TESTING UNCHARTERED WATERS

Hiran Cooray, Chairman of the famous string of Jetwing Hotels in Sri Lanka talks to Navindi Fernandopulle about his plans to venture out into the relatively unexplored northern territory post conflict.

What inspired you to join the hotel industry?

Jetwing was started by my father in the early 1970s; I joined the family business in 1987 after completing my studies in the USA. Since then I have enjoyed every minute of it.

What makes Jetwing Hotels different from other hotels?

Our focus on the Environment and the local communities will be the main reason for differentiation.  We also have a very strong team of dedicated people who go out of their way to provide legendary services.

Sri Lanka was in the midst of a twenty six year old civil war. Have things changed since then?

Pre war, hoteliers were on survival mode and did not have confidence in new products or service.  The playing field has changed completely after the end of the conflict.  Confidence has returned, new products and services are introduced and old hotels are either transformed or being transformed.  I think the biggest support we have got from the Government is by bringing in safety and stability to the country.  Without safety and stability, Tourism cannot flourish.

Any plans to venture into the virtually unexplored North Eastern territory?

We are managing a four bedroom Villa in Pottuvil called Kottukal Beach House.  Our next venture will be the management of a luxury Hotel in Passikudah; we hope to have it operational by summer of 2014  Jetwing also owns land in Trincomalee and Arugambay and those are on planning stages at this point in time.

(Contd. in US Lanka magazine)