Im no Expert

Dharshan Munidasa is Sri Lanka’s most celebrated chef and restaurateur, renowned for putting the country on the global culinary map. Born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and Sri Lankan father, he launched his career in 1995 by opening Nihonbashi, an acclaimed fine-dining Japanese restaurant. He later co-founded Ministry of Crab alongside cricket icons Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara, alongside other ventures such as Kaema Sutra and Carne Diem Grill.

His standout achievement includes having both Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab rank on the prestigious "Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants" list—the only Sri Lankan restaurants ever to earn this honor. Internationally recognized, he was awarded Japan's prestigious "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays" for promoting Japanese culinary culture. Munidasa has transformed Sri Lankan tourism by championing fresh local ingredients—particularly giant mud crabs—turning Colombo into a premier fine-dining destination and exporting Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage across global branches.

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🎧 Full Pod dropping this Friday, October 2nd at 6:00 PM (IST / GMT +5:30) on the imno.expert YouTube channel.
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No one traveled there. No one invested there. So, naturally, we built a hotel there


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Hashan Cooray is a third-generation hotelier who serves as the Director of Marketing and Development at Jetwing Hotels, one of Sri Lanka’s premier hospitality brands, founded by his grandfather, Herbert Cooray.

As part of the third generation, Hashan works alongside his family and colleagues in shaping the continued growth, development and marketing of the brand. Today, Jetwing Hotels spans more than 35 unique hotels and villas across 4 segments, from Jaffna in the North to destinations across the island, including many regions the company ventured into well before they became established tourism destinations, alongside a growing collection of speciality bars and restaurants.

Growing up within a business deeply rooted in Sri Lanka has shaped Hashan’s belief in responsible tourism, community development through initiatives such as the Jetwing Youth Development Project, and sustainable destination marketing. Together with his brothers and the younger Jetwing Hotels team, he hopes to carry forward the adventurous and pioneering spirit of his grandfather, father and the senior team who built Jetwing Hotels, while staying grounded in the values that have guided the company from the beginning.

Filmed and recorded in March 2026

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🎧 Full Pod dropping this Friday, September 25th at 6:00 PM (IST / GMT +5:30) on the imno.expert YouTube channel.
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Proof that true passion doesn't stick to one lane


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Ajai Vir Singh is a visionary entrepreneur and creative catalyst instrumental in elevating Sri Lanka’s creative economy. He founded Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) in 2003, transforming it into a premier regional platform that nurtures local design talent, champions sustainable practices, and puts Sri Lankan fashion on the global map.

Expanding his scope beyond fashion, he co-founded the Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival (CLAF) to showcase the nation's rich heritage in literature, visual arts, music, and film. Through his entrepreneurship—founding brands like Conscience and Arugam Bay—alongside initiatives such as the Emerging Designer Scheme and circular fashion frameworks, Singh has empowered generations of Sri Lankan creatives. His contributions have built national pride, fostered soft power, and positioned Sri Lanka as a vibrant, sustainable hub for arts and design in Asia.

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🎧 Full Pod dropping this Friday, September 18th at 6:00 PM (IST / GMT +5:30) on the imno.expert YouTube channel.
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We need to stop diluting our authenticity to fit someone else's default. True impact comes from being entirely uncompromising in our culture, style, and voice

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Sachitha Kalingamudali is an executive, engineer, and the General Manager of Mogo Studios. Overseeing the digital operations for Derana—Sri Lanka’s premier broadcaster—he leads a diverse team of over 250 professionals across media, technology, education, and animation.
Throughout his career, he has achieved significant recognition in higher education and professional training, driving initiatives to expand skill-building opportunities for youth. Kalingamudali serves Sri Lanka by promoting quality education, facilitating international training partnerships, and empowering Sri Lankan students to gain skills necessary for the modern global workforce.

Pradeepa Jeeva is a global producer, social entrepreneur, and CEO of Jeeva Productions, recognized as one of Variety’s *Hollywood’s New Leaders*. After a successful career in the U.S. media industry—serving as Head of Development at Machinima and Head of Production for YouTube’s YOMYOMF network—she redirected her expertise toward social impact.

Jeeva has greatly aided Sri Lanka by empowering local communities. She helped build digital e-curriculum programs in Northern Sri Lankan schools to boost student pass rates, launched MOGO Animation Studios in Colombo to pioneer Sri Lanka's animation industry on a global scale, and created creative jobs for youth across the island.

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🎧 Full Pod dropping this Friday, September 11th at 6:00 PM (IST / GMT +5:30) on the imno.expert YouTube channel.
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