Business

Plant-based tourism could be Sri Lanka’s overlooked growth opportunity: Andrea Diaz

Published

2 months ago

2026/03/16

Traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry with a variety of vegetarian dishes - an often underestimated culinary asset that could strengthen the country’s tourism appeal

As Sri Lanka searches for new sources of foreign exchange and sustainable economic reform, an unexpected opportunity may lie in something as simple as the food on its plate. According to Andrea Diaz, Executive Director of Dharma Voices for Animals (DVA), Sri Lanka could strengthen tourism revenue, improve public health and advance environmental resilience by positioning itself as a vegetarian- and vegan-friendly destination rooted in its Buddhist heritage.

“Compassion is not only a moral value,” Diaz says. “It can also be an economic strategy.”

Sri Lanka occupies a unique place in the global Buddhist world, having preserved the Theravada tradition for more than two millennia. Diaz believes this heritage gives the island a distinctive moral authority to demonstrate how Buddhist principles such as non-harming and compassion can shape modern policy and everyday life. Dharma Voices for Animals promotes plant-based food systems that protect animals, safeguard the environment and support human health. In Sri Lanka, the organisation frames its work as an effort to reconnect contemporary lifestyles with longstanding cultural values.

Historically, many Sri Lankan communities relied heavily on plant-based diets before colonial influences altered food systems. Even today, much of the island’s traditional cuisine – dhal curry, mallung, jackfruit dishes and coconut-based preparations – remains naturally vegetarian or easily adaptable. Diaz argues that this culinary foundation gives Sri Lanka an advantage that many countries struggle to build.

Rather than reinventing its food culture, she says, Sri Lanka could highlight its existing culinary traditions and present them to the world as part of a compassionate and sustainable national identity.

Andrea Diaz, Executive Director of Dharma Voices for Animals (DVA)

DVA’s work on the ground focuses on translating these ideas into practical change. A network of volunteer regional coordinators conducts educational programmes at temples, Sunday schools, community centres, women’s groups, medical clinics and even army facilities, encouraging people to reflect on how daily food choices align with Buddhist ethics. According to Diaz, the organisation’s outreach in 2025 alone reached more than 146,000 individuals through lectures, discussions and community events.

Education is paired with practical tools aimed at making plant-based eating accessible. The organisation has published Sri Lanka’s first vegan cookbook using locally available ingredients, while cooking classes broadcast on cable television and community cooking competitions demonstrate that plant-based meals can be affordable, nutritious and culturally familiar.

By highlighting that many rice-and-curry combinations already meet nutritional needs, advocates hope to dispel the perception that dietary change requires dramatic lifestyle adjustments.

The economic implications extend beyond cuisine. Diaz notes that global tourism trends are shifting toward values-driven travel. Visitors from Europe, North America and Australia increasingly seek destinations where vegetarian and vegan food is readily available and clearly labelled. Countries that accommodate this demand often benefit from longer stays and strong word-of-mouth promotion among conscious travel communities.

Sri Lanka, she suggests, could tap into this market with relatively modest policy steps – clearer menu labelling, plant-based certifications for hotels and targeted marketing highlighting the island’s naturally vegetarian culinary traditions.

Positioning Sri Lanka as a compassionate culinary destination could also strengthen its broader tourism brand. Modern travellers increasingly consider sustainability, ethics and wellness when choosing destinations. A national identity linking Buddhist values with environmentally responsible food culture could help differentiate Sri Lanka from competing tropical tourism destinations while supporting farmers who produce rice, lentils, vegetables, spices and coconuts.

Beyond tourism, Diaz believes dietary shifts could contribute to climate resilience and food security. Animal agriculture requires significant land, water and grain while producing comparatively high greenhouse gas emissions. Redirecting more crops directly to human consumption improves efficiency and allows more people to be fed from the same land base.

For a country already rich in plant-based staples, strengthening these agricultural systems could reduce reliance on imported animal feed while supporting smallholder farmers and protecting natural resources.

Public health represents another potential benefit. Many of the world’s most costly diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension are strongly linked to diet. Diets rich in legumes, vegetables, fruits and whole grains are associated with lower rates of these conditions. Encouraging plant-forward diets, Diaz argues, could help governments reduce long-term healthcare costs while improving workforce productivity.

