Minor Hotels Sri Lanka has announced two leadership promotions across its Kalutara resort complex, comprising Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort. Jude Silva, previously Hotel Manager at Avani Kalutara Resort, has been promoted to Complex Resort Manager, while Ashane Fernando, formerly Cluster Assistant Director of Sales, has been promoted to Complex Director of Operations. Both appointments encompass Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort, bringing together extensive resort management experience and a strong understanding of hospitality operations and commercial performance.

The promotions celebrate two distinct career journeys rooted in hands-on guest service and shaped by continuous learning. Together, Jude Silva and Ashane Fernando bring perspectives that will support the teams across both properties in delivering thoughtful service, strengthening operational standards and creating memorable stays that reflect each brand’s individual character.

Jude’s hospitality career began in the early 1980s in housekeeping, laying the foundation for decades of growth into resort leadership. His experience spans Villa Ocean View, Hotel Sigiriya and Hibiscus Hotel, followed by his role as Executive Housekeeper at Hotel Serendib in Bentota, where he strengthened his operational expertise and people management skills.

In 2009, a cross-exposure placement at Anantara Hua Hin Resort in Thailand, facilitated by Serendib Leisure Management, broadened his understanding of international luxury hospitality and Anantara’s service culture. He later assumed wider management responsibilities at Club Hotel Dolphin before joining Avani Kalutara Resort as Resident Manager and progressing to Resort Manager.

His promotion to Complex Resort Manager recognises a career shaped by perseverance, continuous learning and a commitment to people, bringing extensive operational knowledge and thoughtful.

Ashane began his career as a Front Office Trainee at Cinnamon Red Colombo, gaining an understanding of guest service before moving into sales. Over more than eight years with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, he progressed through sales and commercial roles across city and resort properties. His final position with the group was Senior Manager – Sales at Cinnamon Bentota Beach, where he contributed to the resort’s transition into Cinnamon’s luxury Signature Selection.

In March 2025, Ashane joined Minor Hotels Sri Lanka as Cluster Assistant Director of Sales, overseeing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), leisure and corporate business across the Sri Lankan portfolio. His responsibilities spanned corporate accounts, weddings, group business and destination sales, further developing his understanding of how commercial strategy translates into guest expectations and hotel performance.

Appointed Complex Director of Operations in September 2026, Ashane now brings that commercial perspective to the delivery of the guest experience across both Kalutara resorts. The move builds on his front office beginnings, connecting his knowledge of markets and client needs with the daily work of resort teams. His focus is on aligning the experiences promised to guests with the service they receive, while supporting team development and long-term business growth.

Set between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu Ganga lagoon on Sri Lanka’s west coast, Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort form a distinctive coastal resort complex within convenient reach of Colombo. The neighbouring Minor Hotels properties bring two complementary hospitality experiences into one destination: Anantara’s personalised luxury and sense of place, alongside Avani’s relaxed style and lively social atmosphere.

Across the complex, guests can shape their stay around private pool villa residences, Geoffrey Bawa-inspired architecture, distinctive dining, spa and Ayurvedic wellness experiences, or family recreation and adventure. Lagoon water sports, kayaking and activities at the Glider Adventure Tower add an active dimension to a coastal escape, while wedding and meeting facilities extend the destination’s appeal to celebrations and business gatherings. This breadth gives couples, families and groups the freedom to combine relaxation, discovery and shared experiences within one Kalutara setting.

As Jude and Ashane step into their expanded roles, their journeys offer an encouraging example of the opportunities hospitality creates for those who continue to learn and grow. Their combined experience will help guide the next chapter for Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort, with the people behind each guest experience at the heart of their leadership.

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Royal Palms Beach Hotel (RPBH), Kalutara, proudly received the Silver Award under the Hotel Sector – Service Large Category at the National Cleaner Production Awards 2025, organised by the National Cleaner Production Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. The awards ceremony was held on 6th November 2025 at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, Colombo. Notably, RPBH was the only hotel recognised in its category, marking its third consecutive win.

A responsible leader in sustainable hospitality, RPBH integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and holds key international certifications, including ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, HACCP, and Travelife Gold. It is also Sri Lanka’s first Eco Label certified hotel. The hotel implements the 12R waste management system, alongside comprehensive water and energy efficiency programmes, single-use plastic-free operations, biodiversity protection, and community engagement initiatives, providing guests with a five-star experience that harmonises comfort with environmental responsibility.

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Global hospitality leader Minor Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Christoph Dueker as Cluster General Manager for Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort, effective September 2025.

With more than 20 years of international experience, Christoph has worked with some of the world’s most respected luxury and lifestyle hotel brands across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Having started his career with Four Seasons, he has held senior management positions with Park Hyatt, Shangri-La, and Marina Bay Sands, among others. His leadership style combines strong commercial acumen with a genuine passion for people and place, creating hotels that are both high-performing and deeply connected to their local communities. His focus on guest-centric innovation, destination-inspired design, and meaningful community engagement has consistently translated into elevated experiences and sustainable performance.

Commenting on his appointment, Christoph said, “I’m truly excited to be in Sri Lanka and to work with the talented teams at Anantara and Avani Kalutara. Both resorts have distinctive personalities: one a peaceful Sir Geoffrey Bawa–inspired luxury sanctuary, the other a vibrant lifestyle beach escape. My focus will be on strengthening their individual character while deepening their connection to this beautiful destination.”

Nicholas Smith, Vice President Operations – Asia, at Minor Hotels, added: “We are delighted to welcome Christoph to this pivotal leadership role in Sri Lanka. His global experience and commitment to thoughtful innovation will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the distinct positioning of our resorts. With a sharpened focus on destination awareness and sustainability, Christoph is well-placed to lead the next phase of growth for our properties in Kalutara.”

Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu River, Anantara Kalutara Resort offers a unique sanctuary where contemporary luxury meets Sri Lanka’s coastal charm, blending the architectural vision of Geoffrey Bawa with heartfelt hospitality. Next door, Avani Kalutara Resort invites guests to embrace a vibrant island spirit with laid-back elegance and refreshing experiences for families and leisure travellers alike. Together, the two resorts form a distinctive riverside and oceanfront haven on the island’s southwest coast, uniting Anantara’s refined sophistication and Avani’s upbeat energy to deliver meaningful journeys and unforgettable moments under Minor Hotels’ world-renowned ethos of inspired living.

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