Steering ITC to new heights

The dynamic new face of ITC Ratnadipa Colombo brings global vision with local warmth.With over two decades in the world of luxury hospitality, Keenan McKenzie stands at the helm of ITC Ratnadipa Colombo as its General Manager and Area Manager – Sri Lanka bringing a rare blend of operational precision, creative leadership and deep respect for authentic experiences. His appointment to oversee Sri Lanka is a testament to ITC Hotels’ confidence in his ability to translate the brand’s global standard into a distinctly Sri Lankan experience.

As Colombo continues to redefine its luxury landscape, Keenan McKenzie stands at the forefront of a new era-one where hospitality becomes an art of genuine connection, and every guest encounter tells a story of care, creativity and timeless elegance.

Warm, spirited, meticulous and forward thinking, McKenzie brings not just experience but an attitude -one that blends international hospitality excellence with a deep respect for local culture and community. His arrival signals a renewed focus on creating experiences that are both globally inspired and distinctly Sri Lankan.

Interview of Keenan McKenzie – Area Manager, Sri Lanka and General Manager, ITC Ratnadipa What drew you to take up the position at ITC Ratnadipa Colombo, and what excites you most about this new chapter?

Colombo is a city full of energy, culture, and potential, and ITC Ratnadipa stands as a symbol of luxury that has embraced Sri Lanka’s warmth and heritage — from its architecture inspired by local heritage to its connection with the vibrant city of Colombo. For me, this is more than a property; it’s a statement of how hospitality can celebrate culture, sustainability, and community all at once.

A commitment to excellence- GM steering the ITC towards new milestone

What excites me most about this new chapter is the opportunity to shape the hotel’s journey as a benchmark of responsible luxury in this market — creating experiences that are not only elegant but also purposeful, rooted in local culture, and globally relevant.

How would you describe your vision for ITC Ratnadipa in the context of Sri Lanka’s evolving hospitality landscape?

Sri Lanka’s hospitality is evolving into a more conscious, experience-led space. My vision is for ITC Ratnadipa to become the standard-bearer for Responsible Luxury — where every guest experience connects with the island’s art, heritage, and people. I see the hotel as a place where modern travellers can discover a deeper sense of place — rooted in culture, inspired by design, and elevated through sustainable excellence.

As the new GM, what are your first priorities for the property and your team?

My first priority is people — both our guests and our team. Great hospitality begins with a strong internal culture, where our associates feel inspired, empowered, and proud of what they represent. From there, I want to focus on curating experiences that reflect Colombo’s energy — through food, art, and community engagement. We’re not just operating a hotel; we’re crafting a story that connects us to the city.

ITC Hotels are renowned for their philosophy of responsible luxury. How do you plan to interpret that here in Colombo?

What Responsible Luxury means for ITC Hotels is that we never compromise on our guests’ experience — we allow them to indulge freely, knowing that every resource they enjoy has been thoughtfully sourced and responsibly managed. Our processes are designed to protect and preserve, ensuring that while we provide abundance to our guests, we do so in a way that sustains the planet. At ITC Ratnadipa, this philosophy will be woven into everything we do — from the materials we use to the cuisine we serve — so that every moment of luxury is one of mindful enjoyment.

Here at ITC Ratnadipa Colombo, I interpret this philosophy as a commitment to honouring Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural richness through everything we do — from the way we build and operate, to the ingredients we source and the art we showcase. It’s about delivering exceptional hospitality that delights our guests while caring for the community and the environment that make this island so special.

ITC Hotels has been a pioneer in green building and sustainable operations. How will ITC Ratnadipa reflect these values?

ITC Ratnadipa has been designed as a LEED Platinum-certified hotel, setting benchmarks in sustainable architecture and operations. But sustainability here isn’t just about engineering — it’s about ethos. We’re building relationships with local suppliers, reducing our environmental footprint, and celebrating Sri Lanka’s biodiversity through what we serve and showcase. It’s a commitment to leave a lighter footprint and a richer legacy.

Colombo’s dining scene is vibrant. How do you plan to make ITC Ratnadipa stand out?