Dietary change, she emphasises, does not require universal adoption to produce meaningful social impact. Research on social movements suggests that when roughly 3.5 percent of a population actively supports a cause, broader cultural and political change can begin. In Sri Lanka’s case, that would mean about 800,000 people visibly committing to compassionate food choices and discussing the values behind them.

Yet while discussions about compassion and sustainability are gaining attention, Sri Lanka’s legal framework for animal protection remains outdated. The country still operates under a law dating back to 1907, a colonial-era statute widely viewed as inadequate for modern welfare standards. A proposed Animal Welfare Bill – developed through years of consultation and legal drafting – has twice received Cabinet approval but has never been presented to Parliament.

If enacted, the legislation would replace the colonial-era statute with modern welfare standards, establishing clearer definitions of cruelty and neglect, stronger penalties and improved investigative powers. It would also formalise internationally recognised welfare principles such as adequate food, shelter, medical care and humane handling of animals.

Advocates also emphasise that the growth of plant-based industries need not threaten farmers currently involved in livestock production. Instead, they see opportunities for gradual diversification. With appropriate training and policy support, farmers could transition toward crops central to plant-based diets or participate in value-added food production, strengthening rural livelihoods while reducing environmental strain.

For Sri Lanka, the broader message is that compassion, sustainability and economic development need not be competing priorities. A food system that emphasises plant-based traditions already embedded in local culture could simultaneously strengthen tourism, improve public health, enhance climate resilience and support rural agriculture.

Seen through that lens, the humble rice-and-curry meal may represent more than a culinary tradition. In a world searching for more sustainable ways to live and travel, Sri Lanka’s oldest food traditions may yet become one of its most modern economic opportunities.

by Sanath Nanayakkare

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Business

Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum strengthens economic ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam

Published

21 hours ago

2026/05/9

Priyan

Marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, the Sri Lanka– Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum was successfully held on Friday (08) at the Hilton Colombo.

The Forum, jointly organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, was held in parallel with the State Visit of President Tô Lâm of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The event was attended by President Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Forum underscored the importance of the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries and reflected the shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation.

The primary objective of the Forum was to further strengthen bilateral economic ties by focusing on key priorities including the expansion of trade, promotion of investment and enhancement of tourism cooperation. The event also provided an opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration, strengthen business-to-business engagement and facilitate greater market access by bringing together senior government officials, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from both countries on a common platform.

During the Forum, direct air connectivity between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City was officially launched. The new services, operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, are expected to further strengthen relations between the two nations and their people.

Six Memoranda of Understanding covering key areas of cooperation were also signed during the Forum. In addition, a notable development was the establishment of the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Business Council under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Alongside the Forum, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board organised a business networking session, providing Sri Lankan and Vietnamese entrepreneurs with the opportunity to engage directly with one another. The event received strong participation from the private sectors of both countries, with businesses expressing keen interest in expanding trade and establishing resilient supply chains.

Representing Sri Lanka at the event were Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Environment , Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development ,Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, K.A.Vimalenthirarajah, Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe along with several other dignitaries and officials.

Representing Vietnam were Politburo Member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Organisation Commission , Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Politburo Member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Commission for Policies and Strategies , Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Politburo Member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Phan Van Giang, Politburo Member and Minister of Public Security, Luong Tam Quang and Politburo Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Le Hoai Trung, among others.

(PMD)

Business

SL to launch first Dedicated Sustainable Tourism Association in South Asia

Published

23 hours ago

2026/05/9

Thilina Walpola

Tourism personnel at the press briefing

‘Sri Lanka embarks on a journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous tourism industry.’

The Executive Committee of the Sustainable Tourism Association of Sri Lanka (SusTour) announced the above at its final meeting held on May 6, at Connaisance head office, Colombo. The committee finalised all preparations for the official launch in August of the first private sector led, non-governmental Sustainable Tourism Association in South Asia, as most tourism associations in Asia operate as dedicated Eco Tourism entities while this is probably the first in Asia.

This momentous event will be officiated by Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, who has agreed to inaugurate the Association in conjunction with a media launch.

Prof. Ranasinghe is not only a qualified academic specializing in sustainable tourism but also a passionate advocate for the development of sustainable tourism practices in Sri Lanka. His involvement is pivotal, as he has expressed his commitment to provide unwavering support to the Sustainable Tourism Association of Sri Lanka.

