Renuke Coswatte, General Manager of Pegasus Reef Sri Lanka, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for leadership to his role. With a career marked by a commitment to team building and strategic growth, he has quickly made an impact in his six months at Pegasus Reef. Known for his ability to navigate change and elevate property standards, he is dedicated to ensuring that Pegasus Reef remains a premier beachfront destination in Colombo.
Renuke Having faced significant challenges since he joined the organization six months ago, navigating change is inherently difficult, but for Renuke, the added complexity of aligning a team with the evolving strategic goals of the company has proven particularly demanding. He emphasizes that his primary task has been to assess the current state of the company, understand where it needs to go and guide the team through this transformation. This process of realignment and adaptation has profoundly shaped his approach to management and leadership, underscoring the importance of clear communication, team cohesion, and strategic vision.
His daily decision-making is deeply intertwined with the strategic direction of Pegasus Reef, especially given the hotel’s unique position in Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape. As the first five-star hotel established in Sri Lanka in 1971 and the only beachfront resort in Colombo, Pegasus Reef holds distinct advantages. Renuke is focused on leveraging these unique attributes to enhance the hotel’s positioning as a premier four-star beachfront resort. His leadership is centred on aligning the hotel’s operational goals with its strategic advantages, ensuring that every decision contributes to the hotel’s forward momentum and long-term success. This strategic alignment not only highlights his adeptness in managing change but also his commitment to maintaining and enhancing the hotel’s esteemed reputation.
At Pegasus Reef, guest experience is at the heart of all initiatives. Renuke and his team have implemented various measures to ensure that guests enjoy an exceptional stay. The hotel offers a blend of luxury and comfort, featuring beautifully designed rooms with modern amenities, stunning beachfront views, and meticulously maintained grounds. The culinary experience is also a key focus, with multiple dining options that cater to a variety of tastes, from authentic Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes.
In addition to the superb accommodations and dining, Pegasus Reef enhances guest experience through unique activities and services. The hotel provides a range of recreational options, including a well-equipped fitness center, a serene spa, tennis, tennis activities, beach volleyball, and squash. Special attention is given to creating memorable moments for guests, such as beachfront dinners, cultural shows, and personalized excursions to explore the local area. These curated experiences ensure that guests leave with lasting memories of their stay.
Renuke finds his driving force in the hospitality industry through two primary motivators: team building and strategic brand positioning. For him, the essence of successful leadership lies in cultivating a strong, cohesive team capable of propelling the hotel forward. His commitment to team building stems from a deep-seated belief that a well-organized, motivated team is the backbone of any thriving organization. This focus on people-centric leadership has been a hallmark of his career, allowing him to harness the collective strengths of his team to achieve ambitious goals.
Additionally, Renuke is invigorated by the exciting phase Pegasus Reef is currently experiencing. Positioned uniquely as the only beachfront resort in Colombo, the hotel is on the cusp of significant upgrades aimed at enhancing its standing as a premier four-star property. Renuke is passionate about repositioning the brand to highlight its unique attributes, such as the expansive two-acre Kuru-Kale area preserved for nature. This blend of natural beauty and strategic location presents a unique opportunity to elevate the hotel’s market position. Under his leadership, the hotel has already initiated several soft developments, with more substantial changes anticipated by mid-financial year. This ongoing transformation process not only fuels his passion but also aligns perfectly with his expertise in driving property enhancements and brand elevation.
Renuke acknowledges the personal sacrifices he has made to ensure the hotel’s success over the past six months. Balancing the extensive demands of leading a premier hotel with a personal life is indeed challenging. He emphasizes that having a supportive family is crucial, as they provide the understanding and encouragement necessary for him to pursue his professional ambitions. In the early stages of his tenure, the demands of the job often outweigh the time he can devote to his family, requiring a delicate balance and prioritization of his responsibilities.
Despite the inherent challenges, he strives to find an equilibrium between his professional duties and personal life. He consciously makes efforts to maximize the quality of the time he spends with his family, even if the quantity is limited due to his job’s demands. This approach reflects his commitment to both his role at Pegasus Reef and his family, showcasing his ability to manage the intricate balance between professional obligations and personal commitments. His experience underscores the reality of leadership in the hospitality industry, where significant responsibilities must be met with dedication and the support of loved ones.
Renuke places a high priority on building a motivated and empowered team at Pegasus Reef, recognizing that a strong team culture is vital in the hospitality industry. At the heart of his approach is fostering personal growth and encouraging individual contributions, which collectively drive team success. By recognizing and rewarding both individual and team efforts, he ensures that every staff member feels valued and appreciated. This focus on career growth is complemented by robust career development plans, which provide clear pathways for advancement within the hotel, further enhancing employee motivation and engagement.
Beyond professional development, he is deeply committed to the well-being of his staff and their families. One notable initiative is the “Nana Diriya” program, which provides a year’s worth of educational supplies, including stationery, textbooks, and school bags, to the children of all employees. This comprehensive support program alleviates financial burdens and underscores the hotel’s investment in the holistic well-being of its team members. With a current staff strength of 236, such initiatives foster a sense of community and loyalty, as employees see their employer genuinely caring for their personal and family needs. These efforts not only drive Pegasus Reef forward but also create a supportive and cohesive work environment where staff members feel empowered and motivated to contribute their best.
Renuke envisions leaving a lasting legacy at Pegasus Reef by building a robust team capable of driving the hotel’s future success. Although he has no immediate plans to depart, he aims to elevate the property to new heights, enhancing its positioning, staff competencies, levels of service, and guest experiences. His focus is on facilitating a seamless transition that ensures the hotel’s continuous improvement and sustainability. This goal is not just about his tenure but about creating a foundation for long-term success that will benefit both the hotel and its team in the years to come.
He highlights the unique position of Pegasus Reef as Sri Lanka’s first five-star hotel and its part in the prestigious Carson Cumberbatch Group. This affiliation provides significant support and resources, enabling the hotel and its staff to excel. Additionally, the Carson Cumberbatch Group’s commitment to fostering a strong brand culture and supporting its properties, including Pegasus Reef and the Girithale Hotel, underscores the potential for growth within the hospitality sector.
Renuke is dedicated to leveraging this strength to enhance the hotel’s reputation and ensure its continued prominence in the industry. His leadership aims to integrate the hotel’s rich history with innovative strategies, ensuring that Pegasus Reef remains a premier destination and a proud member of the Carson Cumberbatch Group.