Meteoric Rise, Breaking the Glass Ceiling 

At 34, Sriyangani Dhanapala is the first female Resort Manager at Cinnamon Bentota Beach. She is also the Director of Brand Development and Assistant Vice President at John Keells Group.

Her career progression is impressive and Sriyangani has made a remarkable impact in the hospitality industry, where female leadership is still rare. Her journey began over a decade ago in Brand Marketing at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, where she excelled in managing diverse projects, collaborating with global travel leaders, and shaping strategic business plans. Her transition to operations showcased her dedication to enhancing customer experiences and driving operational excellence. 

For Sriyangani, her work is more than a career; it’s a commitment to uplifting women in an industry where their potential is often overlooked. With a vision to increase female representation at Cinnamon Hotels from 17% to over 20% in the coming years, she is determined to create more opportunities for women to thrive. Managing the iconic 14-acre Cinnamon Bentota Beach, Sriyangani oversees 159 rooms, 365+ staff, and their families, while ensuring a memorable experience for every guest.

Her proudest achievement is becoming the Resort Manager at Cinnamon Bentota Beach Resort, a position that not only highlights her leadership but also the strides women can make in this field, one of the most challenging industries.

Sriyangani believes that with the right investments and support, more women will be encouraged to pursue careers in hospitality, ultimately transforming the industry for the better. She is driven by a desire to challenge the stigma around women working in the hospitality sector, advocating for change and celebrating the possibilities available to them. Her academic achievements and global travel experiences further fuel her passion for inspiring the next generation of female leaders in the industry.