In an era where robots and AI are threatening to take over, or already taking over our lives, when core values are being dismissed as outdated and decency, kindness, caring and feelings are somewhat summarily discarded, hearing Sanjiv’s philosophy in life and work, the emphasis or perhaps his kind suggestion that one must be a role model to inspire the new generation, gentle nudge to instill values, tradition, culture and authenticity and bring back the old world charm while new technology is yet abound, is a breath of fresh air.
More fittingly it would be a splash of cold water that can awaken those having fallen to the depths of despair because of what society has been dishing out lately in this sphere!
The new CEO / GM of Cinnamon Life- City of Dreams, Sanjiv Hulugalle in appearance and mannerisms conveys this. Calm, collected and charming are attributes that can be a winner in every field. Possessing those traits as well as the ability to remain rooted not only to the good values instilled at an early age that remains with you right throughout life, but also putting service first in your career and to be a beacon to the generations to come by being a role model is yet another -indeed these are worthy legacies one can leave behind.
With all the experience one needs in the hospitality trade, with wide international exposure that spans two dozen countries and five continents Sanjiv has taken on the reigns like duck to water and rearing to go to take not only the Cinnamon life hotel but its 1,600 employees too through their own dreams, like the many he has himself achieved and counting!
Q. What’s Cinnamon Life?
A.“Cinnamon Life is unique and special. This project is going to define Sri Lanka’s authentic hospitality style. Almost every part of Colombo can be seen when you stand here and look out. I would like everyone to be connected with the space. It’s all about being part of a place to get an authentic experience. It must have Sri Lanka’s elements- our country’s hospitality is authentic and it is brought out in a way, at Cinnamon Life with an amazing touch of Sri Lanka. It’s an authentic local brand – the tagline is, ‘Become, to experience’.”
“Cinnamon Life must be the living room of Colombo. It will be the heartbeat of Colombo, he emphasized. “There is storytelling, and creating moments. We have just the spaces, fabulous meeting rooms for just that. Bring back the old world charm. Essentially it will be about bringing back life, to be living and may it the best place for those looking for adventure, but enhance modernity at the same time.”
Sanjiv, a product of Royal College left our shores at age 19. An outstanding career in hospitality that spanned three decades gave him a career journey across four continents and two dozen countries including the Maldives, Beijing, Malaysia, USA, Canada and UAE which took him from a pool attendant job to propel him to where he is today. He was appointed to prestigious high posts in the hospitality sector and excelled at his profession within the long years. Now he has landed in his own birth place- just when he was on semi- retirement – a call of destiny changed all that. Leading by example at the Cinnamon Life, situated at the heart of Colombo, he sits on the Hot Seat now, having followed his heart.
Q. What helped you make this decision to return to serve Sri Lanka and why Cinnamon Life in particular?
A. “This project is deeply connected to my roots. It’s a way of giving back to the country that gave me so much. It’s not just another role — it’s legacy work. At this point in my life, it wasn’t about the next title — it was about purpose. I was semi-retired, but when Cinnamon Life called, it wasn’t just an opportunity; it was a homecoming.
Q.What are you bringing with you, specifically to Colombo, from the wealth of experience that you have?
Every culture I’ve lived in has left an imprint on me. What I’ve learned is that true luxury is about authenticity, emotional connection, and storytelling. Colombo has this incredible raw charm — our vision is to elevate it without diluting it. That’s where global know-how meets local soul.
Q. How do you see leading your team and what methods do you plan on applying here?
“Cinnamon Life will produce the architects and actors of the future hospitality of Sri Lanka. It is not a legacy that you leave behind. But help the younger generation to dream big. One has to be connected with your past, be in the present and look to the future. The co-essence is family but let the young generation lead.There are sixteen hundred employees. It’s about giving them a platform, giving them to create something special. Introducing a culture that has creativity and excellence “
“It all starts with culture. Treat people like the way you like to be treated. Give clear guidelines of what we look forward to. Be a role model so that our younger generation can be inspired.” he advices. “Be real. Lead with the heart. Allow people to be themselves. I don’t believe in perfection – I believe in potential. High-performing teams thrive when you build trust, embrace diversity, and give them space to create magic.”
Q.Where is Sri Lanka now from an outside perspective?
A. “Unchartered territory for many, not established as a country where you can have many incredible places.Wild life, spirituality, cultural beliefs, ocean waters…
People don’t know. We need to get organized, we have the product, where are we reaching out to?
Sanjiv Hulugalle speaks, with deep affection of his mother, who had been an exceptional lady of service. “Her role was decency, kindness and creating joy in others’ lives.
She was a lady manageress at the Samudra, located in what is today known as the old building at the front of the Taj Hotel. She loves taking care of people. She has worked in various positions in hospitality – was Director house- keeping.
For Sanjiv, it is his mother who had been a huge influence, “She would say do what you like the most and serve from the heart.” he recalls. He initially wanted to be a teacher. “Serving other people is what I like. Mother was the biggest influence. She loved taking care of people.” Although sadly no more in physical presence, she will be beaming at Sanjiv’s achievements and happy that he is now reunited with his father in Colombo and very close at hand for him.
Sanjiv is the only son among five other girls and speaks of nostalgic moments during his childhood in Sri Lanka. Having had such fond memories has urged him on to take on the reigns of this ‘City of Dreams’ now making waves in Colombo.
“We need to instill the old values, Sri Lankans can do it. There is a lack of confidence. We need to position ourselves, have a clear hospitality drive and attitude and believe in ourselves.”
Q.Can you speak of an achievement or experience that was a real challenge?
“I served as a group President of Hospitality & Real Estate at KOHLeR Co. My previous experience also includes roles as Regional Vice President & General Manager of Auberge Resorts Collection. At Auberge, leading the repositioning of a $210 million resort into a visionary master plan was an incredible challenge. But Cinnamon Life might be the most meaningful. It’s not just a transformation of a property — it’s a transformation of how the world sees Colombo.
His expertise in luxury resort management was honed during his 24 years of service with Four Seasons where he constantly had to lead teams and they earned top resort awards at prestigious hotels within the portfolio worldwide.”
Q. How much does it mean to you to be back home and serve?
A.“It’s a way of giving back to the country that raised me — with its gracious hospitality, boundless warmth, and vibrant soul.” He dreams of a bold, new vision of urban escapism, of global experiences grounded in local soul, and of Sri Lankan hospitality elevated to its highest form.
“Sri Lankan hospitality is naturally gracious and kind,” he reflects. “It’s in our DNA. My mother would’ve wanted me to return and give back.”
We all ought to be proud of those who return to serve our motherland – that itself is the starting point of the example he sets for the younger generation.
He is set to encompass the rich culture, vibrant character and the abundance of opportunity that modern Sri Lanka is capable of.
Sanjiv is at the right age, right place and a passion for the right values and has the courage and confidence that Sri Lanka can do this.
We ought to be as proud as his mother surely who would be beaming at her son from above for having carried out her legacy of service and that her son, a global hospitality visionary has returned to lead Sri Lanka’s most ambitious integrated resort yet.
