An evening of reverence at Jetwing Hotels

• Felicitating over 25 years of service 

 In an effort to pay homage to their senior most associates at Jetwing Hotels on dedicating 25 years of service or more to the Jetwing family, an evening of Reverence took place on 25 October, at Jetwing Blue with over 80 associates receiving awards of service. 

The late Herbert Cooray founded Jetwing on the grounds of passion and humility with a handful of associates supporting him through a difficult journey. Being a true believer of people passion, the soaring success of Jetwing is attributed to its associates who have over the 44 years played a pivotal role within the Jetwing family. This evening was attended not only by those who have completed 25 years of service and more and are still continuing their service but those who have concluded their long years of dedication to the Jetwing family as well but are still with us as well-wishers. 

Their stories of success have undoubtedly contributed to the Jetwing story of triumph. A true inspiration to the young ones within the Jetwing family, Hyacinth Gunawardena joined the Blue Oceanic Blue Hotel (now Jetwing Blue) as a trainee receptionist under the guidance of late Herbert Cooray. Her thought process of work as a passion than a profession drove her to achieve only the highest of acclaims within the hospitality industry as she presently is the Director General Manager for both Jetwing Blue and Jetwing Beach. 

They also have with them Jayasena Bandara who incidentally is the only associate to work under three generations of the Cooray family and who is as old as Jetwing Hotels. He has watched many hotels build its way up to the Jetwing chain of hotels and has been a loyal supporter of the Cooray family in building the Jetwing family. 

In the same light, Ruan Samarasinghe – Managing Director, Jetwing Hotels has been a pillar of strength holding the Jetwing family together since its inception with the late Herbert Cooray. Being the most senior associate in the Jetwing Family he has been a true inspiration to all over the years. 

As such 82 stories of undeterred dedication and passion were recognised that evening by Hiran Cooray – Chairman, Jetwing; Ruan Samarasinghe – Managing Director, Jetwing Hotels and Shiromal Cooray – Managing Director, Jetwing Travels along with late chairman’s wife Josephine Cooray. 

Speaking at the event Jetwing Chairman Hiran Cooray said, “We are blessed to have been in the industry for long years and even more so be a leader in tourism from such humble beginnings. There’s no doubt that the legendary service that Jetwing is known for is the hard work and passion put in by all of our associates. Today we celebrate some of the greatest individuals I know, and those who I am privileged to call my colleagues and friends. I thank all of you for being the strength to my father at the inception and now standing by me as we continue to carry on the legacy of the Jetwing family.” Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 44 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. 

In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy, across all properties sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education, and awareness being some of their key focus areas.