Ayubowan from Authenticities!
Inspired by Emotion AUTHENTICITIES SRI LANKA 37/33, BULLERS LANE | COLOMBO 7 | SRI LANKA
authenticitiessrilanka.com
Our Origins AUTHENTICITIES is the new wave of tourism in Sri Lanka with a strong focus in providing unique concepts through experiences and what we call “emotion” to our clients. Our intention is to go beyond typical tourist movements and introduce concepts relating to local
lifestyles,
elements
of
our
culture
and
engagement with local people.
We represent a brand, which is vibrant and has evolved through careful deliberation on how we could introduce authentic experiences and emotion. This gives an opportunity for our clients to engage and integrate with our people, our culture, heritage and typical local folklore. Creating value through new dimensions in tourism is therefore an integral part of our business ethos and work ethics.
We strongly believe that interaction with local communities provides an opportunity for clients to understand the deep root of our culture and thus experience Sri Lanka in a manner which is authentic and indeginous. Though Sri Lanka is relatively a small destination, we introduce each region in its unique form through culture, landscape, architecture and lifestyles.
Our Concept The emerging context in travelers is ever evolving. Our quest is to add a totally new dimension in tourism centered on the cornerstones of DESIGN – NOVELTY - FINESSE, which fosters our unique concept of “EMOTION”.
The concept of “emotion” is the core, which demands us to be different, unique, think afresh and instill a phenomenon, which inspire us. The “Design” element makes us pursue experiences that are indigenous, authentic and meaningful whilst “Novelty” is all about adding flavor, colour and richness to a concept that is raw. “Finesse” is the outcome of our networks, our people that executes a concept to its maximum potential.
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Our Strength The passion we have for travel is what drives us to make meaningful differences to achieve a sense of uniqueness. This is of utmost importance in an era where the traveller is constantly evolving and demands for elements, which inspire perspectives. Our networks are an extension of our imagination and help us reach concepts in its purest form.
We practice a culture of constantly learning and gaining grass root level knowledge of the environs in which we operate, keeping us updated with personal interaction with activities and cultures. Our relationships with vendors who provide with logistics are personal and professional. We work closely with each of them to understand their specific product and service deliverables.
Culture and emotion is our primary focus which provides contemporary, charming and in vogue experiences. This complements our thirst for new and vibrating elements of tomorrows travel needs. We promote the need for our intellectual clients to engage in knowledge-driven tacit interactions with professionals in Sri Lanka, in different spheres of specialization.
We believe that our work is “our life long passion� which requires an interminable effort in search of quality through day-to-day deliberations.
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Authenticities is the leader in handling French Tourists to Sri Lanka Our partners include: France: Voyageurs Du Monde (No 1 brand in France), Syl Tours, Altis Voyages, Boulevard De La Stim, TUI France,
Contrastes Voyage, SDT Events, Destination Conseils, Asie Itineraries, WW
Voyages, Arts et Vie, Fancy Voyage, Maison des Indes, Latitudes Extremes, Skippage, UCPA
USA: Abercrombie & Kent, Artisans of Leisure, TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Virtuoso, Robinson & Crusoe
Canada: Civilised Adventure, Carlson Wagonlit/ Journeys of Discovery, Unik Tour
Italy: Mistral, Reporter Live
Spain: Eurovacance
United Kingdom: FlashPack UK, Elegant Resorts, Reafs & Rainforest, Career, Greaves Travel
East Europe: Haxel Events & Incentives, Grupa TSO & Orient Travel, Logos Travel (Poland) & Weco Travel (Czech Republic)
Scandinavia: Air Tours, Lotus Travel(Sweden), BeCurio, Eastern Travels, Connection, Tema Reisor (Norway), Lords Travel (Denmark)
Austria: Eurotours
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Senior Management SHANITHA FERNANDO
PRESIDENT/ CO-FOUNDER
Shanitha is the co-founder of Authenticities and is responsible for many European and US markets. With over 28 years experience in the Tourism industry in Sri Lanka, Shanitha could be well described for his genuine concern for partners and clients. He has travelled extensively to many European markets and the United States handling some of the most prestigious travel brands around the world. Coming from a Roman Catholic family, Shanitha was educated at the St Anthony’s College
Kandy
where
he
excelled in sports, particularly in
Rugby Football Captaining
the College First 15 team in 1989.
