At Hilton Colombo Residences, Mother’s Day unfolded in an atmosphere of elegance, warmth and treasured family moments, as “Flow” hosted a specially curated celebration, dedicated to women who hold families together. From cocktails to a lavish international spread, the afternoon gourmet indulgence was enjoyed with heartfelt appreciation.

In just two years, ITC Ratnadipa has carved a distinguished place in Colombo, blending Indian warmth and Sri Lankan hospitality under a dynamic and capable leadership of its General Manager Keenan McKenzie celebrating its second anniversary in Colombo. ITC Ratnadipa stands today as a symbol of grace, resilience and excellence Guided by the strong leadership of the General Manager and its team and with an unwavering commitment to service, this luxury property has become one of the most talked about hospitality destination.

(Q) Two years in, how would you define the journey of ITC Ratnadipa in Sri Lanka?

(A) Over the past two years, we have focused on creating experiences that genuinely celebrate Sri Lankan art, cuisine, culture, and heritage, while ensuring that every guest who walks through our doors experiences the warmth and character of the island. Through cultural events, culinary experiences, and partnerships with Sri Lankan artists and communities, we have focused on creating experiences that celebrate and support local talent, traditions, and heritage.

From a business perspective, the journey has also been one of continuous evolution. Guest expectations today are constantly changing, and we have remained agile in adapting our offerings and personalising experiences to meet those expectations. That approach has enabled us to build strong guest relationships and achieve steady growth over the past two years.

What has been particularly rewarding is how quickly ITC Ratnadipa has connected with the people of Colombo and the wider community. We have established a strong presence in Colombo, in a relatively short period of time, to the extent that our twin pillars have become part of the city’s identity.

(Q) What was the biggest challenge in establishing brand loyalty, and how did you overcome it?

General Manager led the celebrations with pride

(A) One of the biggest challenges was entering a market where several established hotels have built relationships and loyalty with Sri Lankan guests over many decades. However, we approached that challenge very positively. Rather than seeing it as a limitation, we saw it as an opportunity to better understand Colombo and adapt ourselves to the market in a meaningful and authentic way. Our focus was on creating experiences that genuinely connected with the people of Sri Lanka through our dining concepts, cultural experiences, personalised service, and community engagement.

(Q) ITC Hotels is known for its sustainable ethos. How has that philosophy been adapted to Sri Lanka?

(A) Sri Lanka is moving steadily towards a more sustainable future, and there is a growing national focus on responsible practices, environmental awareness, and long-term sustainability across industries. At ITC Ratnadipa, we have been very conscious about supporting and aligning ourselves with that vision through the way we operate and engage with our teams and guests.

From internationally recognised standards, such as our LEED certification, to initiatives such as ŚūnyaAqua, the “zero-mile” water initiative, sustainability has been integrated into many aspects of our daily operations. At the same time, we believe this journey goes beyond infrastructure and systems. It is also about education, awareness, and creating behavioural change.

(Q) What distinguishes ITC Ratnadipa from other luxury properties in Colombo?

(A) Responsible Luxury distinguishes us. From the way the hotel was conceptualised and built to the experiences we offer today, our focus has always been on creating luxury that is thoughtful, sustainable, and meaningful. Responsible Luxury is not just one aspect of the hotel, it is the foundation upon which every experience is built.

While some properties position themselves primarily as business hotels, leisure destinations, or entertainment hubs, we have consciously created a hotel that brings together all of these elements. Whether through our accommodation, dining experiences, wellness offerings, or personalised service, every aspect of the hotel is designed to deliver a refined luxury experience.

(Q) ITC Ratnadipa is known for culinary excellence. How has the food and beverage scene evolved at the property?

(A) The food and beverage journey at ITC Ratnadipa has evolved very organically over the past two years, with a strong focus on understanding the local market while still delivering distinctive culinary experiences. Our signature restaurants, such as Peshawri, Islander, and the Oyster Bar, have each created their own identity within the city’s dining scene, with Islander, in particular, resonating strongly through its focus on fresh local seafood and coastal flavours.

At the same time, we have been very conscious about adapting to the preferences of the Sri Lankan market. For example, with the strong local appreciation for Chinese cuisine, restaurants, such as Yi Jing, have resonated very well with guests. We have also expanded our offerings beyond dining by introducing more curated evening experiences and entertainment.

