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From humble beginnings to being part of Sri Lanka’s $1.3B mega project, Sanjiv Hulugalle’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and hospitality at its finest.
When you meet Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life, you’re instantly struck by his warmth and easy-going nature. There’s excitement in his voice, a twinkle in his eye, and above all, an eagerness to share not just his story but Sri Lanka’s next big chapter.
On his recent visit to India, we sat down for an exclusive conversation, delving into his remarkable journey from a “pool boy” in Sydney to helming the country’s most ambitious hospitality project yet: Cinnamon Life, at the $1.3 billion ‘City of Dreams’.
“I left Sri Lanka when I was 19,” Sanjiv reminisces. “Now, it’s a roundabout for me – coming back home, being part of something, giving back to what gave me so much growing up.” This sense of returning, of coming full circle, permeates his vision and passion for Cinnamon Life.
From Sydney Pool Boy to Global Hotelier
Sanjiv’s introduction to hospitality was almost accidental. “I started as a pool attendant. In those days, they called it pool boy,” he laughs. “I gave out towels, cleaned equipment, and tried to impress guests by doing little things. That job taught me generosity and humility. It was the best job I ever had in my career.”
His journey then became a tapestry of global experiences – Sydney, Goa, Las Vegas, Toronto, Vancouver, Beijing, Langkawi, Damascus, Maldives, Hawaii, Dubai… Each role, whether as a general manager or asset manager, built layers of understanding, resilience, and vision. “I found myself sitting with Chinese ownership groups at just 33, trying to convince them I was old enough for the role of GM!” he recalls, grinning.
The Call That Changed Everything
After a period of semi-retirement in Hawaii, focused on family, Sanjiv received a call from a friend – Chairman of John Keells Holdings – about a project in Sri Lanka. “He said, ‘I’ve got this project. Come and have a look.’ I didn’t know then that it would be the most significant project in our country’s history.”
City of Dreams, as he describes it, is “more than a hotelier’s job, more than a business – it’s patriotic.” With two world-class hotels (Cinnamon Life and Nua), a casino, a grand mall, and an array of immersive experiences, it’s set to redefine not just Colombo’s skyline but the spirit of Sri Lankan hospitality.
Building the City of Dreams
“City of Dreams is going to redefine the landscape of Sri Lanka,” Sanjiv beams. “It’s a melting pot of art, culture, music, dance, and culinary experiences. 14 restaurants and bars, five beautifully curated ballrooms – meetings in the sky, we call them. The journey starts on the 24th floor, with breath-taking city views.”
The architectural ambition is palpable. “It’s not the tallest building, but it’s iconic. The design, by Cecil Balmond, is adventurous for Sri Lanka. It’s like what the CCTV Tower is to Beijing; iconic, one of a kind. For John Keells to take on such a project required vision and courage.”
But it’s never just about the bricks and mortar. “Sri Lankan hospitality is different. It comes from the heart. We’re about authenticity, real connections. That’s what we want guests to feel.”
Vision Born of Resilience
City of Dreams’ story is one of vision – and grit. “It started with a conversation, a sketch on a napkin, 14 years ago. Through Easter bombings, COVID, and economic crises, the project never stopped. That’s the spirit of Sri Lanka: Resilience. We’ve faced so much, but we continue.”
As Sanjiv points out, the scale is unprecedented: “It’s a $1.3 billion project, the largest private investment in Sri Lanka’s history. Even regionally, it’s significant. People thought it was coming up in Dubai, not Colombo!”
Unlocking the Heartbeat
Taking over as CEO of Cinnamon Life, Sanjiv’s first instinct was to “unlock” the property. “When I came in, the hotel was ready, but it was empty. We needed people. So, I said, let’s welcome everyone – the locals, the community. Invite them in, make them feel part of us.”
This open-hearted approach paid off quickly. “Within five months, we turned the business around. Numbers jumped from March to April. We went from losing money to breaking even. And it wasn’t peak season. It was about getting our priorities right, making the place accessible and real.”
He calls it a case study. “I asked the team, ‘What is the heartbeat of this place?’ We realized it was the GATS Bar – beautifully designed, oversized, a funnel for experiences. Once we got people into that space, we could move them throughout the property. That’s the key in projects like this: Know where your heart is, your point of view, your face. Everything flows from there.”
India: The Key Market
Sanjiv is candid about what will make or break Cinnamon Life’s success. “Without India, we won’t be able to succeed, honestly. India will bring not just any guests, but those highly vested in experiences. Our Indian MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) business is critical, as is the casino segment. It’s so easy to travel from India to Sri Lanka, and we’re building strategies around Indian influencers, culinary experiences, entertainment, and more.”
The Personal Connection
For Sanjiv, this project is more than a job. “It’s personal. I don’t work for a pay check here. This is about helping Sri Lanka, about leaving a legacy. I want to help the people, the country, and create something exceptional with our team. When I see our staff – coming from Jaffna, Batticaloa, Kandy, Galle – each with their own story and hope for the ‘City of Dreams’, I feel a greater purpose.”
He speaks of the importance of nurturing talent: “What brings a smile to my face? When my team discovers themselves, celebrates their success, and grows. As a leader, that’s the greatest gratification. It’s not about me – it’s about the person serving food, opening the door, being the best version of themselves.”
Tradition Meets Modernity
Cinnamon Life is rooted in the local, even as it reaches for the global. “The flowers in our hotel? All local. We buy local, support the community, keep the soul of Sri Lanka alive in every detail. We blend local culture with global architecture and design.”
This, Sanjiv believes, is what will set Cinnamon Life apart: “It’s an experiential city, with depth and texture. We’re telling old stories, bringing back nostalgia, igniting Colombo – just like Mumbai or Calcutta. We want to activate the city, not just be a spot people pass through.”
A Project Like No Other
With the official launch just over, and Hrithik Roshan having come over as the Chief Guest, Sanjiv’s excitement is infectious. “But the real magic is in the experiences, the people, the stories we’re creating.”
He sums up: “This is more than hospitality. It’s about making people feel they belong, making Sri Lanka proud, and building something that lasts. You only get one chance to be part of history.”
As our conversation ends, it’s clear that Cinnamon Life, under Sanjiv Hulugale’s stewardship, is not just a property – it’s a movement, a testament to resilience, vision, and heart. And as Indians look for their next great escape, Colombo’s City of Dreams beckons, ready to surprise, delight, and welcome them home.
Source : https://www.hotelierindia.com/