Returning
to
Colombo,
Shanitha pursued his interest in sports
playing
Rugby
for
Ceylonese Rugby Football club from later half to 1989 to 2001. He captained the CR & FC Rugby Team in 1994 and also represented the national team from 1994 to 1998.
Shanitha pursued his professional career joining Walkers Tours - a subsidiary of the John Keells Group in 1989. He developed new markets in Europe specializing in the Incentive & Luxury segments. At the request of Company he decided to take up a challenging Job offer in India to set up DMC operations for John keels / Walkers Tours between 2006 to 2010. He believes that his experience in India has been the most rewarding thus far, managing & handling multicultural work force, travelling around the country and handling complex operations which he successfully accomplished.
Shanitha is passionate on travel, discovering pristine locations, travelling around the world and interest on current affairs. He is an easygoing person and helping the under-privilege any time being his prime objective.
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DILSHAD SADIQ
VICE PRESIDENT/ CO-FOUNDER
Dilshad is the co-founder of Authenticities and is responsible for the performance of some of the European and Asian markets. He is also responsible for designing of ”emotions” and unique experiences, branding of Authenticities and also overlooks value-adding functional areas apart from his Sales and Operational involvements. Dilshad has a Merit award in his MBA Degree in Business Administration at the Postgraduate Management
Institute (PIM)
in
of Sri
Lanka and also has a Diploma in
Marketing
Chartered
through Institute
the of
Marketing (UK). Dilshad brings in over 25 years of Corporate experience.
Dilshad’s experience in the Tourism industry in the past 14 years comes with exposure in multiple areas in Tourism including Sales & Marketing, Operations, Branding, Health & Safety, Quality and Customer Service.
Dilshad is a dedicated individual with a passion for travel and discovering cultures through meeting with typically local people. By nature Dilshad is a realist, adventurous, looking for new challenges as long as it is unique, new and adrenaline-driven. Unpretentious by nature Dilshad is demanding when it comes to quality and finesse in everything he does. His recent passion for photography compliments his current role and enjoys creating new experiences though his own experiences.
Dilshad’s passion and interests includes exploring ancient and modern archiecture, reading, street photography, watching classic movies, along with Formula 1 and MotoGP racing
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WILHELM VAN DORT
DIRECTEUR COMMERCIAL
Wilhelm is a former Cricketer who represented his Alma Mater Wesley College and later was picked to represent the Sri Lanka under 23 team against Pakistan. During his cricketing days, Wilhelm was known to be a fierce opening bowler
and
also
represented
the
Burgher
Recreation Club (BRC) in Colombo.
He gave up his Cricketing career and his career in Tourism began at Voyages Ceylon in 1974. His deep passion for travel and his love for the French language and culture convinced him to migrate to France in 1980 and pursuing a degree in the University of Rouen in France until 1984.
Returning back to Sri Lanka after perfecting his French language, Wilhelm was instrumental in establishing the French and Benelux markets at Walkers Tours working closely with some of the most reputed Tourism brands including Ormes, Fram Voyages, Asia Voyages, SDT Incentives and is known to be “the man” for Incentives using innovative and practical approach to designing programs.
A voracious reader, Wilhelm’s other interests and hobbies include sports, music and discovering new places and culture.
AMILA AMUNUPURA
HEAD OF FRANCE & BENELUX
Amila brings with him over 8 years experience operating within the French market. Amila speaks fluent French and followed the diploma programme at the Alliance Francaise in Kandy. His passion for the French lanugaue paved the way to the Tourism industry. Always committed to his work, Amila is loved by his partners for his unpretentious approach but consistent and committed delivery in everything he does.
Amila hails from Kandy and studied at the Kingswood College. It is a well-known secret that together with Wilhelm, Amila works in tandem to give the best clients expect.
