Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts appoints Hishan Singhawansa as new Chief Executive Officer

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has appointed Hishan Singhawansa as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking the start of a new phase for the brand, which manages a portfolio of 17 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Singhawansa, who has over 17 years of experience with the John Keells Group, assumes the role at a significant time for the region’s tourism industry. His appointment coincides with the continued strengthening of Sri Lanka and the Maldives as leading global travel destinations, with the Maldives attracting international visitors seeking luxury, authenticity, and sustainability.

“The Maldives represents one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, and our resorts here embody international standards, sustainability, and unique guest experiences,” Singhawansa said. “We are focused on scale, innovation, and consistency, ensuring that our guests enjoy world-class, personalised stays while we champion community empowerment and environmental stewardship.”

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts operates four properties in the Maldives: Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, and Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. Each resort highlights the natural beauty of its surroundings, supported by responsible tourism practices. The brand has introduced initiatives in coral restoration, eco-parks, marine conservation, and community engagement, offering guests the opportunity to actively participate in sustainability programmes.

The group has also invested in the future of the hospitality sector through the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, which provides training to meet international standards and encourages youth participation in the industry. The academy places particular emphasis on women’s empowerment, with a target to increase female representation to 30 per cent within the next three years.

As the only Sri Lankan brand within the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts connects with more than 30 million members worldwide through its Cinnamon Discovery loyalty programme, broadening its international reach.

With the appointment of Singhawansa, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its ambition to play a key role in the growth of tourism in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, combining authenticity, innovation, and scale to deliver exceptional hospitality.