Sun Siyam Pasikudah GM Elected President of Sri Lanka's East Coast Hotel Association

On 10 April 2026, hoteliers along Sri Lanka's Eastern Coast gathered at Sun Siyam Pasikudah to confirm a new chapter for the Eastern Coast Hotel Association (ECHA), appointing Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah, as its new President.

The meeting was as much a statement of intent as it was an administrative milestone, reflecting a growing conviction among East Coast hoteliers that Pasikudah, with its calm bay, unhurried pace and quiet natural beauty, is ready to step out of Sri Lanka's shadow and into the spotlight.

ECHA brings together hoteliers along Sri Lanka's Eastern Coast around a shared purpose: raising Pasikudah's profile, improving coordination across member properties, and building an industry community capable of advocating collectively for the region.

The newly confirmed committee sees Mr. Neranjan continuing as Vice President, with Mr. Ruwan as Secretary, Mr. Priyanka as Treasurer, and Mr. Hafi as Assistant Treasurer.

In his address following the appointment, Arshed outlined an ambition that goes beyond the boundaries of any single property.

The goal is clear: to position Pasikudah as the premier tourist destination in Sri Lanka and the wider region.

He also spoke about the role sustainability must play in that journey, from reducing waste and conserving energy to supporting local communities and protecting the coastline that defines the destination.

The tone throughout was collaborative rather than directive.

"We are stronger together," Arshed said. "Pasikudah has extraordinary natural beauty, warm hospitality, and immense potential.

Together, we must elevate its profile, attract quality visitors, and ensure every guest leaves with an experience that brings them back.

Responsible tourism is not just the right thing to do. It is the future of our industry."

That ambition is well timed. Sri Lanka's tourism sector has entered 2026 with renewed confidence, and the East Coast, long the quieter counterpart to the island's better-known southern and western shores, is drawing growing interest from travellers seeking something less predictable.

Pasikudah's calm shallow bay, unhurried pace and natural beauty have always set it apart. A more organised and vocal industry association means the destination now has the collective voice to match what it has always quietly offered.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, which hosted the meeting, is part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, a Maldivian owned hospitality group.

Sitting on a barely-touched stretch of Sri Lanka's north-eastern coast, the 34 villa boutique resort is one of the East Coast's most intimate and secluded addresses.

Ocean and garden pavilions sit steps from a magnificent rainbow coral reef, with spectacular national parks, UNESCO heritage sites and neighbouring villages all within easy reach for guests who want to go beyond the beach.

Inside the resort, a boutique spa rooted in Ayurveda, a 30-metre split-level infinity pool, a Tea House and overall six bespoke dining and drinks options, as well as destination dining round out an experience designed for the culturally curious as much as those simply seeking stillness.

With just 34 villas and dedicated butler service throughout, Sun Siyam Pasikudah offers something increasingly rare on the island: genuine seclusion without sacrificing substance.

Its role as the setting for this gathering is a natural one, reflecting both its standing within the East Coast hospitality community and a commitment to Pasikudah that extends well beyond its own shores.

For more information about Sun Siyam Pasikudah, visit www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-pasikudah or call +94 65 205 5555.

Photo caption - Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah.