Rukshan De Silva
Mahara
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in destination operations and sales development at Lanka Holidays and Aviation Pvt Ltd. Proven ability to forge supplier partnerships and enhance customer relationships. Skilled in financial management and developing innovative business strategies that drive profitability and market growth. Committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Destination Management
Lanka Holidays and Aviation Pvt Ltd
11.2023 - Current
- Managed destination operations, developed products, fostered supplier partnerships, and ensured service delivery standards.
Assistant Manager
Asian Adventures Travel Management Company
10.2014 - 06.2022
- Developed sales strategies based on market analysis and targeted outreach, driving revenue growth.
- Deliver and ensure market performance and productivity.
- Managed daily operations, enhancing service delivery efficiency and effectiveness.
- Execute marketing campaigns, increasing brand awareness and attracting diverse customer demographics.
- Ensure the market meets its targets and ensure company profitability.
- Correspond with the management consistently to update on sales figures, review work plans, to discuss new strategies and find out about any local issues and future trends.
- Administered financial processes to control budgets and optimize resource allocation.
- Manage budgets and maintain statistical and financial records.
- Sell travel products and tour packages.
- Source products and destinations to meet consumer demands for bespoke travel and sustainable tourism.
- Take part in familiarisation visits/sales calls to known/new destinations, to gather information on issues and amenities of interest to consumers.
- Coordinated with travel partners, including hotels, to manage bookings and schedules.
- Implement alternative and innovative ideas for achieving new business.
- Offer specialist, professional and competitive travel products to meet the demands of the travel market, which includes online bookings and tailor-made trips.
- Develop strategies to meet sales targets by ensuring the following.
- Oversee the smooth, efficient running of the business of relevant markets.
Senior Executive
Walkers Tours (Subsidiary of John Keells Group of Companies)
08.2009 - 09.2019
- Developed innovative business strategies that enhanced market presence.
- Managed inbound tourism operations, coordinating with local attractions and service providers to enhance visitor experience.
- Identified and analyzed potential travel agents, promoting new business opportunities in tourism sector.
- Commercial approach to solving problems.
- Understood customer’s needs and provided services in an effective manner.
- Represented the Company and marketed tourism through overseas sales calls to Australia Year 2010/2011/2012/2013.
- Coordinated conferences by organizing logistics, venues, and participant communications.
- Managed airport operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and efficient passenger flow.
- Participated in marketing initiatives by conducting sales calls to potential clients and partners.
- Met clients and handled customer queries.
- Arranged transportation / accommodation for customers.
- Managed internet bookings.
Communication/General Affairs Coordinating Officer
Ceylinco Sarana International Private Limited (Charity Wing of Ceylinco Group of Companies)
04.2007 - 08.2009
- Coordinated charity project tasks, enhancing community engagement and support.
- Managed communication and media activities, increasing visibility for events and initiatives.
- Executed advertising and marketing activities to drive participation and awareness.
- Prepared progress reports and monthly reports.
- Made ground arrangements to organise charity projects locally and internationally.
- Managed various funds, including Medical and Cancer Funds, to support beneficiaries.
Executive
Aitken Spence Travels Ltd. (A Subsidiary of Aitken Spence Group of Companies)
12.2004 - 04.2007
- Developed innovative business strategies to enhance market presence.
- Identified and analyzed potential travel agents, promoting business growth in tourism sector.
- Corresponded with travel agents to raise awareness and generate new business opportunities.
- Managed inbound tourism operations, ensuring customer satisfaction and smooth service delivery.
- Coordinated cruise operations, ensuring efficient scheduling and customer service.
- Organized and managed conferences, overseeing logistics and participant engagement.
- Supervised airport operations, focusing on passenger flow and service efficiency.
- Engaged with clients to address inquiries and provide exceptional customer service.
- Understood customer’s needs and provided services in an effective manner.
- Managed internet bookings, ensuring accuracy and timely confirmations for customers.
- Commercial approach to solving problems.
Trainee Executive
Nations Trust Bank Ltd. (Subsidiary of John Keells Group of Companies)
05.2004 - 12.2004
- Corresponded with advertising agents and suppliers of hoardings to create awareness and generate new business opportunities.
- Created detailed reports on the advertising budget for review.
- Analysed potential methods of advertising.
Education
LLB - Bachelor of Laws
University of London
01-2021
G. C. E Advance Level - Commerce Stream
St. Joseph’s College
Colombo, 1004.2004
G. C. E Ordinary Level -
St. Joseph’s College
Colombo, 1012.2001
Skills
- Destination operations
- Supplier partnerships
- Sales development
- Product development
- Customer relationship management
- Financial management
- Business strategy
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 07/20/85
- Nationality: Sri Lankan
- Marital Status: Married
Related Experiences
- Handled accommodation & transport for the foreign delegates and officials as well as the Sri Lankan contingent at the 10th South Asian Games 2006 held in Colombo from August 18th to 28th August 2006.
- Handled Ship Operations of Elisabeth II, FunChal, Asuka II and Cloud Sky.
- Represented Walkers Tours on an overseas promotional visit to Australia in 2010/2011/2012/2013.
- Represented Asian Adventures Travel Management Company Limited on overseas promotional visits to Australia in 2014 / 2015/ 2016.
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Sinhala
Proficient (C2)
C2
Tamil
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Referees
- Mr. Sunimal Senanayake, Former Head of Leisure – John Keells Holdings, No. 78A, Layards Road, Colombo, 05, +94713840444
- Mr Harin Fernando, Former Cabinet Minister of Tourism and Land, +94112931627
Timeline
Head of Destination Management
Lanka Holidays and Aviation Pvt Ltd
11.2023 - Current
Assistant Manager
Asian Adventures Travel Management Company
10.2014 - 06.2022
Senior Executive
Walkers Tours (Subsidiary of John Keells Group of Companies)
08.2009 - 09.2019
Communication/General Affairs Coordinating Officer
Ceylinco Sarana International Private Limited (Charity Wing of Ceylinco Group of Companies)
04.2007 - 08.2009
Executive
Aitken Spence Travels Ltd. (A Subsidiary of Aitken Spence Group of Companies)
12.2004 - 04.2007
Trainee Executive
Nations Trust Bank Ltd. (Subsidiary of John Keells Group of Companies)
05.2004 - 12.2004
LLB - Bachelor of Laws
University of London
G. C. E Advance Level - Commerce Stream
St. Joseph’s College
G. C. E Ordinary Level -
St. Joseph’s College