The Sri Lankan-born Ratnayake will lead the food and beverage team and direct overall operations at the resort’s three restaurants: the eclectic Caravela, featuring the most authentic theme nights spanning the world; Tierra! Tierra!, a relaxed, open-air restaurant overlooking the pool with endless ocean views; and One Shoe Beach Bar & Grill located on the island’s secluded North Beach.
With more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality arena, ‘M’ has held positions at world class operations in the US, Arabian Gulf and Caribbean. Prior to joining the team at Scrub Island Resort, Ratnayake co-led opening food and beverage venues for a number of celebrity restaurateurs including Garry Rhodes, Mark Fuller and Richard Sandoval. He was also food and beverage director at Sandals Montego Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club in Jamaica, group food and beverage manager at Al Barari Dubai and assistant food and beverage manager at the Grosvenor House Dubai. ‘M’ has been known to delve into passion projects like leading the opening of ‘The Farm Dubai’ where Dubai’s first interactive iPad menus, carbon neutral facility design and ethical product sourcing became hot trends.