Veteran Hotelier and Industry powerhouse, Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President Colombo Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has nearly three decades of International and local hospitality expertise in managing luxury hotel brands including several local hotels.
Some of his most notable achievements have been the opening of the first –ever Alila in Malaysia, a 410 – room refurbishment of the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur, and introducing the Liquid Sky Bar at Renaissance Riverside Saigon, to name a few.
Munasinghe’s proven track record of establishing brand consistency and proactively leading, identifying and capitalising an opportunity to drive excellence in operations, enhance financial performance, and growth across the Cinnamon Colombo hotel portfolio, has not only guided teams to deliver exceptional service standards but also to create inspiring moments for guests across the Colombo City.
Munasinghe was first appointed as General Manager of both Cinnamon Grand and Cinnamon LakesideColombo as a part of the restructuring that took place at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts post pandemic. Since then, he has been instrumental in spearheading the transformation of the Colombo properties under the brand.
Munasinghe believes that Sri Lanka holds the opportunity to become the world’s most sustainable Tourism destination featuring wellness, wellbeing and mindfulness. His mission has been to motivate the team at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts to achieve these goals.
Q: What are your views in general about the tourism industry status currently while sitting in the seat of the hospitality trade at the helm of management in one of the leading hotels in Sri Lanka?
The tourism industry in Sri Lanka has shown remarkable growth over the past two years following the economic downturn. It is encouraging to see tourist arrivals steadily climbing back to pre-crisis levels, with 2.3 million visitors recorded in 2018 and an ambitious target of 2.5 million arrivals this year.
From a hospitality perspective, Sri Lanka has the capacity to accommodate this growth in terms of hotel infrastructure. However, the real challenge lies in finding and retaining skilled talent to deliver exceptional guest experiences that match global standards.
For Colombo, in particular, it is crucial to reposition the city beyond just a transit hub. By offering more immersive experiences, we can attract visitors to spend extended stays rather than just passing through. This shift will be key in maximising tourism revenue and enhancing Sri Lanka’s appeal as a world-class destination.
Q: We all experienced the excitement that Cinnamon Life opening generated in the city. What are the plans of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts in general that you can reveal to us that have been listed for 2025 ?
The opening of Cinnamon Life has undoubtedly brought a new level of excitement to Colombo, setting the stage for a transformation in how travelers experience the city. As I said earlier, our goal is to shift Colombo from being just a transit stop to a destination where visitors choose to stay longer. Cinnamon Life is designed to support this vision by offering an integrated resort experience, complete with world-class entertainment, convention facilities, luxury shopping, and fine dining—all under one roof.
Looking ahead to 2025, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts remains committed to its core mission: bringing the best of Sri Lanka to the world with style and elegance. As a homegrown brand, we see it as our responsibility to showcase the richness of our culture, heritage, and hospitality to a global audience. Our focus will continue to be on curating exceptional experiences, investing in innovation and service excellence, and ensuring that Sri Lanka stands out as a top-tier tourism destination.
Q: Heading the Cinnamon Grand, located in the centre of the city and becoming the latest happening place rejuvenated with CHEERS, what have you to say on the hotel’s progress in particular and what’s new for 2025?
Cinnamon Grand Colombo has firmly established itself as the best five-star hotel in the city, a recognition awarded by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Additionally, our Nuga Gama restaurant being crowned the Best Authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine Restaurant further underscores our commitment to delivering extraordinary hospitality and authentic experiences in Colombo.
The revamped Cheers which opened in December 2024, has been a significant milestone, introducing a one-of-a-kind venue for experience seekers in the city.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming Cinnamon Grand’s position as the hub for vibrant social and culinary experiences in Colombo. This is a landmark year for Cinnamon Grand as we celebrate 20 years of operation, a testament to our legacy of excellence. Adding to this, London Grill, our signature fine dining restaurant, is marking its 50th anniversary, a remarkable milestone in Colombo’s culinary scene.
Looking ahead to 2025, we have planned a series of exclusive celebrations to honor these milestones. The first of these will feature renowned Chef Philip Davenport, who will curate a unique culinary journey at London Grill, offering an extraordinary dining experience. This is just the beginning of a year filled with exclusive events, refined experiences, and continued innovation that will reinforce Cinnamon Grand’s reputation as the premier luxury hospitality destination in Colombo.
Q: Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is known for its serene lakeside setting. What unique experiences does the hotel offer and what are the plans for 2025 ?
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is truly a resort in the city, offering an unparalleled urban escape with its serene lakeside setting. Nestled by the tranquil Beira Lake, the hotel provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of Colombo, making it a favoured destination for both leisure and business travellers. With its lush gardens, picturesque waterfront views and diverse dining options, Cinnamon Lakeside creates a unique blend of luxury and relaxation that sets it apart from other city hotels.
The hotel is also a premier venue for special occasions, from grand destination weddings to musical events and large-scale MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) gatherings. The combination of versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces, exceptional service and exquisite culinary offerings makes it a sought-after location for unforgettable celebrations and corporate functions.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are expanding our offerings to meet the growing demand for MICE and convention events. A brand-new venue, with a capacity of over 1000 guests, is being added to further strengthen our position as a leading business and event destination in Colombo. This new space will provide facilities to cater to a wide range of corporate events, conferences, exhibitions and private functions.
With its idyllic setting, outstanding hospitality, and exceptional culinary offerings, Cinnamon Lakeside remains a top choice for those seeking a city escape with a resort-like experience. Our commitment to elevating guest experiences and expanding our offerings ensures that Cinnamon Lakeside will continue to be a vibrant and sought-after destination in Colombo for years to come.
Q: Cinnamon Red Colombo is known for its modern and vibrant atmosphere. How does it cater to the needs of the modern traveller, and what are the upcoming plans for the hotel?
