Amari Colombo Launches “Catalysts of Change” in Collaboration with Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo 

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 7 March 2025: Amari Colombo proudly unveils “Catalysts of Change,” a transformative two-week initiative dedicated to empowering women, celebrating their achievements, and driving meaningful conversations on gender parity across industries.

Set within the stylish and contemporary spaces of Amari Colombo, Catalysts of Change is more than just a theme—it is a powerful call to progress. Bringing together trailblazers from hospitality, travel and tourism, aviation, shipping, foreign affairs, women’s migration, and apparel, the initiative fosters dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies to accelerate gender equality.

“We are thrilled to host ‘Catalysts of Change’ in Colombo, a city where the momentum for women’s empowerment is stronger than ever,” said Indika Jayawardena, Hotel Manager of Amari Colombo. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with Amari’s ethos, creating a platform for impactful conversations that inspire real change.”

By hosting Accelerate Action within Amari Colombo’s boutique-inspired spaces, the initiative not only provides an aspirational environment but also fosters inclusivity and empowerment, reinforcing the Amari brand’s commitment to advancing gender parity.

Key Events & Activations

17th March – Dining for Change

Theme: Empowering Women in Sri Lanka’s Hospitality Industry: Accelerating Corporate Action & Inspiring Lasting Change
Venue: Saffira Ballroom
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Panel Discussion
7:00 PM onwards | Three-Course Dinner (Ends by 9:00 PM)

Panelists:

  1. Mr. Chalana Perera – Founder, RETRACE Hospitality
  2. Mr. Maxime Wickramasinghe – Thema Collection’s Director, leading Amba Yaalu, Sri Lanka’s first all-women-led resort
  3. Ms. Shiromal Cooray – Chairperson & Managing Director, Jetwing Travels Pvt Ltd.
  4. Ms. Nayantara Fonseka – Chairman/Managing Director, Nyne Hotels & Taru i.e.
  5. Ms. Dilmini Weragama – Group CEO, Rockland Distilleries Pvt Ltd.

Moderated by Mrs. Savithri Rodrigo 

24th March – The Accelerator’s Summit & Closing Night

A powerful evening of thought-provoking conversations championing gender equality in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:45 PM | Followed by Dinner at Ahara

Summit Structure:

  1. Panel 1: Aviation – Breaking Stereotypes (5:30 – 6:10 PM)
    • Panelists:
    • Flight Operations – F/O Harshani Wijayasinghe, First Officer At SriLankan Airlines
    • Engineering – Lasanthi Chathurika, Licensed Aircraft Engineer at SriLankan Airlines
    • Cabin Services – Rukshika Senevirathne, Senior Inflight Service Executive at SriLankan Airlines
    • IT – Shalani Kumarajeewa, Business Intelligence & Analytics Manager at SriLankan Airlines
  2. Panel 2: Foreign Affairs – Diplomacy & Women’s Participation (6:20 – 7:00 PM)
    • Ms. Sashikala Premawardhane – Director General, Southeast and Central Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  3. Panel 3: Women Migration – Empowering Migrant Women (7:15 – 7:45 PM)
    • Dr. Bilesha Weeraratne – Head of Migration & Urbanisation Policy Research, Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)
  4. Panel 4: Shipping – Women in Leadership (7:45 – 8:05 PM)
    • Shehara De Silva – Managing Director, McLarens Shipping
    • Swabha Wickramasinghe – Chairperson, SLANA & Worldlink Shipping Colombo
  5. Panel 5: Apparel – Inclusion & Innovation (8:05 – 8:25 PM)
    • Ms. Rajitha Jayasuriya – Director Corporate Affairs, MAS Holdings
  6. Interactive Q&A & Closing Remarks (8:25 – 8:45 PM)

Additionally, the Vibe Market in the Foyer will feature sustainable, women-led brands such as Linen Atelier, Healing Island, and Made by Her.

About Amari Colombo

Amari Colombo is an upscale hotel located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, embodying the energy and modernity of contemporary Asia while embracing the warmth and cultural richness of Sri Lanka. A part of the ONYX Hospitality Group, Amari Colombo is dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences through its signature service, stylish accommodations, and world-class amenities. 

A Commitment to Sustainable Change

Amari Colombo remains steadfast in its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable hospitality. Through Catalysts of Change, the hotel contributes part of its proceeds to the Indira Cancer Trust, aligning with ONYX For Planet, the group’s overarching sustainability initiative. By fostering collaboration and progress across industries, Amari Colombo continues to be a beacon of positive change. 

About ONYX Hospitality Group

ONYX Hospitality Group is a leading hospitality provider in the Asia-Pacific region, committed to responsible and sustainable practices that positively impact the environment, communities, governance, and long-term growth. Guided by these principles, ONYX continues to drive innovation and excellence in the hospitality industry while championing sustainability for future generations.

Join the Movement

For more details and to participate in these events, contact us at reservations.colombo@amari.com or call +94 7285 285

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