Life style
Boost for tourism
By Zanita Careem
Aviyana hotel complex, to be opened next year, will definetely uplift Sri Lanka’s tourism sector to its next level – a much-needed move for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and sustainability. With a range of investment packages to choose from, Aviyana offers local investors a chance to be part of a game-changing business strategy. The concept will revolutionise the industry with its outside-the-box approach to hospitality, which combines spiritual well-being and opulence, and will offer an experience that can be life-changing. By upgrading the standard 5-star category to 7-star splendour, the Aviyana brand takes on a remarkable transformation to Sri Lanka’s tourist map.
Lanka’s seven star hotel, nearing completion in the scenic Udipattuwa Kandy will be opened in 2025
Spread over 27 acres of pristine land, the project has been launched in 2019, Aviyana Hotel Managing Director Dr. Thisara Hewawasam said, “Aviyana stands unique by offering a serene retreat blessed with mother native and scenic beauty. Our main focus is to allow the guests to have the feeling at home, and give the services to create a meaningful guest experience.
Aviyana, a melodic Indian name implies a bird or heaven and as the logo implies, this group of chalets fits this connotation.
The visionary behind this resort, Aviyana is Dr. Thisara Hewawasam whose dream was to built a hotel sans foreign investment, once completed will become a reality.Their tag line Aviyana for a national cause encapsulates the concept of unparalleled lifestyle experience.
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- Visionary Dr. Thisara Hewawasam
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- Aviyana Chairman Dr. Thisara Hewawasam (extreme right) addressing the launch. Others (from left): Aviyana Director – Operations Shezad Hameed, COO Thakshila Nadeeshani, and CEO Kavinda Abeyrathne
Aviyana resonates with the state of the art designs, infusing the world of hospitality with the most innovative and luxurious high end facilities. ‘We offer unparalled services, a taste of true luxury spacious villas, passion for equality and detail, curating the best services to the taste of each guests said Chairman, Dr Thisara.
This focus on perfection and exclusivity has garnered many prestigious awards says Aviyana’s Chief Executive Officer Kavinda Abeyrathne. Our excluisve partnership by with the Al Nahyari Royal family of Abu Dhabi, a prominent and influential dynasty in the United Arab Emirates helps us to target high end travellers. Aviyana’s Private Chalets Director Operations, Shezad Hameed said to enhance the best guest experience Aviyana’s private chalets will bring in world class chefs, wellness professionals and service staff. Our goal is to redefine luxury hospitality in the region, offering an unparalleled blend of comforts, privacy and natural beauty.
Aviyana is an architectural marvel with natural significance continued Dr. Thisara Hewawasam,these chalets are nestled in the picturesque hills surrounded by timeless serenity
How does Aviyana stands apart from other hotels in the area?
This seven star property offer’s a supremely serene retreat seemlessly blending its surrounding environment redefineing tourism luxury with personalised services, unique dining and immersive local experiences. Aviyana also provide guided excursion, allowing guests to explore Kandy’s cultural sites and the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s tea estates.
The present government aims to make Sri Lanka the most sought after destination.The opening of this luxurious and exclusive property aligns with the government’s vision to significantly increase the arrival of tourists by 2025.
Dance recital at the launch
Uniqueness of this property
A supremely serene retreat, blessed abundantly with mother natures’ scenic beauty, the ability to experience the purest air and the call of calm with restorative virgin water from the Knuckles mountain range. Infusing the world of hospitality with the most innovative and luxurious high-end hotel, Aviyana has taken a giant leap forward for the tourist growing industry. Some of the distinct features include unsurpassed levels of service, a taste of true luxury in spacious villas, passion for quality and detail, curating the most fascinating aspects of our locale, not just in design, but in experiences and excursions that are tailored to the taste of each guest. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are at the heart of dining at Aviyana, where they are transformed into welcoming, authentic cuisine. Guests arrive and depart travelling through sweeping mountain views from the vaulted vantage of a helicopter transfer. Above all, providing a peaceful sanctuary, a gentle sense of joy and discovery, with a magical touch of luxury, great service,excellent emotional connection are some of the highlights that will create a benchmark for tourism.
Meaningful guest experience is unique to the brand and the property. Aviyana’s prestigious butler service is one-of-a-kind, dedicated to each villa is truly personalised experience that will leave your soul satisfied. This personel buttler will be familiar with your profile before you even get there and will go the extra mile to make you feel truly at home at Aviyana.
Finally, Managing Director Dr. Hewawasam remarked “with vision and persevarance, the impossible becomes achievable and this landmark project will definetely add Sri Lanka on the map of elite travel destination’’ .
Mount Lavinia Hotel, known as “Galkissa Maha Hotalaya had thier “Avurudu Maha Gedara” celebration for the 2025 Sinhala and Tamil New Year. This year’s festivities were spectacular, with the iconic Chef Publis Silva at the helm of the culinary offerings.
The concept of “Avurudu Maha Gedara” – the grand ancestral home where families gather during New Year – perfectly embodies Mount Lavinia Hotel’s role as a cultural cornerstone in the community. Just as in the traditional village “Maha gedara” welcomes extended families, the historic hotel opens its doors to all Sri Lankans and visitors wishing to experience authentic New Year traditions.
