Sriyangani Dhanapala: A Trailblazing Leader Inspiring the Next Generation

Sriyangani Dhanapala has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most inspiring corporate leaders, making history as the first female Resort Manager of Cinnamon Bentota Beach, one of the country’s most iconic luxury hospitality destinations.

Her appointment marks a powerful milestone not only for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts but also for the broader hospitality industry in Sri Lanka, where senior female leadership roles have traditionally remained limited.

Sriyangani’s rise to this prestigious position is a story of determination, academic excellence, and visionary leadership.

With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality sector, her journey began in Brand Marketing at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, where she built a reputation for strategic thinking, innovation, and a deep understanding of customer experience. Over the years, she successfully led diverse marketing campaigns, strategic research initiatives, and long-term business development projects.

What truly sets her apart is her remarkable ability to evolve.

Driven by passion and ambition, Sriyangani transitioned from marketing into operations, focusing on brand quality assurance and guest experience development. This move allowed her to directly influence service excellence and operational standards, helping shape the Cinnamon brand into a world-class hospitality name.

Within just eight years, she rose through the ranks to hold major leadership roles, including Director of Brand Development for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Assistant Vice President at the John Keells Group.

Today, she leads the iconic 159-room Cinnamon Bentota Beach Resort, managing a team of over 365 staff members while ensuring the highest standards of guest satisfaction and service excellence.

Her academic achievements are equally impressive.

Sriyangani holds a BSc in Business Management with First Class Honours from the University of Wayamba and an MBA with First Class Honours from the Postgraduate Institute of Management. She is also a certified trainer dedicated to developing youth soft skills and leadership capabilities.

Beyond titles and achievements, Sriyangani has become a symbol of women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape.

She continues to advocate for stronger female representation in hospitality leadership, challenging outdated perceptions and proving that women can thrive in one of the country’s most demanding industries.

Her journey is more than a personal success story.

It is an inspiration for every young woman in Sri Lanka who dares to dream bigger, lead stronger, and break barriers.

Sriyangani Dhanapala is not just managing a world-class resort.

She is shaping the future of leadership in Sri Lanka.