In addition to Prof. Ranasinghe’s support, Buddhika Hewawasam, chairman, SLTDA and Dheera Hettiarchchi, chairman, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, have also pledged their cooperation in the implementation of sustainable tourism initiatives through their respective state organisations. Their combined expertise and resources are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in Sri Lanka, ensuring that it aligns with sustainable development goals.

This inauguration marks a significant step towards fostering a sustainable tourism framework in Sri Lanka, one that prioritizes environmental preservation, cultural heritage and economic viability. The Sustainable Tourism Association of Sri Lanka is poised to lead the charge in promoting responsible tourism practices, ensuring that the industry flourishes while respecting the rich natural and cultural resources of the island.

Speaking at an exclusive press interview the Tourism Deputy Minister noted; “I am thrilled to see the private sector actively participating in the promotion of sustainable development, particularly within the tourism industry. This partnership is not just beneficial but essential, as it represents a viable mission that requires the joint engagement of both government and private entities. By working together, we can ensure that our tourism practices not only enhance economic growth but also preserve our natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations. It is through this collaborative approach that we can create lasting change and fulfill our commitment to sustainability.”

Adding to this collaborative effort, Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth said Australia would continue its long-term support for sustainable tourism development in Sri Lanka. Australia has contributed more than 50 million Australian dollars over the past decade to sustainable tourism initiatives in Sri Lanka, including to support more sustainable planning, accreditation and skills development for this crucial sector. The High Commissioner confirmed that this support would continue into the future and highlighted Australia’s partnership with the Market Development Facility (MDF), which had recently launched a new initiative using data analytics to help Sri Lankan policy makers better understand how travelers discover and engage with destinations.

“Our vision is to create a platform where all stakeholders including product manufacturers can collaborate and share best practices in sustainable tourism, said Chandra Wickramasinghe, elected founder president of the Association. “We aim to ensure that tourism in Sri Lanka not only provides economic benefits but also contributes positively to the environment and local communities, he added.

The founders of STASL-SusTour believe that sustainable tourism is the ‘Future of World Tourism’ and is crucial for the long-term viability of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which is a significant contributor to the nation’s economy. By fostering responsible travel practices, the association seeks to educate stakeholders, including tourists and businesses along with manufacturers about the importance of sustainability.

‘ The association plans to launch various initiatives, including workshops, awareness campaigns and partnerships with local and international organizations focused on sustainable tourism, said Nalin Malwenna, newly elected secretary. Through these efforts, SusTour hopes to position Sri Lanka as a leading destination for eco-conscious travelers looking for authentic and responsible travel experiences.

“The establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Association of Sri Lanka arrives at a pivotal moment, signaling a commitment to a more sustainable future in the nation’s tourism landscape, said elected treasurer Dr. Samantha Pathirathne.

By Claude Gunasekera

Business

Siyapatha Finance unveils 62nd branch in dynamic Horana City

Published

23 hours ago

2026/05/9

Thilina Walpola

Premier finance company Siyapatha Finance PLC recently unveiled its newest branch in Horana, successfully expanding its islandwide branch network to 62 branches. Located in one of the fastest-emerging economic hotspots in the Kalutara District, the Horana branch offers Siyapatha Finance’s wide range of holistic financial services including leasing, fixed deposits, gold financing, business loans,fast draft, factoring, and Smart Pay – the Company’s bill payment facility.

The branch was declared open by Siyapatha Finance PLC Directors- Jayanath Gunawardena and Ms. Sriyani Ranathunga , Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathisha Hewavitharana in the presence of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Rajeev De Silva, Ms. Dinuli Gihansi Perera -student of Govinna Maha Vidyalaya , Horana who has been selected to represent Sri Lanka for Asian Boxing Championship 2026 , Senior Management, staff members as well as Police HQI Ranga Perera , Grama Niladhari Mr. Chaminda Kumara, representatives of the government and private banks and insurance companies and well-wishers.

Speaking at the ceremony, Siyapatha Finance PLC CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana remarked: “Horana is a region that has captured massive interest nationally in terms of commercial and social development in recent years. Expanding our branch network to this area gives us a significant opportunity to broaden our reach and serve a larger, diverse ;;customer base’’.