Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives Welcomes Ruchira Alawatte as Director of Engineering

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, has appointed Ruchira Alawatte as its Director of Engineering, bringing with him a distinguished career defined by technical excellence, strategic leadership, and multi-regional operational expertise. With over a decade of experience spanning engineering operations, pre-openings, asset management, and large-scale project execution, Ruchira plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the resort’s infrastructure while enabling seamless luxury experiences for guests.

Ruchira holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, complemented by a Master of Business Administration from the University of Suffolk. His academic foundation is further strengthened by a Professional Diploma in International Business (SCQF Level 11), professional certifications in Energy Management, and Fire Squad Level 02 training in the Maldives. He is also an Associate Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, United Kingdom (AMIMechE-UK), reflecting his adherence to internationally recognised engineering standards.

With ten years of professional experience—seven of which have been dedicated to the Maldives—Ruchira has developed deep expertise in resort engineering within complex island environments. His career includes representing clients on major hospitality developments, notably at Heritance Aarah Maldives, where he contributed to high-value construction and technical delivery projects requiring precision, compliance, and stakeholder coordination.

Prior to joining Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, Ruchira most recently served as Assistant General Manager – Engineering with Aitken Spence Hotel Managements, overseeing engineering operations across multiple properties in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman, and India. In this capacity, he led cross-regional teams, managed hotel refurbishments, and supported new development projects, balancing operational continuity with long-term asset optimisation.

Earlier in his career, Ruchira held Chief Engineer positions at leading luxury resorts including Dhigali Maldives, Robinson Club Maldives, Heritance Aarah Maldives, and Heritance Kandalama in Sri Lanka. Across these roles, he successfully led large technical teams, implemented robust preventive maintenance systems, and represented ownership and management during major construction, renovation, and enhancement initiatives—ensuring operational readiness, sustainability, and compliance with international safety standards.

At Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, Ruchira leads the engineering function with a strategic, business-minded approach, aligning technical operations with Taj’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and guest comfort. His leadership focuses on reliability, energy efficiency, preventive maintenance, and future-ready infrastructure—ensuring that behind every effortless guest experience lies a foundation of engineering precision and resilience.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ruchira brings a dynamic personal dimension shaped by discipline, creativity, and teamwork. He is an IDTA-certified Latin ballroom and street Latin dancer, a Kyokushin karate black belt, a musician who has performed as a tuba player with the National Youth Orchestra of Sri Lanka, and a former leader of collegiate cricket and rugby teams—attributes that reflect balance, leadership, and dedication both on and off the field.

With Ruchira Alawatte at the helm of its engineering operations, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, sustainable asset stewardship, and the seamless delivery of world-class luxury rooted in trust, precision, and enduring quality.