Sun Siyam Resorts appoints industry experts to ignite reopening of Pasikudah hotel

General Manager Arshed Refai (right) and Sales and Marketing Manager Dulanka De Mel

Sun Siyam Resorts, a renowned and multi-award-winning Maldivian hospitality group, has announced the appointment of Arshed Refai as General Manager and Dulanka De Mel as Sales and Marketing Manager at Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka. 

Their appointment comes in anticipation of the eagerly-awaited reopening of this remarkable five-star boutique haven, on 17 November 2023. 

The property has undergone a comprehensive rejuvenation, assuring guests a captivating experience that harmoniously blends accessible luxury with the cultural opulence of Sri Lanka. Arshed and Dulanka bring a wealth of industry expertise to this rejuvenated property.

In his role as General Manager, Arshed, a Sri Lankan national, will oversee the overall operations of Sun Siyam Pasikudah. He collaborates closely with the CEO and the Group General Manager of the organisation. Arshed began his career in IT but gradually transitioned into operations, gaining extensive experience in the field, over the years. Prior to this role, he served as Operations Manager at Sun Aqua Pasikudah, which was rebranded as Sun Siyam Pasikudah in 2020. With over a decade of dedication to Sun Siyam Resorts, Arshed has been involved from the inception and initial construction stages of Sun Siyam Pasikudah, and has since overseen all operational aspects of every department within the property. 

Arshed said: ‘‘I’m very proud to be part of a dynamic and vibrant organisation where ideas, vision and creativity thrives. With Sri Lanka back on the map and tourism buzzing, my main role will be spurring its growth and continuously create that local yet diversely rich cultural stay for our guests and go on to contribute significantly to the country’s tourism industry and economy as a whole.’’

Sri Lankan national, Dulanka will be leading all marketing and sales efforts of Sun Siyam Pasikudah as he comes with over 13 years of progressive experience in the country’s hospitality sector. Having previously worked with ANI Private Resorts, Onyx Hospitality, UGA Escapes, Resplendent Ceylon, Aman Resorts and Cinnamon Grand, Dulanka will be key in driving destination and product positioning. ‘‘Sri Lanka has always shown resilience despite numerous challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis. With the country on a steadfast economic recovery and a positive outlook for tourism, we are putting together some ambitious plans for Sun Siyam Pasikudah and for Sri Lanka as an ideal destination. I’m honoured to be a part of this journey,’’ said Dulanka.

Sun Siyam Resorts is a multi-award-winning hospitality group with over 30 years of experience, owning and managing five luxury private island properties in the Maldives and a boutique beach retreat on the East Coast of Sri Lanka.