A 20-Year Legacy: Cinnamon Grand Colombo Reaches Key Milestone in Sri Lankan Luxury

Claude Gunasekera, Content Editor for Sri Lanka at The islandchief Travel News Magazine of the Maldives, conducted an exclusive interview with Kamal Munasinghe, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Munasinghe, widely regarded as a luminary in the hospitality industry, previously served as the General Manager for Cinnamon Grand Colombo and was the distinguished recipient of the Best GM Award from the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) during his tenure there.

Kamal Munasinghe highlighted the future growth and visions of the Cinnamon Hotels and resorts as Cinnamon aims to strengthen the profile of both Sri Lanka and the Maldives as leading global destinations, integrating global marketing best practices. The overarching vision is to be a "beacon of responsible hospitality," driving positive change and sustainable growth while delivering world-class, authentic experiences rooted in the local culture of the destinations they operate in. He said as part of John Keells Conglomerate, the company continuously explores growth opportunities and expansion, backed by a robust governance framework and strategic leadership with a key vision; bridging the talent gap in the hospitality industry through extensive training and development.

Cinnamon Grand Colombo is proud to mark its 20th anniversary, reflecting on two decades of market leadership with a steadfast commitment to its core values. It is a premier luxury hotel in Sri Lanka's capital, offering world-class hospitality and dining experiences. Part of the larger John Keells Holdings hospitality group, the hotel is renowned for its commitment to service excellence and promoting the best of Sri Lankan culture to a global audience.

Kamal Munasinghe, Chief Operations Officer of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts said Cinnamon Grand Colombo maintains a leading position in the competitive Colombo market. He pointed to the hotel’s deep history, established in 1975 as the Lanka Oberoi hotel and its unique market demand. The organization upholds high ethical standards in its international marketing and advertising, which are non-negotiable and help position the brand uniquely. Looking ahead, the company is integrating global marketing best practices while promoting Sri Lanka as a premier destination. The hotel continues to welcome international artists and support the city’s cultural landscape.

"As a reputed brand, we can confidently say that we are ready" expressing readiness to support government efforts to attract three million tourists to the nation. "We have the talent and we have a program to support it" said Munasinghe.

Regarding the 20th anniversary of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Kamal Munasinghe, emphasized the hotel's enduring strength in a competitive market and its deep connection with the local community and guests. Munasinghe highlighted that the hotel's primary strength is its ability to offer top-tier hospitality "without sacrificing its Sri Lankan soul," which helps it remain a leading preference amidst growing competition from international chains. He described the hotel, which first opened in 1975, as a generational landmark that has shaped the city's events, culture, and diplomatic engagements. He noted that most local patrons have an "emotional bond" with the property. "For two decades we have been a part of stories of many who have visited the city, be it a celebration, a union or a gathering" Munasinghe stated. "This milestone is an accumulation of countless stories and milestones of celebrations of our guests over the years; it's truly something extraordinary for a brand to experience this level of love and loyalty that has stood the test of time".

He also mentioned that the brand's vision aligns with Sri Lanka's resurgence in global travel, positioning Cinnamon as a benchmark for operational and experiential excellence in South Asia by maintaining an ecosystem that runs with global precision while retaining local warmth. Overall, Munasinghe's statements framed the anniversary as a celebration of enduring legacy, community loyalty, and authentic Sri Lankan identity. "Our vision is to bring the best of Sri Lanka to the world with style and elegance," the spokesperson said. This encompasses the warmth and inherent hospitality the nation is known for, providing a consistent brand connection across all locations.

He expressed gratitude for the local community's support, which was crucial in helping the hotel survive the worst times of the industry in Sri Lanka. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent financial crisis described as ‘worst times of the hospitality industry’ Cinnamon Grand remained "firm and very steady," successfully navigating the turbulence said Kamal Munasinghe. “One of the key things is that we put our people first," the spokesperson emphasized. The company ensured staff had the best care possible during the most difficult times. In return, as business rebounded, employees demonstrated immense gratitude and were "even better yet and motivated to be with this brand and continue to kind of excel in what we do". In addition to focusing on human capital, the organization used the challenging period to strategically restructure the hotel chain, bringing hotels together under a unified structure which has since shown ‘good growth’ across both city properties and resorts. "We are very happy that we managed to cruise through this difficult period. When we are here today celebrating 20 years, we are still closing really well in the market. A key factor in the hotel's resilience, and that of its parent company, John Keells Holdings, was prioritizing its workforce.

Addressing to an inquiry Kamal Munasinghe clarified that while Cinnamon Life stands as an integrated resort with multiple elements icluding gaming and conventions, it is not separate from the brand's core identity. The adjacent 800-room hotel within the City of Dreams complex will operate under standard Cinnamon hotel and resort branding but Cinnamon Life is a property with unique positioning as an integrated resort project.

With regard to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts operations in The Maldives Munasinghe explained that four distinct resorts are well functioned in the Maldives and emphasized its sustainable operations, community engagement, and providing curated guest experiences.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is a 4-star hotel located in the North Malé Atoll. This resort is known as a hub for adventure, particularly famous for the "Pasta Point" surf break. It caters to families, divers, and surfers. Cinnamon Dhonveli, is repositioning itself as an ideal location for corporate retreats (MICE tourism), blending business with leisure activities like surfing and snorkelling. Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, a 4-star hotel situated in the Meemu Atoll, this property was recently reimagined as a 5-star, adults-only retreat, designed for romantic escapes and tranquillity. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives a chic 5-star resort in the Vaavu Atoll that offers a blend of modern Italian-styled luxury and excellent diving opportunities amidst abundant marine life. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is 4-star hotel Located on an island of the same name, this resort is celebrated for its stunning house reef and vibrant marine life, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers.

Munasinghe accentuated the operational progress and future visions of the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. He assured a focused vision of "emotional hospitality" that integrates sustainability, community empowerment, and technological innovation. He said the key operational progress includes; sustainability and environmental stewardship as a core part of their operations involves environmental conservation. Their initiatives include Coral Propagation that Resorts actively engage in coral propagation projects and partner with scientific institutions to study coral adaptability and restore reefs. Waste and Energy Management: The company has eliminated single-use plastics from all guest-facing and back-of-house operations, installed solar panels in several Maldives resorts, and implemented energy-efficiency measures like LED lighting. Certifications: All properties hold the prestigious Travelife Gold Certification and other ISO certifications for environmental, health, and safety management. Community and Inclusivity: The brand emphasizes community engagement and diversity, aiming to increase female participation in their workforce and supporting local communities through employment and supplier integration.