Hiran Cooray honoured with THASL Lifetime Achievement Award 

Hiran Cooray (right) receiving the THASL Lifetime Achievement Award from President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Hiran Cooray was recently honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 58th Annual General Meeting of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL). 

The award, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and President of THASL M. Shanthikumar, celebrates his exceptional contributions and steadfast dedication to the growth and enhancement of the hospitality and tourism industry in Sri Lanka. 

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, known as the apex body in the country’s hotel industry, significantly contributes to the promotion of tourism and hospitality. Its mission revolves around fostering tourism for the advancement of commerce and economic development in the country. Hiran Cooray served as president of THASL from 2005 to 2008 and again from 2014 to 2016. 

Walking in the monumental footsteps of the late Herbert Cooray, his father and the visionary behind Jetwing, Hiran carries forward a legacy that transcends mere business. It’s a legacy deeply rooted in a genuine desire to share the very best of authentic Sri Lankan hospitality with the world, always mindful of the impact on the environment and local communities, a guiding principle woven into Jetwing’s identity since its inception 50 long years ago. 

Just as Herbert did, Hiran upheld the commitment and visionary leadership that propelled Jetwing Hotels to become the leading hospitality brand in Sri Lanka and to be recognised globally as a benchmark for sustainable travel. Jetwing’s pioneering spirit has evolved from positioning Negombo and Galle as sought-after destinations during the founder’s tenure to venturing into the vibrant city of Jaffna and other uncharted areas such as Wellawaya and Pottuvil under Hiran’s leadership.

In acknowledgment of Jetwing’s continuous efforts through the years, Hiran received international recognition by becoming the first Sri Lankan Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) based in Bangkok. Additionally, he represented Jetwing on the Board of Small Luxury Hotels of the World from 2007 to 2014. His commitment to being an advocate for responsible tourism was further showcased in his role as an alternate member on the UNWTO Tourism Ethics Committee from 2013 to 2021.  

Reflecting on his father’s achievement, Managing Director, Jetwing Hotels, Dmitri Cooray says, “I was extremely happy and proud to see my father receiving this recognition from THASL. He has always had an unwavering love for the motherland. Never once did he give up on Sri Lanka, always highlighting the potential the country holds. He didn’t just share this vision with our family; he instilled it in every member of the Jetwing family and in his peers in the industry, always showcasing his passion for the betterment of Sri Lanka.”