JKH says Cinnamon Bey, Beruwala operations restored

• Says hotel fully operational with 60% occupancy
• Hotel went non-operational for few hours when a group of employees walked out of the property demanding salary increments

John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) yesterday said the staff issues at Cinnamon Bey, Beruwala have been resolved and the five-star property is back in business. 

Some staff members of the Cinnamon Bey, Beruwala had walked out from operations on Wednesday obstructing hotel’s functioning for a few hours. 

Some guests took to social media to highlight that they were not facilitated at the property despite having pre-booked accommodation, as there was no hotel staff. 

However, when Mirror Business spoke to John Keells Holdings, its head of leisure sector said the matter is resolved and the hotel is operating at 60 percent occupancy.

 “It was a concern for a few hours when the staff decided to walk out, but the management was quick to resolve the problem. It’s not a big issue. The hotel is fully functioning now,” JKH Leisure Group President Suresh Rajendra told Mirror Business.

According to the sector head, the issue ignited when a group of employees demanded a salary increment and went ahead with strike action by walking out of the property.

Setting the record straight, Rajendra said Cinnamon Bey did not transfer any guest to other properties under the Cinnamon banner as there was no plan to close or halt operations.

“Certain guests may have requested for a transfer and moved to other properties, but the hotel is fully operational as we speak.

“We are catering to our guests and are looking forward to the New Year,” Rajendra added.