Browns Hotels & Resorts has earned five prestigious accolades at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026 in the Maldives, securing two Gold and three Silver awards across five properties in its portfolio.
The recognition highlights the group’s diverse hospitality offerings, ranging from Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage and luxury wellness experiences to all-inclusive family holidays, beachfront retreats and distinctive boutique stays. The achievement further strengthens its position in the regional and international tourism industry.
Among the Gold award winners, Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort was named South Asia’s Best New Hotel, while Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort received the title of South Asia’s Leading Wellness Resort.
As the newest addition to the Browns Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort offers a distinctive blend of heritage and contemporary hospitality. Led by General Manager Gangadara Velasamy, the property occupies a former tea factory dating back to 1903, transformed into a unique accommodation experience. Its guided tea factory tours and immersive tea-related activities further distinguish the resort as a one-of-a-kind destination in Asia.
Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort in Sigiriya also secured Gold at SATA 2026 in the South Asia’s Leading Wellness Resort category. Under the leadership of General Manager Sujeewa de Zoysa, the resort offers a refined approach to luxury wellness, combining its distinctive setting with experiences centred on relaxation and well-being.
Meanwhile, Club Hotel Dolphin in Negombo was recognised as South Asia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort for the third consecutive time. General Manager Manoj Perera and his team continue to build on the property’s reputation for vibrant, experience-focused family holidays, supported by an extensive selection of dining options, leisure facilities and entertainment activities for guests of all ages.
The Eden Beruwala also maintained its strong standing in the regional hospitality sector, winning the Silver award for South Asia’s Leading Beach Resort for the second consecutive year. Led by Cluster General Manager Rohan Gamage, the property is situated along Sri Lanka’s renowned Golden Mile and combines a five-star beachfront setting with diverse dining experiences, including beachside meals, alongside a range of watersports and recreational activities.
The five awards at SATA 2026 underscore the breadth of Browns Hotels & Resorts’ hospitality portfolio and its continued focus on delivering distinctive experiences across Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape.
CA Sri Lanka Honours Four Chartered Accountants for Outstanding Business and Global Contributions in 2026
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has honoured four distinguished Chartered Accountants with special awards in recognition of their achievements in entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, financial management and international business.
The four awards — Best CFO of the Year 2026, Best Entrepreneur of the Year 2026, CA Business Leader of the Year 2026 and Outstanding Global Achiever of the Year 2026 — recognise professionals who have driven business transformation, generated employment opportunities, strengthened organisations and contributed meaningfully to society and the economy.
Theja Vimuktha De Silva, Group Chief Financial Officer of Nawaloka Hospitals PLC, received the Best CFO of the Year 2026 award. Sumith Tharanga Dissanayake, Chief Executive Officer of CXN Group, was named Best Entrepreneur of the Year 2026. Chaaminda Dencil Kumarasiri, Director of The Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC, was recognised as CA Business Leader of the Year 2026, while Dimuthu Ethugala, Managing Partner of Crevaty Consulting Kuwait, Partner of Crevaty UAE and Director of Crevaty BPMS Sri Lanka, received the Outstanding Global Achiever of the Year 2026 award.
With more than 21 years of experience in auditing, financial management, restructuring, corporate governance and business transformation across multiple industries, De Silva has demonstrated a strong combination of financial discipline and commercial acumen. Among his notable achievements was his contribution to Nawaloka Hospitals’ financial turnaround, helping the organisation move from a loss-making position to profitability, with profits exceeding LKR 1 billion.
Dissanayake has made a significant contribution to entrepreneurship and professional employment in Sri Lanka. He co-founded Brisca, creating high-value employment opportunities for Sri Lankan professionals, before establishing CXN Group, which brings together businesses specialising in finance transformation, business advisory, technology and professional services. His entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the potential of business leadership to generate both commercial success and wider social benefits.
Kumarasiri was appointed Group Managing Director of Lanka Hospitals in 2025, at a time of considerable organisational uncertainty. He subsequently helped restore stability and guided the organisation towards record revenue and operating profit, demonstrating his leadership capabilities in a challenging corporate environment.
Browns Hotels & Resorts Wins Top Honours at South Asian Travel Awards