(Q) How do you see Sri Lanka positioning itself in the global luxury tourism market today?

(A) Sri Lanka has a very strong opportunity to position itself as a leading luxury tourism destination because the country already has so much to offer naturally and culturally. From its beaches and wildlife to its heritage, cuisine, and even industries, such as gem artistry, Sri Lanka has experiences that are truly unique to the island.

At ITC Ratnadipa, we believe luxury should also feel connected to the destination itself. Our focus has been on giving guests an authentic Sri Lankan experience, not only by encouraging them to explore the country, but also by bringing elements of Sri Lanka into the hotel, through food, culture, art, and hospitality.

I believe that if the industry, collectively, continues to showcase the true identity of Sri Lanka to the world, the country can further establish itself as a top luxury destination globally. Sri Lanka is genuinely a gem of an island, and that authenticity is its greatest strength.

(Q) What is your vision for ITC Ratnadipa over the next five years?

(A) Over the next five years, my vision for ITC Ratnadipa is for it to become a true pillar of luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka, where luxury remains our foundation, and where the hotel is equally recognised for celebrating Sri Lankan cuisine, culture, art, heritage, fashion and entertainment.

We want to continue creating curated and authentic experiences for the global traveller while strengthening our identity as a hotel that truly reflects the spirit and culture of Sri Lanka. Whether through our culinary experiences, cultural collaborations, artistic showcases, or entertainment offerings, the aim is for guests to experience Sri Lanka not only outside, but within the property itself.

(Q) Two years in, what is the one promise you made at the launch that you feel is still yet to be fully delivered?

(A) When we launched ITC Ratnadipa, we introduced ourselves as the “Jewel in the Colombo Skyline,” and I believe today we have truly established that presence within the city. In just two years, we have established ourselves so strongly, within the city, that today, Colombo’s skyline cannot be imagined without our twin pillars, and that in itself has been a remarkable achievement for us.

At the same time, I would still say that this journey is only the beginning. Two years is still a relatively short period in hospitality, and we continue to focus on becoming more deeply connected with the community and creating experiences that resonate with both local and international guests. We have adapted, evolved, and established a strong foundation, but there is still much more we want to achieve as we continue growing alongside Colombo and Sri Lanka.

By Zanita Careem

An evening of vibrant culture, authencity flavours and Korean hospitality unfolded at Hilton Colombo, as guests gathered to experience a spectacular Korean night celebrations. Showcasing the rich culinary traditions and dynamic spirit of South Korea, the event offered a memorable gastrronomical journey in the heart of Colombo. From traditional delicacies to contemporary Korean, guests enjoyed an immersive dining experience, complemented by a lively ambience, reflecting the growing cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Korea.

Hilton Colombo presented ‘Seoulful Flavors at Graze,’ a 10-day culinary showcase at Graze Kitchen, celebrating the richness and diversity of South Korean cuisine. Conducted in collaboration with Conrad Seoul, this exclusive experience, took place from 14 to 23 May 2026, demonstrating authentic South Korean delicacies and enticing umami flavours in a culturally inspired dining ambiance.

Guest Chefs Jeong Hun Han and Young Hun Hwang presented a specially curated dinner buffet, which featured bold aromatics, fermented ingredients, and balanced specialties with delectable side dishes, or banchan, that showcased a delightful spicy, tangy, and savory twist. Guests had a wide choice with sumptuous highlights, including Kimchi Fried Rice and Korean Mixed Noodles, a live Korean Pancake Station, Korean Shaved Ice with Sweet Red Beans, and so forth.

Commenting on the collaboration, Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager for Hilton Sri Lanka and General Manager of Hilton Colombo, said, “This collaboration with Conrad Seoul allows us to showcase the depth, balance, and vibrancy of South Korean cuisine with true authenticity. At Hilton Colombo, we aim to create meaningful culinary experiences that go beyond dining, connecting guests to cultures and traditions from around the world.”

This special partnership with Conrad Seoul reinforces Hilton Colombo’s commitment to bringing globally inspired culinary experiences to the city of Colombo, offering guests the exclusive opportunity to indulge in authentic South Korean dishes crafted by chefs, whose culinary roots originate from this unique cuisine.