Thursday Jun 11, 2026
Thursday Jun 11, 2026
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Arshed Refai
On 10 April, hoteliers along Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast gathered at Sun Siyam Pasikudah to confirm a new chapter for the Eastern Coast Hotel Association (ECHA), appointing Sun Siyam Pasikudah General Manager Arshed Refai as its new President.
The meeting was as much a statement of intent as it was an administrative milestone, reflecting a growing conviction among East Coast hoteliers that Pasikudah, with its calm bay, unhurried pace and quiet natural beauty, is ready to step out of Sri Lanka’s shadow and into the spotlight.
ECHA brings together hoteliers along Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast around a shared purpose: raising Pasikudah’s profile, improving coordination across member properties, and building an industry community capable of advocating collectively for the region. The newly confirmed committee sees Neranjan continuing as Vice President, with Ruwan as Secretary, Priyanka as Treasurer, and Hafi as Assistant Treasurer.
In his address following the appointment, Arshed outlined an ambition that goes beyond the boundaries of any single property. The goal is clear: to position Pasikudah as the premier tourist destination in Sri Lanka and the wider region. He also spoke about the role sustainability must play in that journey, from reducing waste and conserving energy to supporting local communities and protecting the coastline that defines the destination. The tone throughout was collaborative rather than directive.
“We are stronger together,” Arshed said. “Pasikudah has extraordinary natural beauty, warm hospitality, and immense potential. Together, we must elevate its profile, attract quality visitors, and ensure every guest leaves with an experience that brings them back. Responsible tourism is not just the right thing to do. It is the future of our industry.”
That ambition is well timed. Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has entered 2026 with renewed confidence, and the East Coast, long the quieter counterpart to the island’s better-known southern and western shores, is drawing growing interest from travellers seeking something less predictable. Pasikudah’s calm shallow bay, unhurried pace and natural beauty have always set it apart. A more organised and vocal industry association means the destination now has the collective voice to match what it has always quietly offered.
Sun Siyam Pasikudah, which hosted the meeting, is part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, a Maldivian owned hospitality group.