Cinnamon Red Colombo is designed for the modern traveller, blending contemporary design, tech-savvy amenities and a vibrant atmosphere to create a seamless and stylish stay experience. As Sri Lanka’s first lean luxury hotel, Cinnamon Red offers smart, efficient, and comfortable hospitality, catering to business travelers, young professionals, and urban explorers.
The hotel’s smart rooms are equipped with the latest technology to ensure convenience, while its rooftop infinity pool and trendy rooftop bar offer stunning panoramic views of Colombo, making it a popular choice among both locals and international travelers. Its central location provides easy accessibility to business hubs, shopping districts, and entertainment venues, adding to its appeal as an ideal urban getaway.
For 2025, the goal is to further elevate Cinnamon Red’s position as Colombo’s go-to hotel for stylish, hassle-free, and connected stays, while ensuring that guests continue to enjoy exceptional comfort, convenience, and innovation.
Q: We find India as the leading source market for Sri Lanka. Is it the same for Cinnamon Colombo Hotels and Resorts? Which cities in particular are you tapping besides India, and which other nations in Asia and elsewhere are high on the numbers in Cinnamon Colombo Hotels arrivals?
India remains the largest source market for Cinnamon Colombo Hotels, and we actively target all major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore etc. Additionally, we see growing potential in secondary cities, especially with IndiGo’s extensive connectivity and Sri Lankan Airlines’ frequent flights, which support increased traffic from India to Sri Lanka.
Beyond India, Australia has emerged as a strong source market over the past year, with significant growth in arrivals. We are also witnessing a resurgence from the UK market, with increasing interest in Colombo as a destination.
The Middle East is another key focus area for us, benefiting from excellent air connectivity that makes Sri Lanka an attractive destination for travelers from the region.
Additionally, we are working towards expanding our presence in Japan and are actively engaged in strengthening our business from China, recognizing its immense potential for future growth.
By strategically tapping into these markets, Cinnamon Colombo Hotels & Resorts continues to position itself as the preferred choice for international travelers, offering exceptional experiences in the heart of Colombo.
Q: What are the challenges you see in us reaching the three million arrival target and reaching the revenue target of five billion dollars?
While Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on a strong growth trajectory, reaching the three million arrival target and achieving $5 billion in revenue will depend on several key factors.
One of the main challenges is capacity availability from key source markets. However, given the current upward trend in arrivals and increased airline connectivity, this challenge appears manageable, and Sri Lanka is well-positioned to achieve the target.
To ensure sustainable growth, the focus should be on attracting high-spending travellers who seek unique and immersive experiences. Moving beyond just increasing arrival numbers, the emphasis must be on enhancing visitor spending by creating more opportunities for tourists to engage in diverse experiences—whether through premium dining, entertainment, wellness, or cultural experiences.
By expanding offerings in the entertainment sector, supporting the growth of local restaurants, and introducing more curated experiences, we can ensure that tourism growth positively impacts related industries and contributes to the overall economic development of the country.
Ultimately, Sri Lanka’s success in reaching these targets will depend on strategic market positioning, enhanced connectivity, and a strong focus on visitor experiences that drive higher spending per tourist.
Q: With your wide hotel experience locally and overseas, what do you foresee as measures that need to be taken in the hospitality trade now to gear up for a more progressive future to face those challenges
To ensure a progressive and sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry, several key measures need to be taken to address challenges and stay competitive in the evolving global landscape:
Embracing sustainable tourism
The world is shifting towards sustainable travel, and Sri Lanka must position itself as a destination that prioritizes responsible tourism. Implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting local communities, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting conservation efforts will not only attract environmentally conscious travelers but also enhance the country’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism.
Adoption of AI and smart technology
The future of hospitality is driven by technology and AI-based solutions. From personalised guest experiences and seamless check-ins to predictive analytics for operations and revenue management, integrating smart technology will enhance efficiency, guest satisfaction, and competitiveness in the industry.
Focusing on experiential travel
The biggest global trend today is experiential travel, where visitors seek authentic and immersive experiences rather than just sightseeing. Everything we curate must be designed to offer travellers a deep connection to local culture, heritage, and lifestyle—whether through food, adventure, wellness, or unique community interactions. This is key to attracting high-value travellers looking for meaningful experiences.
On developing a skilled and professional workforce
As traveller expectations evolve, the hospitality workforce must be up-skilled to meet the needs of the modern traveller. A strong focus on training, career development, and retaining top talent is essential to ensure that Sri Lanka continues to deliver world-class service and memorable guest experiences.
By focusing on these areas—sustainability, technology, experiential travel, and workforce development—Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector can not only overcome current challenges but also thrive in the long run, positioning the country as a top-tier global travel destination.
Q: To conclude what are your views on a long-term vision for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry?
As we work towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a leading global travel destination, it is critical that we focus on a long-term tourism strategy that ensures sustainable growth and positions tourism as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings for the country.
A key aspect of this strategy must be building and maintaining a strong, unified ‘Brand Sri Lanka’. Our messaging to the world must be consistent, relevant, and aligned with evolving traveler expectations. We must continue to highlight Sri Lanka’s diverse experiences, rich culture, pristine nature, and warm hospitality in a way that resonates with high-value travelers.
Additionally, investments in infrastructure, technology, and workforce development must remain a priority. By fostering collaborations between the public and private sectors, we can create a robust tourism ecosystem that not only attracts visitors but also ensures that they spend more and stay longer, benefiting all sectors of the economy.
The future of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry is promising, but achieving long-term success will require a strategic and forward-thinking approach. By embracing sustainability, digital innovation, experiential tourism, and talent development, we can unlock the full potential of the industry and establish Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination in the world.