Amila is a huge supporter of the Sri Lanka Cricket team and also loves Music and Movies
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Our Stars Mainstream Operations UDAYA WICKREMAGE
HEAD OF UK & AUSTRALIA
Udaya has over 6 years experience in Tourism and takes on a very important role with Authenticities. Udaya is full of passion for travel, loves his recces, interacting with locals and is committed to maintaining quality in what we do. He is a talented musician and plays for an emerging local band. Udaya is also into photography.
Udaya is a ”total foody” and loves his ”Single Malt” to go with it, but often compromises on whatever is presented at the table for a good social drink.
GAYAN GUNASEKERA
MANAGER, ITALY/ SPAIN
Gayan plays a pivotal role in developong the Italian and Spanish markets and is one of our senior guys with over 10 years in the Tourism Industry.
Gayan’s personality can be misleading as he tends to be quiet but comes out with cracking stuff after a few shots of Arrack. He frequents the gym sessions and keeps himself fit which annoys his colleagues
NISHANTHAN KRISHNASAMY
ASST. MANAGER (ITALY/ SPAIN)
”Nishy” can be a deceiving character well known for imitating colleagues and former colleagues. This is usually performed when the victim is not present. He serves our Italian and Spanish accounts.
First impressions can be deceiving but Nishy is a great guy to work with and is a loyal individual bringing over 10 years of experiencein the Tourism industry. He loves his Cricket and seems to remember some of the most minute statistics. His stint at Maldives has been an adventure, we hear….
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P. PRABHATH
MANAGER LOGISTICS
Prabha is a part of our Management Team. With over 29 years in Tourism experiences, manages
all
our
Operations
and
Logistical
requirements and ensures that we attract and retain the best Chauffeur Guides and suppliers. Prabha has a Diploma in Business Management from Tudor College, UK. He is also an All Island Justice of Peace.
We usually call Prabha for almost everything as he seems to know the answer to all our day-to-day issues
AKITHA KULASENA
ASST. MANAGER, SCANDINAVIA & VOYAGEURS DU MONDE, FRANCE
Akitha brings a new dimension to our madness at Authenticities. His creative approach and designing has helped Authenticities to make a difference in the social media.
He has been with Authenticities since August 2013 and is responsible for the handling one of our most prestiguous accounts from France, Voyageurs Du Monde and Scandinavia. Akitha has successfully completed his Degree in Business Management. He is also a talented musician NILMINI KARUNARATNE
CONCIERGE, VOYAGEURS DU MONDE, FRANCE
Nilmini comes with over 24 years of rich experience handling the French market and is yet another addition to our connoisseurs of "French artisans".
She takes on an important role as the “Concierge� for Voyageurs Du Monde using her expertise and language skills.
Nilmini has those moments where she pops out those words which generates laughter in the department. She loves gardening and dogs
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NIMANTHI WEERAKOON
ASST. MANAGER, FRENCH GROUP DEPARTMENT
Nimanthi has been in tourism since 2004 and is known for meticulously handling operational areas which are complex. Rich in her ops experience, she assists our French group department. Nimanthi is also known for her sporting abilities during her school days (mainly netball, javelin and put shot), she now takes interest in cooking and cake decorations.
HASHAN MADHUNKA
TOUR CONSULTANT, TAYLOR-MADE, FRANCE
Hashan is a natural star. Another passionate individual with talent in drama & poetry Hashan has already made a positive impression. He speaks and writes fluent French thanks to his academic and professional experience which certainly adds value to our concept.
Hashan joined Authenticities in August 2015 and speaks and writes fluent French thanks to his academic and professional experience which certainly adds value to our concept.
An important aspect about hashan is his natural affiliation with "wild boars" where he has done extensive research
VIRAJ NALLAWANGSA
TOUR CONSULTANT (TAYLOR-MADE, NORTH AMERICAN MARKETS)
Viraj has been in tourism since 2011 and is attached to our growing US department. he is an ardent fan of Manchester United and claims to have played Cricket for his school (which needs to be verified).
