Set high in the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Uga Halloowella is a boutique sanctuary of just six luxury suites—combining intimate seclusion with the signature warmth of the Uga brand. At the helm is Seshaya Gabriel Ranasinghe, a rising star in Sri Lanka’s hospitality scene and a trailblazer for the next generation of hotel leaders.
Born and raised in Colombo, Seshaya’s journey from hospitality student to Villa Manager of Uga’s first hill country property has been defined by resilience, empathy, and an unwavering love for people. She began her career through Hilton’s prestigious Southeast Asia Management Trainee Programme and later transitioned to Uga’s flagship property, Ulagalla, where she honed her leadership style before being entrusted with launching and leading Uga Halloowella.
We spoke with Seshaya about what drives her, how she supports her team, and why embracing the hardest challenges often leads to the most transformative growth.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
My love for hospitality began during a life education programme in school, after our Ordinary Level exams. We visited a hotel academy—and I was instantly captivated. The idea of connecting with people from different walks of life, making them feel welcome, and being myself while doing so felt incredibly natural.
That visit changed everything. I realised I didn’t need to play a role or wear a mask to succeed in this field. My strengths—empathy, communication, attention to detail—were exactly what hospitality required. It was a moment of clarity that set me on the path I’m on today.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
Guest expectations are evolving faster than ever, especially in the luxury segment. Today, guests are looking for more than comfort—they seek connection, purpose, and personalisation. Precision and emotional intelligence are essential.
To stay ahead, I keep up with travel trends via social media and industry insights, while also encouraging fresh thinking within my team. We regularly exchange ideas and act on feedback from guests, ensuring we stay relevant and innovative without losing the personal touch.
Ultimately, it’s about delivering experiences that feel current yet timeless—rooted in genuine care and executed with thoughtful flair.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
No. Every step, whether smooth or steep, has shaped me into the leader I am today. I’ve learned to view each challenge as a lesson, and every mistake as an opportunity to grow stronger and more self-aware.
I’m grateful—for the mentors who supported me, the colleagues who challenged me, and the guests who trusted me. These experiences haven’t just made me better at my job; they’ve helped me become more patient, resilient, and mindful.
Even now, I wake up excited to learn something new. That mindset, I believe, is what keeps the journey worthwhile.
What defines your management style?
Three values guide everything I do: staff, teamwork, and health.
First, I believe the well-being of my team comes before everything. I make time to check in on them—not just as employees, but as people. Understanding their mindsets, challenges, and motivations helps me support them holistically.
Second, teamwork is sacred. In our villa, it’s never about “I”; it’s always “us.” When one person struggles, another steps in. We grow together, and we succeed together.
Finally, health—mental, emotional, and physical—is non-negotiable. A happy, balanced team creates extraordinary guest experiences. I lead by example, and I strive to be the kind of leader my team can trust, respect, and draw strength from.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and how does that integrate into the hotel group’s aims?
My vision is to make Uga Halloowella the finest boutique villa in Hatton—and one of the top hill country experiences in Sri Lanka. Our focus is on personalised, high-touch luxury, delivered with the warmth and sincerity that define the Uga brand.
Our goal is to offer exceptional butler service, stunning local excursions, and moments of calm and beauty that become lifelong memories for our guests. Whether it’s a romantic escape or a quiet retreat, we want guests to feel like they’ve discovered something truly special.
This mission aligns perfectly with Uga’s values: heartfelt hospitality, community engagement, and sustainability—woven into everything we do.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Take the challenge—even if it scares you. When I was appointed Villa Manager of Halloowella, I walked into a full-blown construction site. It was overwhelming. But through teamwork, determination, and belief in what we were creating, we brought the villa to life—successfully launching operations and meeting every goal.
There were moments when giving up felt easier. But those are the moments that shape you. Growth doesn’t come from the easy wins—it comes from showing up, pushing through, and proving to yourself that you can lead, rise, and thrive.
So embrace every challenge. It might just be your greatest opportunity.