Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Colombo launches General Manager On-The-Job Mentorship in celebration of IWD 2023

Dini Isaacs

Vinuri Nanayakkara

Gayani Punchihewa

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts is committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive and supportive of all our employees. The organisation’s belief is that gender equity is both a moral and commercial imperative. When everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, the company benefits holistically. 

In keeping with the theme of #PurpleistheNewPink, the Colombo sector properties of the Cinnamon brand launched the “General Manager On-The-Job Mentorship Training Program” today. 

Under the program, three aspiring female associates were chosen for a comprehensive mentorship under the current General Managers of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo and Cinnamon Red Colombo.

Cinnamon Grand Colombo Director – Sales, Corporate and Social Events Dini Isaacs, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo Front Office Manager Gayani Punchihewa and Cinnamon Red Colombo Assistant Manager – Learning and Development Vinuri Nanayakkara took over the reins of running all operations at the three properties on 8 March and will continue on-the-job training and mentorship.

Speaking on the launch of the program, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Colombo Area Vice President Kamal Munasinghe said: “The Cinnamon brand has been a catalyst in adopting and promoting best practices that enable women to enter the hospitality industry and strengthen the workforce with their unique skills and talents. 

“We constantly encourage our female associates to aim high and persevere, and this program is truly a stepping stone for our ladies to break barriers and reach for their ultimate career goals. We are also proud to celebrate the Cinnamon theme for this year #PurpleistheNewPink which denotes a sense of regality and empowerment that all women possess. 

“I am immensely proud of the three ladies who have taken on the roles of General Managers of the respective properties today, and look forward to many more stepping up to the challenge.”

Under the mentorship program the ladies not only take on the role of General Manager but also comprehensively learn and understand the different functions in hotel operations, an overall look at the brand’s impact on the tourism industry in Sri Lanka and are also given the opportunity to present groundbreaking new ideas which can truly take the Cinnamon and Sri Lankan brand of hospitality to the world.

Cinnamon, along with ONE JKH, has acknowledged the need to create an environment to address gender equality across the business and increase female participation in non-traditional roles. 

Cinnamon’s “EmpowHer” is an Employee Resource Group, created as a platform for the female colleagues to network, collaborate, and ideate. As a leading hospitality brand, the vision is to lead by example in making the industry a place where women can excel and prosper, showcasing that there are diverse long-term career opportunities.