Obviously loving food, Viraj believes in not cutting
corners
there.
currently
his
buddy
Nishanthan seems to take advantage of Viraj's situation
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DINITHI KUMARASIRI
TOUR CONSULTANT, VOYAGEURS DU MONDE, FRANCE
Dinithi joined us in Feb 2015 and is pretty much settled in her role. her previous experience revolved around hotel reservations. She loves dogs, reading books (to be questioned) and is into rock music.
With Dininthi, nothing is possible without "Google Maps" and tend to find different routes to reach the desired destination
NURAN PERERA
TOUR CONSULTANT, SCANDINAVIA, UK, AUSTRIA/ GERMANY
Nuran joined us with experience in the apparel industry but has passion for travel and meeting people - an ingredient we look for newcomers. He is a musician which means very soon we will be having our very own band.
Nuran handles an interesting array of our growing markets and it also gives him the opportunity to boraden hi stourism horizon.
LAROSHI WJAYATILAKE
ASST. MANAGER (US & NORTH AMERICAN MARKETS)
Laroshi joins us as the Asst. Manager to handle the US/ North American Markets. She comes with over 6 years of tourism experince. Laroshi grew up in Italy and speaks fluent Italian whilst she manages French, Deutsch and Spanish languages.
She loves to cook Italian and Srilankan dishes and is into big time gaming
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PRAMODYA MADUBASHINI
EXECUTIVE, TAYLOR-MADE, FRANCE
Pramodya joined us in October 2016 and will be joining the gang of French Revolutionaries. she studied French along with English and Psychology in a University in Pune. She loves to watch movies, reading and traveling and eager to discover Sri Lanka and find meanings to our concept of "emotion"
CHRISHAN FERNANDO
TOUR CONSULTANT, ITALY/ SPAIN
Chrishan Fernando, joined our family in October 2016 and will join the team of mafia in the Italian Department.
Chrishan studied at St. Sebastian College and comes from Moratuwa. He played basketball and is took part in athletics. Chrishan loves watching movies and is quite heavy into technology
SHANNON DE SILVA
TOUR CONSULTANT, FRENCH GROUP DEPARTMENT
Shannon comes with tourism experience and joined our French Group department in June, 2017. Shannon is that quiet guy and you hardly notice his presence during office or at a get together.
The only way you notice Shannon is the sound of his motorbike engine. His passion is Rugby, a sport he came to love through his father who was a legendary sportsman.
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Our Stars Support Functions
FARZANA BAHAUDEEN
HEAD OF FINANCE
Farzana is a part of our Management Team and Manages our Finance department. she comes with over 24 years of experience in the area of finance - something which is alien to all of us. for the moment her challenge is to understand our madness
DHARSHANI GUNEWARDENA
SENIOR EXECUTIVE, FINANCE
”Dharshi” supports our Finance Department and with over 30 years experience in Tourism. There are a few issues we have with Dharshi, her laugh and her failed diet plans.
Her presence can be threatening to some of our younger staff members - hiding their packs of ciggarets preventing them from smoking
LASANTHIKA JAYASUNDARA
EXECUTIVE, FINANCE
Popularly known as ”Lassie”, she can be tenacious when it comes to paying our vendors. She is often bullied for her domestic adventures and is often intimidated by such remarks.
According to her, with age she has lost her interest for music but continues to love shopping for Leopard skinned clothing. We now discover she is into yoga and spiritualism
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THERESE FERNANDO
PROCUREMENT
Therese has over 15 years Corporate experience and manages our Administrative activities. She is our Dessert Queen feeding hungry mouths at Authenticities. Her passion for cooking has led her to come out with her own cook book
SHAZNA DILSHAD SADIQ
HUMAN RESOURCES
”Shazi” comes with over 9 years experience in HR and Administration. Shazi overlooks our Human Resource requirements and Administrative areas.
