghe said. “Our journey forward will be about perfecting the balance between consistency and creativity, efficiency and warmth, global standards and local character.”
With Munasinghe’s expertise in operational precision and Singhawansa’s focus on innovation and destination-building, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to position Sri Lanka as a regional hub for luxury tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), while also expanding its influence in the Maldives and beyond.
As the only Sri Lankan brand within the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts also connects to over 30 million loyalty members worldwide through its Cinnamon Discovery programme—cementing its role as both a champion of Sri Lankan hospitality and a global contender in the industry.
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