NEWS

Biography - Dr. Harsha Jayasinghe

I am Dr. Harsha Jayasinghe, an accomplished General Manager with over 33 years of extensive leadership experience in the leisure and hospitality industry. My career has been shaped by a relentless pursuit of excellence, marked by my ability to lead diverse teams, optimize operations, and drive strategic growth. I am recognized for transforming underperforming properties into profitable ventures, a skill that has defined my career and established me as a results-driven leader within the sector.

My journey in hospitality began with a solid academic foundation. I hold a Diploma in Food & Beverage Management from the Education Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association in Cyprus. This program ignited my passion for the hospitality sector and provided me with a strong understanding of operational excellence. Building on this, I earned an Associate B.Sc. in Hotel Administration from the College of Tourism and Hotel Management in Cyprus. This degree equipped me with critical insights into hotel operations, enhancing my technical and managerial capabilities.

To diversify my skill set, I pursued a Diploma in Marketing from the Polytechnic Institute Limited. This qualification broadened my understanding of market strategies, branding, and customer engagement— elements that have been pivotal in driving success in my managerial roles. To cap off my academic pursuits, I earned a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from the Commonwealth Peace University in Honolulu, USA. This achievement reflects my deep commitment to understanding and contributing to the strategic and managerial dimensions of the hospitality industry.

I began my professional career as a Management Trainee, a role that exposed me to the operational intricacies of the hospitality sector. This experience served as the foundation for my career, offering me a hands-on understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional service and operational efficiency. Over the years, I have climbed the professional ladder, holding key roles such as Chef, Executive Assistant Manager, Operations Manager, Resident Manager, and ultimately, General Manager.

Each of these roles has been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership and management. As a chef, I honed my creativity and precision. As an Operations Manager and Resident Manager, I developed a comprehensive understanding of managing large teams, streamlining processes, and ensuring the highest standards of service. These experiences cumulatively prepared me for the multifaceted responsibilities of a General Manager.

As General Manager, I have consistently overseen all operational aspects of hospitality businesses, including service delivery, financial performance, and team leadership. I pride myself on fostering a collaborative work culture that inspires teams to achieve common goals. A defining feature of my leadership style is my ability to turn around underperforming properties, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and profitability. This approach has not only enhanced my professional reputation but also contributed to the long- term success of the organizations I have served.

Beyond my immediate professional responsibilities, I am actively involved in advancing the hospitality industry. I am a Life Member of several prestigious organizations, including the Management Club, the Negombo Motor Sports Club, and the Classic Car Club of Ceylon. These memberships reflect my diverse interests and my commitment to fostering professional and personal growth.

Currently, I serve as the Secretary of the Bentota & Beruwela Hoteliers Association, representing 17 hotels. In this role, I work closely with industry leaders to promote the collective interests of the hospitality sector, advocate for its growth, and address emerging challenges.

On an international level, I am a Forum Member of the Operational Professional Association, a global platform with over 60,000 members across 51 associations. This role allows me to exchange insights with industry professionals worldwide, stay informed about emerging trends, and contribute to shaping the future of the industry. Additionally, I have served as the Immediate Past Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality, UK – Sri Lanka Chapter. This esteemed position enabled me to promote professional development and uphold global hospitality standards within Sri Lanka and beyond.

My leadership journey began long before my professional career. As an Athletic Captain in school, I learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that continue to influence my leadership style today. Additionally, my role as a Troop Leader in scouting instilled in me a sense of responsibility and mentorship, skills that have been integral to my career.

I am also a proud medal holder of the Culinary Art Chef's Guild, which highlights my appreciation for culinary excellence and its role in the hospitality industry. On a personal level, I am a record-holder in athletic sprint events in the Kalutara District, further reflecting my commitment to setting and achieving ambitious goals.

Receiving the Outstanding General Manager award at the Asia Awards, powered by the World Research Congress, has been one of the most humbling and significant milestones of my career. This prestigious accolade serves as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and collective effort of the incredible teams I have had the privilege of working with over the years.

This recognition is not merely a personal achievement; it symbolizes the success of countless individuals who have contributed their passion, expertise, and hard work to achieving shared objectives. It reinforces my belief in the power of collaboration and innovation in driving meaningful change and achieving remarkable results.

For me, this award is a source of inspiration to continue striving for excellence. It motivates me to embrace new challenges, implement forward-thinking strategies, and foster a culture of innovation and growth within the organizations I serve.

As I reflect on my journey, I remain deeply committed to advancing the hospitality industry. The sector is evolving rapidly, influenced by technological advancements, changing customer expectations, and global market dynamics. To remain competitive, it is essential to anticipate these changes and adapt with agility.

I am grateful for the opportunities, recognition, and support I have received throughout my career. These experiences have shaped me as a leader and as an individual, and I look forward to building on this foundation to achieve even greater success in the future.

My vision is to inspire teams, implement innovative strategies, and leave a lasting legacy of excellence in every organization I lead. I firmly believe that the key to success lies in embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and maintaining a relentless focus on delivering value to customers and stakeholders.

Together with the exceptional teams I work with, I am excited to continue setting new benchmarks in hospitality management and leadership. The challenges ahead are both exciting and demanding, and I am eager to tackle them with the same passion and determination that have defined my career thus far.