- Thanuja’s inspiring 14-year journey at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
In the heart of the ever-evolving hospitality industry, the success story of W.M. Thanuja Damayanthi stands tall, a source of hope for aspiring women in the field. Having joined as a Housekeeping Executive and rising to Manager Operations at Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, her remarkable 14-year journey with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts not only reflects her dedication and perseverance, but also underscores the pivotal role the company plays in fostering an inclusive work environment for women in the industry.
From humble beginnings to hospitality excellence
Thanuja’s journey began with a simple goal to improve her English language skills. Coming from a background where opportunities were scarce, she joined the Ceylon Hotel School in Bandarawela through a personal connection of her father. Impressed by the quality education and variety of skill building opportunities on offer, Thanuja embarked on a journey that would shape her future.
Enrolling in a basic course in front office, a six-month programme she could follow while learning English, she laid the foundation for her success. Reflecting on her early days, Thanuja expressed: “I enjoyed the environment of the school, the way teachers taught, and the practical training provided in the hotels. I passed my final exam with an A grade and had the opportunity to come to Colombo Hotel School for the first time in my life.”
In Colombo, Thanuja’s steadfast attitude and commitment to learning allowed her to explore various facets of hospitality. From her initial role as a trainee receptionist at the Oasis Hotel in Hambantota to completing her courses in hotel housekeeping, Thanuja’s relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to Cinnamon Grand Colombo. She continued to work for nearly two years while completing intermediate and advanced levels in hotel housekeeping management.
Exploring new horizons
Armed with two diplomas in hospitality management from Sri Lanka and Germany, and driven by her aspiration for continuous growth, Thanuja is currently pursuing a master of business administration (MBA) degree from National School of Business Management (NSBM). Her international experience includes a five-year stint in Germany, where she made her way up from working hourly in a small bakery to becoming an integral part of the Altera hotel chain, imbibing the German work ethic and professionalism – qualities that have stayed with her throughout her career.
Returning to Sri Lanka, Thanuja found her professional home once more at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, where her 14-year journey with the company has been marked by support from colleagues and supervisors who recognised her potential and encouraged her to take on new challenges and responsibilities. This support has been instrumental in her professional growth and development within the organisation.
Looking back, Thanuja acknowledges the profound influence of key mentors, namely Gazzali Mohideen, the former General Manager of Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, and housekeeper Kulasiri Wickramasinghe. Their guidance instilled confidence and a sense of pride in her work, shaping the trajectory of her career. Additionally, she also highlights the pivotal roles played by Ruvini Ranasooriya, the Group Housekeeper, and Christine Chevalaz, the former General Manager at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala.
“Working with Chevalaz was a turning point for me. She was my first role model. She was very specific and set targets for the heads of the departments and she always kept customer service as the main area of focus. She became my mentor and I learnt a lot from her,” shares Thanuja.
The power of determination
Thanuja’s can-do attitude and self-motivation have been instrumental in overcoming challenges. Her journey, as she states, “was not instant, it was a lot of hard work, commitment, and motivation.” Balancing a demanding schedule, including early mornings, a lengthy commute, and evening studies, she remains unwavering in her pursuit of excellence with the support of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
In her current role as Manager Operations at Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, Thanuja attributes her success to the opportunities and support provided by the company, stating: “I am where I am because of the company.” The flexibility and inclusive learning culture at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts have made it the best place to work for her.
Her journey stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to nurturing talent and increasing the female workforce in an industry traditionally perceived as male centric. Thanuja advocates for a growth mindset, consistency in learning, and self-confidence as the keys to success in the hospitality sector. Her rapid professional growth reflects the career advancements she has made within a relatively short period, offering inspiration to others seeking a similar path.
Her words resonate: “Don’t give up, especially female professionals. Every industry has challenges but with common sense, warmth, truthfulness, passion, and commitment, you will succeed.”
Thanuja’s success story exemplifies Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to creating an inclusive work environment that empowers women while challenging gender stereotypes in the industry. It embodies the potential for growth, learning, and success for women within a company that actively values and nurtures its diverse talent pool.