The transformation of the iconic Galadari Colombo into a Radisson Blu flagship has reached a prestigious new milestone, punctuated by a series of high-profile victories at the recently concluded Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) Southeast Asia Pacific (SEAP) People & Culture Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Amidst the global hospitality elite, the property and its leadership emerged as standout performers, signaling a new era of excellence for Sri Lankan hospitality.
The conference, held in the heart of Bangkok, served as a global stage for Zareena Madawala, Director – People & Culture, who was formally recognized for her transformative leadership since joining the team in early 2025. In a significant moment for the organization, Zareena was honored as an RHG Pioneer, a distinction reserved for a select group of influential women across the global network who drive meaningful impact and inspire future leadership. This individual accolade was further bolstered by two major regional awards: the Best Talent Attraction Strategy 2025 for the SEAP region and the Best External Local Talent Activation, awarded through the RHG Career Fest global initiative.
These accolades reflect a sophisticated approach to employer branding and workforce planning during the hotel’s critical transition phase. A key highlight of the Bangkok summit was Zareena’s featured presentation titled “Building Strong Partnerships through ‘Race to the Blu Future’ Elite Trainee Program.” This presentation detailed the hotel’s innovative strategy for nurturing high-caliber talent, showcasing how the “Race to the Blu Future” initiative creates a sustainable pipeline of excellence as the property aligns with international Radisson Blu standards.
The honors were officially presented by Phuong Nguyen, People & Culture SEAP, and received by Zareena Madawala Director, People & Culture alongside Sudantha Vithanage Manager – People & Culture Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo. These awards underscore the successful cultural evolution of the property, proving that the physical refurbishment of the Galadari is being matched by a world-class organizational transformation. By securing these regional titles in Thailand, the Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo has established itself as a benchmark for talent management and people-focused strategy within the Southeast Asia Pacific hospitality landscape.
