Citrus Leisure PLC has announced the appointment of Nirekshe Perera as Group Chief Executive Officer – Designate, effective September 1, 2026, marking the beginning of a leadership transition for the Group.
Perera is a hospitality executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning luxury hotels, integrated leisure complexes, large-scale MICE operations and banking CRM.
His career includes leadership positions across prominent local and international hospitality businesses, including Monarch Imperial, Shangri-La Hotel Colombo, Waters Edge Limited and Hilton Colombo Residences. Throughout his career, he has gained experience across diverse customer segments, with expertise covering events, sales and marketing, strategic partnerships and hospitality operations.
Commenting on the appointment, Citrus Leisure PLC Chairman Samantha Ranatunga said the transition comes at an important time for both the Group and Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
“Nirekshe joins Citrus at a crucial time for both the Group and Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. With his depth of experience across hospitality and leisure, we believe he brings the perspective and energy needed as we look towards the next phase of the business,” Ranatunga said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Chandana Talwatte, who has played an important role in the development of Citrus over the years.
“He will be building on the foundations laid by Chandana Talwatte, who has been an integral part of Citrus from its early years and has contributed greatly to shaping the brand and the business over time. We are sincerely grateful to Chandana for his leadership and commitment and look forward to a smooth transition as Nirekshe takes Citrus forward,” he added.
Talwatte will conclude his tenure as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Citrus Leisure PLC on November 11, 2026. Perera will subsequently assume the role of Group Chief Executive Officer of the Citrus Group with effect from November 12, 2026.
The leadership transition comes as Citrus enters a new phase across its hospitality portfolio, which includes Citrus Waskaduwa, Citrus Hikkaduwa and The Steuart by Citrus, alongside its food and beverage establishments such as Ceylon Curry Club.
Building on the foundations established over the years, the Group will look towards renewed momentum across its hotels and dining businesses, with a continued focus on strengthening guest experiences and positioning Citrus for its next phase of development.
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