To honor the vital contributions of women within the professional events industry, the Event Management Association (EMA) of Sri Lanka hosted an elegant High Tea yesterday, March 11, 2026, at the Ahasa, ITC Ratnadipa.

The afternoon served as a dedicated tribute to the strength, creativity, and leadership of women who drive the industry forward. The event brought together members and industry stakeholders for an afternoon of networking, celebration, and insightful discourse.

The gathering was graced by:

Mr. Saliya Weerasekera – President
Mr. Bathiya Jayakody – Vice President
Mr. Gayan Attanayake – Vice President
Mr. Uzmaan Ghouse – Secretary

Empowerment and Engagement

The formal proceedings featured a powerful keynote address by Vice President Mr. Bathiya Jayakody, who spoke extensively on women’s empowerment and the evolving role of female leadership in the modern business landscape. His address highlighted the EMA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive as decision-makers and innovators.
Closing the formal segment on a lighter note, Secretary Mr. Uzmaan Ghouse delivered a witty and informal speech that resonated with the audience, bridging the gap between professional recognition and the camaraderie that defines the association.

Highlights of the Afternoon

The event concluded with an exciting raffle draw, adding an element of suspense to the festivities. A lucky female participant walked away with the grand prize: a luxury F&B voucher at the ITC Ratnadipa, the venue for the evening’s celebrations.

Attendees adhered to a “Smart Casual” dress code accented with touches of pink and purple, creating a vibrant visual tribute to the spirit of International Women’s Day.

The post Event Management Association of Sri Lanka Celebrates International Women’s Day with Elegant High Tea at ITC Ratnadipa appeared first on Newswire.

ITC Ratnadipa, the jewel in Colombo’s skyline, heralded the start of the festive season with its 2nd Annual Cake Mixing Ceremony held on25th October 2025. The event, attended by a large number of distinguished invitees, marked the joyous beginning of the Christmas season with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of rich spices and dried fruits filling the air.

The ceremony was a glorious celebration of tradition and togetherness, where guests joined the hotel’s culinary team lead in mixing an array of festive ingredients, symbolizing abundance, happiness, and good fortune for the season ahead. The event was beautifully complemented by an indulgent spread of food and beverages, bringing seasonal cheer to everyone’s hearts content.

The evening truly set the tone for the holidays, as ITC Ratnadipa once again showcased its flair for grandeur and attention to detail. With its elegant ambience, festive décor, and vibrant atmosphere, the celebration established a benchmark, ensuring that any forthcoming seasonal event will have to match the pomp and pageantry displayed by ITC Ratnadipa Colombo.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Keenan McKenzie, Area Manager – Sri Lanka & General Manager, ITC Ratnadipa, shared,

“The Cake Mixing Ceremony is a cherished tradition that embodies the spirit of joy, unity, and anticipation for the festive season. At ITC Ratnadipa, we take pride in creating experiences that bring people together in celebration. This event marks the beginning of a truly special time of year, and we look forward to many more such joyous moments with our guests.”

As the festive season unfolds, ITC Ratnadipa Colombo continues to promise a series of memorable experiences, fine dining indulgences, and celebrations that capture the essence of responsible luxury and heartfelt hospitality.

The post ITC Ratnadipa Celebrates the Spirit of the Season with its 2nd Annual Cake Mixing Ceremony appeared first on Newswire.

ITC Ratnadipa Colombo has appointed international hospitality professional Rahul Pavithran as Head of Sales & Marketing in a strategic move to strengthen the hotel’s market position. A seasoned professional, Rahul possesses over 17 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, demonstrating a proven ability to drive revenue growth, enhance brand presence, and expand market reach. In his new role, he will further strengthen the hotel’s efforts to capitalise on emerging opportunities within Sri Lanka’s competitive luxury hospitality sector.

Prior to joining ITC Ratnadipa, Rahul served as Director of Sales at JW Marriott New Delhi, Aerocity, where he managed all sales operations, including corporate accounts, MICE, weddings, and events etc. Under his leadership, the business achieved record-high revenue, demonstrating his strong capability to drive growth across diverse segments. His career also includes senior leadership roles at renowned luxury hotels, including Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, Fairmont Jaipur, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, and Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty.

Commenting on the appointment, Sujeet Kumar, General Manager of ITC Ratnadipa Colombo, stated, “We are pleased to welcome Rahul to our team. His extensive experience and proven track record in hospitality sales and marketing will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen ITC Ratnadipa’s position in the market. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and leadership he brings to the establishment.”

Rahul’s exceptional contributions have been recognised with several accolades, including the prestigious Wall of Fame Award at The Taj.He earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, established by the ITC Hotels Limited, and continues to leverage his extensive industry knowledge to set new benchmarks in hospitality sales excellence.

The post Top Intl’ Hospitality Professional Rahul Pavithran Appointed Head of Sales & Marketing at ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo appeared first on Newswire.