The warmth of her wide smile and her utter unaffected nature distract all who meet Shiromal Cooray as to what she really is: a leading figure in the travel industry who is prominently placed amongst the 50 most powerful women of business in Sri Lanka and the highly efficient and effective Chairman & Managing Director of Jetwing Travels: the main in-bound tour operator arm of Jetwing.
As the daughter of Herbert Cooray – the founder and late Chairman of Jetwing, Shiromal was in essence an heir to his legacy – but ever independent of spirit, she had no wish to be a part of the family business and veered away from the leisure industry altogether to gain qualifications in finance. Subsequently, she joined the vibrant world of advertising – as an accountant at JWT, one of the leading ad agencies in Sri Lanka. Thriving in the fast paced, exciting atmosphere, she handled both accounts and media, rising quickly to become the Finance Director. When the opportunity arose to take up a similar post at JWT Hong Kong, she was glad to broaden her career prospects in the region, gaining valuable experience.
Leaving advertising after 7 years, she returned to Sri Lanka and to the Jetwing family to reinvent the travel division. The sector was increasing in scope in the early 90s and she entered the challenge of growing the business with her usual resoluteness and foresight; inspired and guided by her mentor and father. Over the years, Shiromal has steered the company’s progress to the success it enjoys today, but in her unassuming manner regards achievements as the norm, passing the credit on to the unstinted support of her team.
Deeply family oriented, Shiromal considers motherhood as possibly her greatest achievement. While travel is her line of business, it is also a pastime she enjoys – especially voyages of discovery to places that are off the everyday map. She loves to read – when time permits and has a passionate interest in nature and the great outdoors.
An Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), Shiromal also has an MBA from (the University of Colombo). A dynamic presence in the corporate arena, she is the former Vice-President of the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) and the former President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) - the foremost representative body for tour operators in Sri Lanka. She was also elected recently as the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID).
As a director on the Board of Jetwing, she lends her invaluable support and insight to the day to day operations of the group, but also extends her expertise to all Jetwing interests that fall under the wing of travel. Shiromal is also a director at the advertising agency Leo Burnett and the investment bank Capital Alliance and commodity broker Ceylon Tea Brokers.
Our Personalities
Meet our Team of Excellence
Jetwing family
Directors
Raju Arasaratnam
Executive Director
Raju Arasaratnam was born in Colombo, SRI LANKA. On completion of his Primary Education at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, his secondary Education was concluded at Aquinas College, Colombo. After a short stint of 1½ years with Ernest & Young (Chartered Accountants), Sri Lanka as an Accounts Trainee, he proceeded to the United Kingdom to undergo training with Ernst & Young in the UK whilst pursuing his Accounting studies. On his return to Sri Lanka, he moved to the Travel & Tourism Industry and worked for 3 Companies prior to establishing his own Travel Agency in 1987. This Company’s operations were transferred to Jetwing Travels when he joined the Company in 1994 in the capacity of Executive Director. Additionally he currently holds directorates in five Companies of the Jetwing Family and is on the Board of Capital Alliance Holdings & Capital Alliance Ltd.
His hobbies and special interests include Music & Sports.
He is a Life Member of the Sri Lanka - Japan Friendship Society, Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Association and is the Vice President of the Sri Lanka Thailand Business Council in addition to being a Past President of the Rotary Club of Colombo West.
Daminda Dinesh
Director / General Manager
A school leaver who began his journey at Jetwing in 1994 as a Management Trainee, Dinesh swiftly ascended the ranks due to his fervour for tourism. His progression from Assistant Tour Executive to General Manager – Inbound Operations in 2009 showcased his dedication. Noteworthy for fostering the Far East Market, he mentored aspiring talents in the Travel Trade. Dinesh's accomplishments include a PATA Scholarship and participation in Executive Development Institute for Tourism in 2005. His commitment is also evident in his completion of various HR-led Management Development Programs.
Bandula Withana
Director / Deputy General Manager
Bandula embarked on his journey at Jetwing in 1996 as a Trainee Tour Executive, climbing the ranks to Assistant General Manager by 2013 and Deputy General Manager in 2014. With expertise showcased internationally, he excels in securing new business and nurturing partnerships. His participation in HR-led programs enhances his leadership. Holding positions in key associations, Bandula also boasts a Cambridge Career Award in Travel and Tourism from the British Council Colombo.
Ishanth Gunawardene
Director / General Manager
A seasoned professional with over 25 years in travel and tourism, held diverse roles globally and in Sri Lanka. His experience spans Hotel Operations, Aviation, Destination Management and Sales & Marketing. After his UK studies, he excelled at Sri Lankan Airlines in marketing and commercial functions. At Jetwing Group, he launched Sri Lanka Tailor-Made and led Sales & Marketing at Jetwing Hotels. Presently, as GM of Sri Lanka Tailor-Made & Jetwing Eco Holidays, Ishanth applies his varied expertise to drive Jetwing's success in the industry's changing landscape.
