Sunrise Resorts & Cruises Announces the Appointment of Janitha Madawala as Cluster & Senior Director of Food & Beverage

Sunrise Resorts & Cruises proudly announces the appointment of Janitha C. Madawala as Cluster & Senior Director of Food & Beverage. A distinguished hospitality professional, Janitha is celebrated for his dynamic leadership, extensive global expertise, and proven excellence in operational management, strategic project execution, and luxury service delivery.

Janitha’s illustrious career began in the picturesque island nation of Sri Lanka, where he laid a strong foundation for his hospitality journey. From there, his path carried him across the serene waters of the Indian Ocean to the Maldives, immersing him in the tranquility of island hospitality. His career further expanded into the dynamic and fast-paced markets of the Middle East, with notable roles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

As his journey continued, Janitha’s expertise was further refined in the United States and the Caribbean, where he embraced the challenges of large-scale operations in diverse and complex markets. Most recently, the South Pacific and Fiji in particular, has become both his professional focus and personal home, where he has delivered exceptional results.

“We are thrilled to welcome Janitha to lead our food and beverage division,” said Alberto Matos, Cluster General Manager. “His remarkable career, global perspective, and proven track record in delivering transformative guest experiences and operational success make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

Janitha’s career has encompassed leadership roles at world-class properties, including Hilton Colombo, Galle Face Hotel, Grand Oriental Hotel, and upscale resorts such as Hikka Tranz, Cinnamon Citadel, and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.

In the Middle East, Janitha further honed his expertise at Southern Sun Hotel, Ramada Jumeirah, and Premier Inn Hotels at Abu Dhabi Airport and ADNEC, consistently delivering exceptional service in both luxury and contemporary settings. His tenure at Carnival Cruise Lines expanded his global reach, where he managed complex F&B operations, oversaw dry-dock transformations, and introduced innovative dining concepts as part of the Carnival 2.0 initiative.

Most recently, Janitha showcased his adept leadership at Crowne Plaza Resort & Spa Fiji, managed by IHG, where he spearheaded the pre-opening and successful launch of multiple F&B venues, establishing them as benchmarks of operational excellence. His strategic collaborations with global brands such as Sunrise Resorts with TUI Group and Sentido, Emirates Leisure Retail with Whitbread PLC, Premier Inn, Costa Coffee, and Carnival Cruise Lines with brands like Guy's Burger Joint, Emeril's Bistro 1396, and Starbucks, further underscore his ability to align operations with brand values while driving innovation.

Reflecting on his appointment, Janitha said, “I am deeply honored to join Sunrise Resorts & Cruises and to contribute to its legacy of exceptional hospitality. I am passionate about crafting extraordinary dining experiences, fostering talent, and elevating operational excellence. Together with the talented team at Sunrise, I look forward to setting new benchmarks in luxury and service.”

Janitha is a graduate of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, specializing in international hospitality management with a focus on food and beverages. He is a Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) by AHLEI (USA) and holds a diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from ICOSOC. Janitha is also a member of the Institute of Hospitality (UK), a Fellow of the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association (FCHSGA), and a senior member of the Emirates Culinary Guild (UAE).