Deep Dive With Nandana Wirasinha

Nandana Wirasinha is the General Manager of The Kingsbury, Colombo. With nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, he is passionate about elevating Sri Lankan hospitality and nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.

How does it feel to be back in your home country where your career started?

Returning to Sri Lanka, where my journey began, is both humbling and invigorating. My roots are in the south of Sri Lanka, and my formative years at Royal College, Colombo, shaped my early ambitions. After nearly three decades abroad—primarily in the UAE with the Jumeirah Group—I feel a deep sense of responsibility and privilege to contribute to the place that gave me my start. The hospitality landscape here has transformed since I left in 1997, and it is rewarding to bring back the global experience I gained to help elevate Sri Lankan hospitality. The Kingsbury, with its heritage and reputation, is the perfect setting for this next chapter of my career.

Over 3 decades in UAE, any secret mantra for success in hospitality you would like to reveal?

If I had to distill my mantra for success, it would be: strive for excellence and never take shortcuts. In Dubai, the expectation was always to be number one—there was no room for mediocrity. This mindset shaped my approach to every project, every team, and every guest interaction. I believe in mastering the basics, driving consistency, and constantly innovating. Success in hospitality is not a destination; it’s a daily commitment to raising the bar, learning from mistakes, and celebrating achievements, no matter how small.

During my years in the UAE, I discovered that true excellence is built on a foundation of discipline, humility, and a willingness to adapt. I was fortunate to lead teams that achieved significant milestones, such as earning the coveted Triple Black Hat status for our dining outlets—an achievement that required relentless attention to detail and a culture of continuous improvement. I also learned the importance of investing in people: mentoring, training, and empowering them to take ownership of their roles. In the end, it’s the collective passion and dedication of your team that drives a hotel’s reputation and guest satisfaction.

Personally, I find fulfillment in seeing guests genuinely happy—a smile in the lobby is the best reward for any hotelier. This guest-centric mindset is what I strive to instill in every member of my team.

Kingsbury under your leadership, what can we expect?

My vision for The Kingsbury is to build on its strong foundation and elevate it to new heights. We already have a reputation for excellence, but I want us to be benchmarked not just against local competitors, but against the very best hotels in the world. You can expect a relentless focus on guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and innovation.

We are entering a new era where guest expectations are evolving rapidly. Today’s travelers seek not just comfort, but authentic experiences, sustainability, and personalization. To meet these demands, we are investing in advanced training for our staff, embracing new technologies, and fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability. I am committed to nurturing a workplace where every team member feels empowered and motivated to deliver memorable experiences.

We will continue to enhance our culinary offerings, introduce new lifestyle concepts, and collaborate with international brands to bring world-class experiences to Colombo. Our commitment is to transform our spaces into premier dining and entertainment destinations, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the city.

Ultimately, my goal is for The Kingsbury to be recognized as a leader in hospitality, not just in Sri Lanka, but across the region—where every guest leaves with a story worth sharing and every staff member feels proud of their contribution.

In your view, what makes Kingsbury a unique property in Colombo's hospitality stage, and are there any plans to amplify that?

The Kingsbury stands out for its timeless design, award-winning cuisine, and world-class amenities. But what truly sets us apart is our people—the warmth, humility, and professionalism of our team. Our restaurants are bustling, our corridors are alive with energy, and our guest feedback speaks volumes about the experiences we create.

To amplify these strengths, we are introducing global best practices, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We are enhancing our sustainability initiatives, investing in staff development, and curating unique guest experiences that reflect both Sri Lankan heritage and international standards. Our focus is on innovation without losing sight of our roots—ensuring that every guest leaves with a sense of connection to our culture and community.

Looking ahead, we plan to further expand our lifestyle and experiential offerings, tapping into the growing demand for boutique and personalized experiences. We want The Kingsbury to be the hotel of choice for discerning travelers seeking both luxury and authenticity in Colombo.

As a GM, there are so many expectations on you. What's your secret recipe for managing all that?

Managing expectations from multiple stakeholders—owners, guests, associates, and the wider community—requires clarity, prioritization, and communication. My secret is to always put the guest at the center of every decision. If we delight our guests, everything else falls into place.

I believe in empowering my team, setting clear goals, and fostering a culture of accountability and recognition. By building trust and maintaining open lines of communication, I can align everyone towards our shared vision and deliver results that exceed expectations.

As a leader, I strive to be visible and approachable, ensuring that my team feels supported and valued. I encourage open dialogue, welcome feedback, and lead by example—whether it’s rolling up my sleeves during busy periods or celebrating the achievements of our staff. I also prioritize my own learning and development, staying attuned to industry trends and best practices.

Ultimately, effective leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels motivated to contribute their best, where challenges are seen as opportunities, and where success is shared by all.

How do you manage the talent conundrum, especially since a lot of talent migrated during the crisis years?

Talent retention and development is a pressing issue in Sri Lanka, especially after recent challenges. I see this as an opportunity to tap into new talent pools—interns, trainees, and graduates—and invest in their growth. We offer structured training programs and encourage continuous learning. I also believe in the value of international exposure; when our people go abroad and return, they bring back invaluable skills and perspectives. It’s like polishing a diamond in the rough. My goal is to create an environment where talent feels valued, challenged, and inspired to build long-term careers in hospitality.

We have established partnerships with local hospitality schools and training academies to attract fresh talent and provide them with real-world experience. Our management trainee programs are designed to fast-track high-potential individuals into leadership roles, ensuring a steady pipeline of future leaders for The Kingsbury and the wider industry.

Moreover, I view the migration of talent not as a loss, but as a potential gain for the country in the long run. Professionals who gain international experience often return with new ideas, skills, and a broader perspective, enriching our industry and raising standards. By fostering a culture of growth, recognition, and opportunity, we can inspire loyalty and create a workplace where people want to build their careers.

Any last thoughts?

As I look ahead, my commitment is to give back—both to The Kingsbury and to the broader Sri Lankan hospitality industry. I hope to mentor young professionals, support sustainability initiatives, and help position Sri Lanka as a global benchmark for hospitality. Leadership, for me, is about humility, lifelong learning, and service. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and excited for the journey ahead. Together, we will continue to create memorable moments, one guest at a time.