CINNAMON HOTELS AND RESORTS APPOINTS A NEW CEO

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts has appointed Hishan Singhawansa as its new Chief Executive Officer.

His vision is to strengthen the brand’s role as one of the largest contributors to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and position the country as a leading global destination.

With 17 years at John Keells Group (JKH), Singhawansa takes on the role at a pivotal moment as Sri Lanka’s tourism industry rebounds beyond pre-pandemic levels.

Singhawansa stated that Sri Lanka has the potential to be a world-class destination. “What we need now is scale, innovation, and consistency,” he said.

He added that the brand aims to be at the forefront of this potential by offering luxury, lifestyle, and authentic experiences.

“We harness technology and innovation to deliver seamless, personalised guest experiences, while ensuring sustainability and inclusivity remain at the heart of our growth,” said Singhawansa, also highlighting that the chain’s resorts in the Maldives embody this vision.

The chain's recently launched Cinnamon Life is a landmark $1.2 billion integrated resort in Colombo, and the largest development of its kind in South Asia.

With 687 rooms and over 160,000 sq. ft. of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, Cinnamon Life is expected to create 20,000 jobs and establish Colombo as a regional MICE powerhouse.

Beyond infrastructure, Cinnamon is investing in talent through the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, with a goal of increasing women’s participation in hospitality to at least 24% by 2025 through initiatives such as EmpowHer.

The brand’s wildlife and experiential tourism arm, Cinnamon Nature Trails, continues to offer conservation-led journeys that align with global travel trends. “Tourism is about economic transformation and community empowerment,” Singhawansa added. “Our priority is to become a catalyst for change, delivering world-class experiences, and ensuring tourism uplifts the communities we serve.”