A transformational leadership move for Sri Lanka’s most ambitious hospitality venture
In a landmark announcement for Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape, Cinnamon Life has appointed Mr. Sanjiv Hulugalle as the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of its flagship development, City of Dreams. This strategic appointment marks a defining moment in the evolution of the country’s premium lifestyle and tourism sector. Bringing with him more than three decades of global experience across 12 countries and five continents, Hulugalle’s appointment is set to reshape Colombo’s hospitality narrative.
A Sri Lankan by origin, his return to lead this multi-billion-dollar vision combines both professional excellence and a deep personal commitment to the island nation. His expansive career includes transformative roles at global hospitality giants. As Group President of Hospitality and Real Estate at KOHLER Co., he led cutting-edge developments. At Auberge Resorts Collection, he repositioned a $210 million landmark project. Notably, his 24-year tenure at Four Seasons saw him lead multiple award-winning properties across Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
Hulugalle steps into this role with a clear and compelling vision: to create a destination that fuses global luxury standards with the soul of Sri Lanka. “This is more than a professional role – it’s a personal journey,” he shares. “The opportunity to contribute to the next chapter of Sri Lanka’s growth, in a way that honours its culture and potential, is incredibly meaningful to me.” In addition to his hospitality background, Hulugalle brings a strategic lens shaped by investments in AI-powered technologies, wellness-driven consumer brands, and real estate innovation. His leadership is expected to infuse the City of Dreams with both timeless elegance and forward-looking relevance. Renowned for his empathetic leadership style, Hulugalle is a firm believer in authenticity and emotional intelligence in business. “Lead with honesty, serve with heart,” he says. “That’s when real transformation begins.”
City of Dreams, envisioned as South Asia’s first fully-integrated resort with a development value exceeding USD 1.2 billion, is poised to become a symbol of Sri Lanka’s resurgence on the global luxury map. Under Hulugalle’s stewardship, Cinnamon Life’s bold vision is expected to soar to new heights.
