Cinnamon Grand Two decades of excellence

Two decades ago, Colombo witnessed the birth of a brand that would redefine Sri Lankan hospitality industry. Last week, on 26th November Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the very first hotel to be christened under the ‘Cinnamon’ banner, celebrated its 20th anniversary, reflecting on a journey marked by elegance, innovation, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Cinnamon Grand Colombo, one of the capital’s most iconic hospitality landmarks, marked two decades of redefining contemporary Sri Lankan hospitality, innovation, and timeless luxury as a flagship property of the Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts portfolio.

First opened in 1975 as Hotel Lanka Oberoi, the Indian Oberoi Group’s first venture outside India, the property has undergone several transformations over the decades. From its beginnings as Lanka Oberoi to its Colombo Plaza chapter, it ultimately evolved into Cinnamon Grand Colombo in 2005, marking its renaissance under John Keells Holdings.

The property evolved into a cornerstone of Colombo’s event and business infrastructure, consistently hosting diplomatic delegations, multinational boards, sporting events and marquee gala events. Cinnamon Grand’s meeting and events portfolio remains one of the prime choices for guests and corporates in Colombo.

Each chapter expanded its scale, sharpened its brand, and embedded it deeper into the cultural and corporate fabric of the city.

The grand celebration featured a press conference in the morning hours and culminated in a traditional anniversary cake-cutting ceremony, marking the milestone with fitting elegance. The grand anniversary celebration turned into a fitting party in the evening with live music at the ‘Atrium’. 

‘At the press conference, when asked about the biggest transformation in the hotel’s character or purpose over the past two decades, Kamal Munasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of the Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Group, stated that Cinnamon Grand Colombo has maintained a leading position in the competitive Colombo market largely because of the strength and evolution of the ‘Cinnamon Brand’. He noted that this brand transformation has been the property’s most significant forward step. 

Munasinghe highlighted the hotel’s deep history, its unique market demand, and its unwavering commitment to high ethical standards in international marketing and advertising—principles that remain non-negotiable and continue to distinguish the brand.

Today, Cinnamon Grand Colombo stands as a rare constant in Colombo’s evolving hospitality landscape. Even as global brands intensified competition through distribution power and loyalty ecosystems, Cinnamon Grand remains as a leading preference and continues to stand out as a classic in a fiercely competitive environment.

‘In a market increasingly defined by global standardisation, Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s strength lies in offering hospitality without ever sacrificing its Sri Lankan soul’ added Munasinghe.

Over the past two decades, Cinnamon Grand Colombo has refined a strategy aimed at the city’s most lucrative segments, high-spending leisure travellers and Colombo’s corporate elite. With a 500-room inventory that includes Premium and Executive Rooms, a selection of Premium, Executive and Presidential Suites, fifteen themed restaurants and extensive banquet and MICE facilities, Cinnamon Grand continues to present a compelling narrative of contemporary hospitality leadership in Sri Lanka.

The hotel continues to introduce experiences shaped by authentic Sri Lankan cultural texture, from its award-winning, recently renovated ‘Nuga Gama’ restaurant offering village-style dining, to wellness experiences and curated city explorations. Also Cheers Pub and Breeze Bar were renovated as part of the anniversary upgrades.

The property evolved into a cornerstone of Colombo’s event and business infrastructure, consistently hosting diplomatic delegations, multinational boards, sporting events and marquee gala events. Cinnamon Grand’s meeting and events portfolio remains one of the prime choices for guests and corporates in Colombo, headlined by The Oak Room often selected for high profile launches, international conferences and national gatherings. The Atrium Lobby and its network of modular breakout rooms allow the property to support simultaneous events across scales, a competitive advantage as Colombo continues to court the regional MICE market.

The property is also home to the Cinnamon Hospitality Academy, established in partnership with SHMA and VET by EHL, which is redefining hospitality education in Sri Lanka. The Academy, which marked its first anniversary this year, celebrated this milestone within the very walls of Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

Pix By Sanath Weerasuriya