54th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association

A Celebration of Connection, Collaboration, and Leadership

The 54th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA) was held on 27th September 2025 at the picturesque Habarana Village by Cinnamon, under the inspiring theme “Connect, Collaborate, and Celebrate.”

The event was graced by Hon. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, Vice Chairman of the World Rural Tourism Council (WRTC) and President of Clootrack Software Labs, delivered an engaging and thought-provoking keynote address.

More than 250 members from across the country participated in this prestigious gathering, including several past presidents and distinguished industry professionals, reflecting the strength and unity of Sri Lanka’s hospitality alumni network.

A historic milestone was marked during this AGM as Dr. Gitanjali Chakravarthy was elected President of SLHGA, becoming the first woman to hold this esteemed position in the Association’s 54-year history.

Dr. Gitanjali Chakravarthy: First Woman to Lead SLHGA

With over three decades of distinguished service, Dr. Chakravarthy stands as a visionary leader who has redefined excellence in hospitality. She made history as the first Sri Lankan woman appointed General Manager of a global hotel brand, leading the successful opening of Hilton Yala Resort—Hilton’s only wildlife resort in the world. Under her leadership, the property earned multiple global accolades, including the Hilton Connie Award, Tripadvisor honors, and World Luxury Hotel Awards.

A former Senior Lecturer and Head of Housekeeping at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), Dr. Chakravarthy has mentored countless professionals who now serve in key roles across the industry. She holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism Economics and Hotel Management and was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality Management by Digital Washington University, USA, in 2024.

The Immediate Past President of the Association is Mr. Patrick Perera, who currently serves as the Vice President of Learning & Development / Rooms Division at Aitken Spence Hotels. Mr. Dinesh Hettiarachchi continues as Vice President of SLHGA; he is the General Manager of City Hotels – Mandarina Colombo and Marine Bay Colombo under Macksons Holdings. Mr. Thankshila Galappaththy was appointed as the General Secretary of the Association and presently serves as the Hotel Manager of City of Dreams, Cinnamon Life. Mr. Pradeep Liyanage was appointed as the Treasurer of SLHGA. Who is currently serving as the Managing Director for Ceylon Hospitality Services (Pvt) Ltd.