Colombo’s culinary scene is incredibly exciting, and we want ITC Ratnadipa to be at its heart. Our approach is to celebrate authenticity — to create dining experiences that are rooted in Sri Lankan produce and flavours, yet presented with global sophistication. We want our restaurants to be not just dining venues, but cultural spaces where food, art, and storytelling come together.

With tourism in Sri Lanka seeing renewed growth, how do you see ITC Ratnadipa fitting into that revival?

ITC Ratnadipa represents a new chapter in Colombo’s hospitality story. As Sri Lanka reclaims its place as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, we aim to be the gateway to that experience — where travelers encounter Sri Lankan warmth through world-class service, design, and gastronomy. We want to be both a sanctuary for international travellers and a gathering place for Colombo’s own community.

How do you plan to position ITC Ratnadipa among regional competitors in the luxury hospitality space?

In a region filled with exceptional hotels, what will distinguish ITC Ratnadipa is authenticity. While others may focus on opulence, we’re focused on meaning — crafting experiences that resonate emotionally. Our strength lies in the synthesis of responsible luxury, cultural depth, and heartfelt Sri Lankan hospitality. That combination is unique and powerful.

What core values do you believe drive excellence in hospitality?

For me, the heart of hospitality is sincerity. Excellence is achieved when every action comes from a place of genuine care — for guests, colleagues, and community. Beyond that, curiosity, consistency, and creativity are essential. They allow us to evolve while staying true to our purpose.

What have you learned about Sri Lankan hospitality since your arrival?

I’ve learned that Sri Lankan hospitality is not something people perform — it’s something they live. There’s an effortless warmth, a generosity of spirit that makes you feel at home instantly. It’s deeply human, and that’s what I want ITC Ratnadipa to embody — hospitality that feels personal, natural, and timeless.

What do you hope every guest remembers most about their stay at ITC Ratnadipa?

I hope they remember how it made them feel. Beyond the design and the cuisine, I want guests to remember the people — the smiles, the gestures, the stories that made their experience uniquely Sri Lankan. If a guest leaves feeling emotionally connected to the place and its people, then we’ve succeeded.

If you describe ITC Ratnadipa in three words, what would they be and why?

Authentic. Responsible. Inspiring.

Authentic, because everything we do is rooted in Sri Lankan culture and artistry.

Responsible, because our luxury is always mindful — of the environment and of our community.

Inspiring, because ITC Ratnadipa is not just a place to stay, but a place that invites you to see, feel, and experience Sri Lanka in a new light.

It was a setting where science met sophistication, Christell Luxury Wellness, unveiled the revolutionary Endolift treatment – a breakthrough in non-invasive facial rejuvenation that promises to redefine beauty from within. The air was filled with quiet excitement as media personalities, socialites and wellness enthusiasts assembled for the official introduction of Endolift – a ground-breaking non signed skin lightening and contouring treatment.

Christell Wellness Centre, renowned for pioneering advanced skin care in the country, now brings home what is widely hailed as the world’s most sophisticated non-invasive laser lift.

This treatment was introduced under the expertise of Dr. Shanika Arsecularatne (MBBS Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine Specialist), CEO of Christell Luxury Wellness.

Unlike imitation or unverified devices currently in the market, Christell Luxury Wellness is the first in Sri Lanka to offer the original, FDA-approved Endolift@ technology, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and clinical precision.

Speaking at the exclusive launch event attended by Christell’s distinguished clientele, Dr. Shanika Arsecularatne stated:

“Our mission has always been to introduce world-class, cutting-edge treatments to Sri Lanka. With Endolift@, we are now offering our clients a revolutionary skin-tightening solution — without the need to travel overseas.”

What is Endolift@?

Endolift@ is an innovative, minimally invasive laser treatment designed to rejuvenate and redefine facial and body contours. The procedure works by inserting ultra-thin micro-optical fibres beneath the skin to deliver targeted laser energy, which:

Tightens and lifts sagging skin on the face, neck, and body Stimulates collagen production for long-lasting rejuvenation

Reduces localized fat deposits in selected areas Enhances skin tone and elasticity with natural-looking results.

