Top professional Rohan appointed Waters Edge Chairman and CEO

Top professional and well-known personality in the hospitality industry Rohan Fernandopulle has been appointed as the Chairman and CEO of Waters Edge with effect from 3 July along with a new Board of Directors by the Urban Development Authority (UDA). 

For Rohan, this is the second stint at Waters Edge as he previously served as the General Manager and his key achievements included tripling revenue within a span of four years, and introducing unique F&B concepts such as the popular ‘Thuna Paha’ restaurant.

Prior to the new appointment Rohan was the General Manager of Cinnamon Lakeside and John Keells Holdings Vice President F&B initiatives for Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts. 

Rohan is a celebrated chef with nearly four decades of experience, both locally and internationally. He has won several prestigious awards for his culinary expertise, as well as F&B initiatives that have helped to showcase contemporary Sri Lanka with a modern twist.  

Upon completion of his professional qualifications, Fernandopulle opted to specialise in the culinary arts, given his passion for cookery. 

Having won a scholarship from the Hilton chain to study in Austria, Rohan’s love for cooking gave him the opportunity to travel the world, including to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and ultimately back home, where he held the distinction of being appointed the first Asian Executive Chef at Hilton Colombo, a role he played for a decade and a record he says he still holds as the only Sri Lankan.

After nearly three decades serving the Hilton chain, he took up the position of General Manager at Waters Edge. 

He conceptualised ‘Thuna Paha,’ a restaurant to bring in the rural face of Sri Lanka in a very contemporary setting, serving food with flair, with a story unfolding on each plate served. Sustainability and community are subjects close to his heart and he incorporated knowledge enhancement and life skill development among the community youth. He incorporated these concepts into the new restaurant with organic ingredients, service staff sourced from the community and intensive hospitality training to enhance their knowledge and livelihoods. 

His accolades include Gold and Silver medals at the Culinary Olympics, Bocuse d’Or, and the distinction of being placed second in the world at the ‘Black Box’ competition in Japan. Rohan is also a President’s Award winner of the Best Chef award.

Stints at Waters Edge and Galle Face Hotel have further helped him understand and master the mechanics of managing diverse properties. 

Rohan is the President of Bocuse d’Or. He is also the only Sri Lankan member of the prestigious ‘Club Des Chefs Des Chefs’ and is a member of the famous club, Chain des Rotisseurs as Chef de Rotisseur. His specialty is trans-ethnic cuisine which he pioneered in Sri Lanka.