“Avurudu Maha Gedara at Mount Lavinia Hotel is more than just a celebration – it’s our way of preserving and sharing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage,” says Anura Dewapura, Chief Operating Officer of Mount Lavinia Hotel Group. “We take pride in creating a space where families and friends can come together to experience the joy and traditions of the New Year in an authentic setting that honors our collective past while creating new memories.”
Grand Kavili Kade opening and Avurudu market
The celebrations kicked off with the grand opening of the Kavili Kade (sweetmeat shop) on Sunday, April 6th at 4:30 PM. Visitors were treated to a vibrant cultural spectacle featuring traditional dancing, music, games, and dramatic performances. Distinguished guests including corporate partners, business associates, ambassadors, and media representatives attended this colorful inauguration.
The hotel’s courtyard was transformed into an eco-friendly Avurudu Market, showcasing special New Year items, homeware, and decorative pieces. Following the grand opening, the Kavili Kade will welcome guests daily from 10 AM to 8 PM until April 13th.
Exquisite Kavili hampers
For those looking to bring the flavors of Avurudu home, Mount Lavinia Hotel has curated three distinctive kavili hampers named after beloved Sri Lankan flora:
The premium Erabadu Hamper – the most comprehensive sweetmeat collection
The Ehela Hamper – a delightful mid-range offering
The Bakmee Hamper ) – a perfect introduction to traditional treats
Each hamper can be delivered directly to your doorstep, making them ideal both for family celebrations and as meaningful gifts during the New Year season.
“Feast of the Nation” – A Culinary Journey Across Sri Lanka
On Avurudu Day, Mount Lavinia Hotel will host its renowned “Feast of the Nation” lunch buffet, celebrating Sri Lanka’s diverse culinary heritage. At , this extraordinary buffet transcends ethnic boundaries, offering a comprehensive journey through the island’s rich culinary landscape. The feast features authentic dishes from every corner of Sri Lanka, bringing together the distinct flavors and cooking traditions that represent the country’s multicultural identity in one magnificent spread.
“The Avurudu celebration at Mount Lavinia Hotel represents the true spirit of Sri Lankan unity,” Dewapura continued. ” Through our traditional foods, we honor the cultural tapestry that makes our nation so special.”
Mount Lavinia Hotel’s “Avurudu Maha Gedara” welcomes Sri Lankans of all ages and backgrounds to experience the rich traditions of the New Year in the magnificent setting of this historic landmark.
For reservations and inquiries, contact Mount Lavinia Hotel at 0112 711 711.
This April, Cinnamon Grand Colombo brings the joyous essence of Avurudu alive with a line-up of delightful culinary experiences, cultural festivities, and memorable moments for the whole family. Here’s how you can celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with flavour, tradition, and warmth said the press release.
New Year vibes
The release said experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a truly Sri Lankan New Year from 12–15 April 2025, starting from 5 PM onwards at the Lobby.
Watch live demonstrations of traditional sweetmeats being made, like kawum and kokis, and enjoy the rhythmic beats of raban drums as the hotel lobby transforms into a celebration of Avurudu culture.
Lobby – Cinnamon Grand Colombo
12–15 April, from 5 PM onwards
Call +94 11 247 3494 for details
Celebrate Avurudu Tradition and taste at Nuga Gama
On 14 April 2025, step into a truly authentic village-style Avurudu celebration at Nuga Gama. Starting at 8 AM, guests can enjoy a lavish Kavili Table and Lunch Buffet filled with traditional sweets and festive Sri Lankan dishes.
There’ll also be Avurudu games and vibrant activities to keep the whole family entertained.
This Sinhala and Tamil New Year, step away from the ordinary and embrace the spirit of Avurudu at Sun Siyam Pasikudah with the joyous rhythms of tradition, community, and coastal serenity, under the vibrant theme, Festival of the Sun said a press release
Set along the golden shores of Pasikudah, the luxury five-star beach resort transforms into a festive haven where timeless rituals meet joyful recreation. From traditional ceremonies to fun-filled family games, guests are promised an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Sri Lankan heritage, celebrating the essence of togetherness, gratitude, and renewal release said.
As the sun rises to mark the dawn of the New Year, guests will witness the symbolic milk boiling ceremony—a sacred ritual signifying prosperity and new beginnings. The preparation of the Kavili Mesaya, or traditional sweet table, will follow—featuring a colourful spread of mouthwatering Avurudu treats like kokis, mung kavum, aluwa, and konda kavum. The celebration continues with a ceremonial oil lamp lighting, setting the tone for a day rooted in cultural elegance and island warmth.
The Kids’ Corner is all set to light up with playful delights such as Breaking Balloons and Placing the Eye on the Elephant, promising giggles and memories for the little ones. Families and groups can bond over light-hearted yet lively games including Fill the Bottle by Hand, Sack Races, and the ever-popular Musical Chairs—guaranteed to spark friendly competition and lots of laughs.
For those seeking a thrill, competitive events like Tug of War (Ladies vs Gents), Pillow Fight, and the classic Blindfolded Pot Breaking are sure to bring out the festive spirit in full force.
While the Avurudu festivities steal the spotlight, Sun Siyam Pasikudah continues to charm guests with its signature blend of tropical luxury and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.
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