Dedication: To my beloved parents, Father Paramanathan Namasivayam, Mother Nawasundari Devi Mariappah
From War to Welcome: My Journey in Hospitality
By Dharani Namasivayam
I was born into conflict—not comfort. My earliest memories are of the Sri Lankan civil war, growing up at Nilaveli Beach Hotel in Trincomalee where my father worked. It was a peaceful coastal life, until the war tore it apart. We were forced to flee with nothing, moving inland to rebuild from scratch.
But even in fear, my parents held onto hope. They sacrificed everything for our education. With love and grit, they raised three daughters who would go on to lead in hospitality.
I earned my degree in Tourism and Hospitality from the University of Colombo -Sri Lanka ,Starting as a trainee, I rose to lead front office operations and revenue teams in a male-dominated industry—without ever changing who I was. I lead with empathy, I mentor with heart, and I build people—not just systems.
Today, I’m not only a hospitality professional. I’m also an animal rights advocate, a sustainability supporter, and someone who believes in meaningful travel.
My sisters are a lecturer and an entrepreneur, and together we’re working on a bold new venture in hospitality—something uniquely Sri Lankan, rooted in values and driven by purpose.
My story began in war—but it’s never been about destruction. It’s about rebuilding, rising, and redefining what’s possible.
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Photo credit: Image provided by the storyteller.