Unlike traditional surgical facelifts, Endolift@ requires no general anaesthesia, involves minimal downtime, and provides visible results immediately, with continued improvement over time.

Why Choose the Original Endolift?

As skin-tightening treatments gain popularity, the market has seen the influx of counterfeit or low-grade alternatives. Christell Luxury Wellness sets itself apart by:

Moments from the exclusive Endolift preview,Dr Shanika Arsecularatne with spouse

Offering the only FDA-approved and certified Endolift@ technology in Sri Lanka Ensuring procedures are performed by internationally trained aesthetic specialists Providing clinically proven, safe, and effective outcomes This commitment to authenticity reinforces Christell’s position as a trusted leader in luxury aesthetic medicine.

Elevating Sri Lanka’s Aesthetic Landscape

As Sri Lanka’s foremost name in luxury wellness and regenerative medicine, Christell Luxury Wellness continues to redefine industry standards. From pioneering advanced anti-aging therapies to introducing globally acclaimed aesthetic solutions, the brand remains dedicated to offering clients the best of international beauty and wellness innovations locally.

With the launch of Endolift@ Sri Lankans can now access a world-class, non-surgical skin tightening and contouring experience – exclusively at Christell Luxury Wellness.

The highlight of the event was a live demonstration of the Endolift laser, a cutting edge fibre optic device thinner than a human hair that targets sagging skin under chin fat and loss of facial definition. Dr. Shanika explained how the laser energy works beneath the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen and lighten from wellness, offering results once possible only through surgery.

For Dr. Shanika, who has always championed ethical science driven beauty, this marks another step towards, modern, safe aesthetic care.

Founded by Dr. Shanika Arsecularatne and Professor Ramani Arsecularatne, Christell Skin Clinic stands a safe leader in medical aesthetics, offering personalised treatments that merge science, safety and sophistication.

By Zanita Careem

In celebration of World Vegan Day on November 1st, the historic Mount Lavinia Hotel announced a day dedicated to exceptional organic, plant-based dining experiences. Renowned for its culinary heritage and commitment to sustainability, Mount Lavinia Hotel was the first in Sri Lanka to introduce the concept of vegan buffets on Poya Days in 2010, marking a pioneering step toward conscious and inclusive dining. Continuing this legacy, the hotel reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, wellness, and culinary innovation through a series of thoughtfully curated organic vegan buffets.

Golden,crispy and irresis tibly local

On this special day, guests will be invited to indulge in a vibrant array of vegan delicacies crafted from locally sourced organic produce. The menus, designed by the hotel’s award-winning culinary team, will showcase Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural heritage and the artistry of plant-based gastronomy. In bringing this concept to life, Mount Lavinia Hotel has partnered with Forest Farm Organics, a leading advocate of sustainable and ethical agriculture in Sri Lanka. Through this collaboration, the hotel ensures that every ingredient reflects the highest standards of freshness, traceability, and environmental responsibility—further reinforcing its commitment to mindful, sustainable dining.

“We are proud to join the global celebration of World Vegan Day by showcasing the harmony between health, sustainability, and culinary pleasure,” said Mr. Anura Dewapura, COO of Mount Lavinia Hotel. “Our organic vegan buffets are more than just a dining experience; they are a tribute to mindful living and our responsibility towards the planet. At Mount Lavinia Hotel, we continue to blend tradition with innovation, offering guests meaningful experiences that nourish both body and soul.”

The World Vegan Day Organic Buffet will be available at the hotel’s signature restaurant during Lunch, featuring a diverse selection of international and Sri Lankan dishes all prepared without animal products or derivatives. Highlights include fresh salads bursting with tropical flavors, innovative plant-based mains, and indulgent vegan desserts. Guests can also enjoy live cooking stations, and organic beverages.

Mount Lavinia Hotel, known for its colonial charm and timeless hospitality, has long been a pioneer in promoting sustainable practices within the hospitality industry. From reducing food waste and supporting local farmers to implementing eco-friendly initiatives across its operations, the hotel continues to champion environmental stewardship and responsible luxury.

Event Details: Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 Venue: Governor’s Restaurant, Mount Lavinia Hotel, Mount Lavinia.