Our Team

Sri Lanka Express

Our Team

DILAN FERNANDO

Managing Director

With a career spanning over three decades in the Destination Management and MICE industry, Dilan is a respected leader in Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape. His journey began in 1995 as an Airport Representative, where his attention to detail and commitment to service excellence quickly set him apart.

Having worked with globally renowned tour operators, Dilan developed a deep understanding of international markets and the expectations of discerning travelers. In 1999, he took the lead in the MICE and niche travel segments—a defining chapter in which he conceptualized and executed large-scale incentive programs and bespoke experiences with flawless precision and uncompromising quality. His consistent record of excellence and client satisfaction positioned him among the most trusted professionals in the field.

In 2009, at the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka, Dilan co-founded Sri Lanka Express with a bold vision: to showcase Sri Lanka as a refined, diverse, and world-class destination. Through strategic partnerships and an unwavering dedication to personalized service, the company successfully introduced the island to new international markets and elevated its reputation among global travel specialists.

Guided by strong faith, integrity, and family values, Dilan believes that true luxury lies not only in products but in authenticity, reliability, and meaningful relationships. Today, Sri Lanka Express continues to grow, driven by reputation, word of mouth, and the trust of global partners who value excellence without compromise.

Beyond his professional life, Dilan was a professional cricketer and basketball player and pursued his passion as a DJ. Even today, he enjoys spending his free time on the basketball court and immersing himself in his extensive music collection, which spans classics from the 1950s to contemporary hits.

XAVIER RAY

Associate Director

Xavier began his tourism career in France in 1977 and established his own representation agency, Production Asie, in 1982.

Since 1984, he has been a well-known professional in the Sri Lankan market, representing major companies and building a strong reputation.

Xavier met Dilan in 1999, and their friendship has endured ever since. With the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka in 2009, Xavier encouraged Dilan to start Sri Lanka Express, recognizing his potential in the DMC business. Together, they founded the company. Xavier contributed his extensive experience and market knowledge to help Sri Lanka Express grow, particularly in the French market.

Today, Xavier is a happily retired family man who enjoys life and travels around the world but more specifically in the Indian sub-continent. A lover of good food and fine wine, he also enjoys movies, music, motorbikes and social activities. Despite his retirement, he continues to support Sri Lanka Express, helping the company reach new heights.

SANJEEVANI FERNANDO

Director

Most people know her as Sajee. She began her career in 1995 as an Account Assistant at Aston Limited and, after 18 years, left the company as an experienced accountant. In 2013, Dilan invited her to join the family business, where she took on the role of Director and Head of the Finance Division. She brought her passion for accounting and strong leadership to guide the department efficiently alongside her colleagues.

In leisure time, Sajee is a devoted mother and a loving presence in her family. She is a foodie who enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes. She also loves gardening, sewing, movies, and music. An avid traveler, she delights in exploring new destinations and experiencing the world.

Dilhari Nugagahakumbura

Senior Manager

Dilhari is a Senior Manager at Sri Lanka Express with over 14 years of experience in the tourism industry. She oversees the accounts department and supports the operations team to ensure a smooth workflow.

A graduate in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Rajarata University, Dilhari is known for her dedication, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex responsibilities efficiently. Passionate about creating meaningful travel experiences, she enjoys connecting with diverse stakeholders and contributing to the company’s mission of delivering exceptional tourism services.

Outside work, she enjoys family time, reading and listening to music.

Minoli Fernando

Assistant Manager, Accounts

Minoli brings over 13 years of experience at Sri Lanka Express, starting as an intern and growing into her current role. She ensures smooth and precise financial operations that support the company’s exceptional travel experiences.

A qualified professional in Management Accounting (CMA) and Business Management from National Institute of Business Management, Minoli combines strategic insight with analytical expertise. Known for her reliability and collaborative spirit, she fosters a supportive, high-performing team environment.

Beyond work, she enjoys reading and exploring art and crafts, bringing creativity and balance into everything she does.

Sahan Fernando

Senior Executive

Sahan is a Senior Executive at Sri Lanka Express, passionate about creating seamless and memorable travel experiences across Sri Lanka. He specializes in designing tailor-made itineraries, coordinating bookings, and building strong relationships with clients, ensuring every journey is personal, enjoyable, and thoughtfully planned.

Fluent in Sinhala and English, with a working knowledge of Tamil, Sahan enjoys connecting with travellers from different cultures. He holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management.

Beyond his professional role, Sahan enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, discovering Sri Lanka’s diverse food scene, and exploring the island. His friendly nature and genuine appreciation for Sri Lankan hospitality are reflected in the warm and welcoming experience he strives to offer every guest.

Helani Udeshika

Senior Executive

Helani Udeshika is a Senior Executive at Sri Lanka Express with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Tourism and Hospitality Management and is fluent in both English and Sinhala.

She is passionate about creating personalized travel experiences and is known for her professionalism, excellent public relations and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. With strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, Helani builds lasting relationships with clients and partners, ensuring that every journey is smooth, memorable, and tailored to each client's unique needs.

In her free time, Helani enjoys exploring new travel destinations, learning about different cultures and traditions, playing volleyball, listening to music, drawing, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Senuli Perera

Executive

Senuli is an Executive at Sri Lanka Express with a passion for creating meaningful and unforgettable travel experiences across Sri Lanka. Fluent in Sinhala and English, she is currently advancing her French at Alliance Française in Colombo, enabling her to connect with a wider range of international travelers. Known for her warm personality and dedication to exceptional service, she strives to ensure every journey is seamless, personalized, and filled with lasting memories.

Outside of work, she enjoys writing poetry, reading, listening to music, and exploring art. Her creativity and appreciation for culture inspire her approach to hospitality, helping her create thoughtful and authentic experiences for every guest.

Deandra Fernando

Executive

Deandra is an Executive at Sri Lanka Express, specializing in the French-speaking market and dedicated to creating personalized and unforgettable experiences for travellers discovering Sri Lanka. A language enthusiast, she is fluent in Sinhala and English, intermediate in French, and has a basic knowledge of Japanese and Spanish. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Political Science from the University of Winnipeg, Canada, and previously spent six months studying French at Alliance Française Paris.

Deandra brings a creative, people-focused, and culturally aware perspective to her role. Beyond travel, she is passionate about photography and digital art and enjoys exploring new places with loved ones, discovering new experiences and cultures, getting lost in a good book, and creating art inspired by her love of animation.

Naduni Fernando

Assistant Manager

Naduni is an Assistant Manager at Sri Lanka Express, passionate about creating thoughtful and memorable journeys that showcase the many sides of Sri Lanka. With extensive experience in destination management, she has worked across both operations and international travel-agent relations, developing a particular love for designing itineraries, discovering unique properties and experiences, and building genuine relationships within the travel industry. She holds an MBA, which complements her practical experience in tourism and has strengthened her interest in business, leadership and the continued development of the travel industry.

A naturally curious and people-focused professional, Naduni believes that travel is about more than simply visiting a destination, it is about the experiences, connections and stories travellers take home with them. She is especially passionate about exploring lesser-known parts of Sri Lanka and promoting authentic, sustainable experiences that benefit both travellers and local communities.

Outside of work, Naduni enjoys travelling, discovering hidden corners of Sri Lanka, spending time with loved ones, and seeking out new experiences and cultures. She is also passionate about continuously learning and growing within the tourism industry.