Senior Managers
Angelo Bernard
Deputy General Manager
A Sales, Marketing & Operations expert at Jetwing Travels, shines in the Indian & Chinese markets. With a strong academic background and 18 years of experience in Tourism and Hospitality, Angelo excels at administrative tasks for inbound clients. His exceptional management skills, flexibility and communication talents drive exceptional results, elevating both team and individual performance. With Angelo leading the way, success becomes a continuous journey, not just a destination.
Charith Gunaratne
Deputy General Manager
A luminary in Sri Lanka's tourism sphere, boasts a kaleidoscopic journey marked by a fervent dedication to the industry.
In 2004, Charith found his calling at Jetwing, catalyzing his trajectory within the Transport Department, orchestrating monumental events like Temptation 2004. His pivotal shift to tourism burgeoned in 2005, spearheading Eastern Europe and Russian markets, where passion fused with expertise.
Armed with credentials from prestigious institutions, including Colombo University and London Metropolitan University, Charith's insatiable thirst for knowledge persists. Currently pursuing a Masters in Tourism Economics & Hotel Management, he also imparts wisdom as a visiting lecturer at Colombo University, fortifying the future of Sri Lanka's tourism landscape.
Kevin De Zilva
Deputy General Manager
With over 20 years of experience in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality, Kevin is a dynamic professional known for exceeding sales targets and customer expectations. His expertise spans inbound & outbound travel, cruise ship ground handling, corporate events, finance and sales & marketing management. Kevin excels in reservation systems and event technology, providing exceptional customer service. His strong background in training and development fosters high-performing teams, making him an invaluable asset.
Manjitha Mohan Widhanalage
Deputy General Manager
With a 17-year career in tourism, Manjitha is a Senior Manager known for his self-motivation and exceptional skills in operations, staff development and leadership. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism from the University of Delhi and gained practical knowledge at SITA World Travel. Joining Jetwing Travels in 2003, he climbed the ranks, becoming a Senior Manager and significantly contributing to expanding Jetwing Travels' reach across various markets.
Shirosh Seneviratne
Deputy General Manager
With two decades of travel industry experience, Shirosh is a seasoned professional. His qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and IAPCO, Switzerland, set him apart. He began his journey with Jetwing in 2000, excelling in various markets, including The Maldives and the UAE. In 2011, he rejoined the Jetwing Events Team, later overseeing the MICE segment and the Italian, Hungarian and Excursions Markets in 2018. Shirosh's current role extends to supervising Jet Leisure Maldives' operational and marketing aspects.
Chamira Boteju
Head of HR & Admin
The vibrant heartbeat of Jetwing Travels' talent ecosystem. With over 25 years of prowess in the travel and tourism sector, Chamira is a seasoned professional dedicated to shaping exceptional talents. A maestro in fostering a culture of excellence, his leadership is the cornerstone of our team's unity and growth. With a passion for cultivating brilliance within our workforce, he steers our HR strategies toward innovation and inclusivity. A true advocate of synergy, infuses Jetwing with his contagious energy, making every journey at our company an inspiring adventure.
Sharon Martin
Senior Manager
With an extensive 28-year career in the travel trade, Sharon is a seasoned transport professional. Starting as a Tour Executive, he honed his skills in managing British and Spanish markets for prestigious companies. Progressing to Senior Transport Executive at Aitken Spence Travels and then advancing to Assistant Transport Manager at Jetwing Travels in 2004, Sharon now serves as the Manager of Transport. Renowned for efficiently overseeing operations and implementing innovative strategies, he continually elevates Jetwing Travels' transportation services.
Shiran Priyadarshana
Senior Manager
Having embarked on his journey with Jetwing Finance as a fresh school graduate, Shiran swiftly ascended through the ranks. A Fellow Member of the UK's Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a Certified Management Accountant, he also boasts membership in the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments. With an MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University and a degree in Business Studies from the Open University of Sri Lanka, his credentials reflect a remarkable ascent.
Piyal Senadeera
Financial Controller
As a dedicated ICASL member with over 20 years of expertise in Accounting, Finance, Taxation and Systems deployment, he holds a distinguished BSc in Business Administration. Over 13 years, he demonstrated consistent commitment, nuanced financial understanding and process-driven decision-making. Passionate about innovation, he pioneered cutting-edge technology integration for optimized financial processes, ensuring tangible results and driving business success through innovative solutions, while maintaining regulatory compliance in dynamic environments.
