The Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka Region successfully concluded its 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 3 July 2026 at the historic Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, marking another significant milestone in the Institute’s journey of professional excellence and industry leadership.
The AGM brought together hospitality leaders, members, and industry stakeholders to review the Institute’s achievements, outline its future direction, and appoint the Executive
Committee and National Committee for the 2026/2027 term.
A defining moment of the meeting was the unanimous request by the membership for Mr. Ramesh Dassanayake to continue serving as Chairman for another consecutive term. The overwhelming support reflected the confidence placed in his visionary leadership and his outstanding contribution to strengthening the Institute while elevating the profile of Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector both locally and internationally.
Accepting the confidence placed in him, Mr. Dassanayake reaffirmed his commitment to advancing professional standards, creating greater opportunities for members, and positioning the Institute as a leading voice for the hospitality industry. In addition to his role as Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka Region, he also serves as President of the Maris Stella College OBA – Colombo, an Executive Committee Member of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA), and is a Past President of the Postgraduate Institute of Management Alumni (PIMA).
A celebratory note with a champagne toast was proposed by Immediate Past Chairman Dr. Harsha Jayasinghe, congratulating Mr. Dassanayake on his reappointment and expressing confidence in the newly appointed committees. Members reaffirmed their shared commitment to driving innovation, strengthening professional standards, and supporting the continued growth of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry.
With an experienced leadership team, ambitious strategic initiatives, and a renewed vision for the future, the Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka Region is well positioned to continue empowering hospitality professionals and contributing to the sustainable development and global recognition of Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector.
During the AGM, members were presented with an exciting roadmap for the future. Mr. Refhan Razeen and Mr. Niroshan de Silva unveiled plans for two landmark hospitality initiatives scheduled for September 2026 and May 2027. These large-scale projects, the first of their kind undertaken by the Institute, are expected to strengthen professional development, industry collaboration, and international engagement while showcasing Sri Lanka’s hospitality excellence.
The Chairman also announced that the 24th Chairman’s Annual Black-Tie Dinner will take place on 1st December 2026 at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, one of the Institute’s most prestigious annual networking events, bringing together hospitality professionals, business leaders, and industry partners.
The AGM further witnessed the appointment of an accomplished team of professionals representing leading hotels, hospitality organizations, universities, tourism businesses, and corporate institutions across Sri Lanka.
Executive Committee 2026/2027
The newly appointed Office Bearers are:
- Chairman– Mr. Ramesh Dassanayake (Managing Director, Sunway Holidays)
- ViceChairman– Mr. Niroshan de Silva (Sector Managing Director, LAUGFS Holdings / CEO)
- Immediate PastChairman– Dr. Harsha Jayasinghe (General Manager, Pandanus Resort & Spa)
- Secretary – Ms. Taniaa Tissera (Director of Sales, Vivanta by Taj – Airport Garden)
- Treasurer – Mr. Sugath Illangakoon (General Manager, Sofia Colombo)
- Assistant Secretary – Prof. Rangana Shakila (Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka)
Executive Committee Members
- Dr. S. Anandaraj (Senior Hospitality Consultant)
- Mr. Rehan Razeen (General Manager, Yara Hotels)
- Mr. Nalina Abeyratna (Executive Chef,SriLankanCatering Ltd.)
- Mr. Refhan Razeen (General Manager, Shangri-La Hambantota)
- Mr. Suresh Abbas (General Manager, Galle Face Hotel)
- Mr. Nazoomi Azar (General Manager, Cinnamon Grand Colombo)
- Kamal Munasinghe (Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts & General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka
National Committee
- Mr. Thushara Gunawardana (Founder / Managing Director TGF Holding Pvt Ltd)
- Mr. Denesh Silva (Director of Sales & Marketing, Ramada Colombo)
- Mr. Madushanka Perera (Country Business Manager, Nestlé)
- Mr. Kanishka Udawatta (Director of Sales, Shangri-La Colombo & Shangri-La Hambantota)
- Mr. Imran Hassan (Managing Director, CDC Events & Travels)
- Ms. Pramukshi Kariyawasam (Strategic Marketing Consultant; Former Shangri-La & Cinnamon Hotels)
- Mr. Sushan Fernando (Managing Director – Hotel Heaven’s Edge (Pvt) Ltd & Hotel Country Comfort – Ella)
- Mr. Chamli Waidyaratna (Executive Chef, Hilton Colombo)
- Mr. Kalpa Perera (Executive Chef, Ramada Colombo)
- Mr. Sachithra Danendra (Consultant Chef, CBL;Chairman, Okra)
- Mr. Trevin Gomez (Managing Director, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC)
- Mr. Nihal Muhandiramge( VicePresident Operations EKHO Hotels & Resorts & Galle Face Group)
- Mr. Indika Gonawala (Director OperationsShagri-La Hambantota)
Representing renowned hotel brands, multinational companies, higher education institutions, tourism organisations, and hospitality businesses, the Committee reflects the Institute’s commitment to diversity, expertise, and collaborative leadership.
The AGM concluded on a celebratory note followed by Fellowship and networking.