Shazi has one simple demand when at office – a cup of Cappuccino to start the day. She also is a freak when it comes to sweets and chocolates
ROHAN KODIKARA
CONCIERGE, ITALY
Roshan is our Italian-speaking concierge who takes care of our partners and clients. His love for the Latin languages persuaded him to travel to Italy where he completed his degree in Language, Literature & Culture at the ”Dante Aleghieri University in Florence
Roshan’s nature and the manner in which he expresses in the Italian language can be interesting
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PRABODHA MADUBASHINI
CASHIERE
With over 7 years experience, Prabhodha manages our funds and coordinates with mainstream operations. Prabodha is a highly committed individual who gives absolutely no chance for anyone when it comes to adhering to procedures.
She is usually a quiet individual but there have been rumours that she is quite the party animal. She is also passionate about photography
MALSHI SAMARARATNE
SUPPORT SERVICES
Malsha is new to tourism and joined Authenticities in july 2016. she hails from the southern city of Galle and studied at Sangamitta college.
She loves reading and cooking and and took represented her school in both basketball and athletics
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Our Regional Expertise PARAKRAMA DIAS
AIRPORT MANAGER
”Para” is no stranger in Sri Lanka’s International Airport in Katunayake. He brings along more than 34 years experience taking care of our clients on arrival and departure.
Para has an excellent PR with almost everyone and uses his charm to win hearts. Unfortunately we have to stop at that….
PREMATHILAKA HERATH
REGIONAL EXPERT, NORTH-CENTRAL PROVINCE
Herath is our North-East Province coordinator who services our clients and is based in Habarana. Herath’s strength comes in through his strong PR networks in the area and works closely with operations team.
Herath also coordinates cost of our school projects in the NCP (North Central Province) which requires much attention in terms of support.
After much persuasion, we managed to convince Herath to travel around in his new motorbike
ROSHAN GUNASEKERA
REGIONAL EXPERT, CENTRAL PROVINCE
Roshan is an energetic individual with a passion for travel and motorbikes. He is based in Kandy and takes care of all our operations in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and the rest of the Central Province.
Roshan takes pride in unearthing new experiences which we design and introduce in this region.
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NUWANTISSA BANDA
REGIONAL EXPERT, NORTH-CENTRAL PROVINCE
Nuwan is an energetic individual with a high interest for treks, marathons, cycling and mountain climbing. Nuwan hails from Habarana and his close relationships with networks in the region complements our service demands. Nuwan also is responsible for accompanying specialised group movements and unearth unique experiences
BALASUBRAMANIAM KABILAN
REGIONAL EXPERT, JAFFNA & NORTHERN PROVINCE
Kabilan joined Authenticities in February, 2017 and overlooks our operations in Jaffna and Northern Sri Lanka. Kabilan, hashis interest and passion for the North-East Culture, History and Archeology. His contacts and networks itself have helped us to develop this region over the past few years .
Jaffna offers much more than the city walks and the usual sites. The interiors are much richer in terms of typical Jaffna lifestyle, farming, cuisine and hidden secrets, hence Kabilan's appointment complements Authenticties.
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Connect TOUCHING HEARTS – LIVES - FUTURES
Connect Initiative The Authenticities Connect intiative is a concept to support rural children through educational efforts. During the past year itself, we have been able to touch the lives of some of the rural children who have been deprived of basic educational, sanitory and welfare.
Our projects are purely based on supporting schools which have an interface with our tour programmes enabling our clients and partners to
conn ect
be a part of touching the hearts and lives of children through
- con n ec
supporting educational efforts.
ting
hear t
s - liv
es - f
ut ur es
CONNECT BOOKMARK PROJECT
PROJECT SOORIYAGAMA, HABARANA
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Digital Interface Please
visit
our
website
(authenticitiessrilanka.com)
or
our
Page
(pinterest/authenticitiessrilanka) where you could get an understanding of how we introduce unique concepts of Sri Lanka.
Our digital interfaces are designed through careful deliberation of educating and inspiring you through our very own efforts and use of our very own image archives
Team Authenticities at the New Year celebrations in office, COLOMBO
AUTHENTICITIES SRI LANKA 37/33, Bullers Lane, Colombo 7, SRI LANKA Contact: +94 112 599 005-7, +94 112 599 077 Faxline : +94 112 599 220
info@authenticitiessrilanka.com
authenticitiessrilanka.com ★★★★★★★★★★
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