Jetwing acquired the Uva Ben Head Tea Estate in Welimada in 2022 with a mandate to produce premium artisanal teas while safeguarding the environment through organic farming and biodiversity conservation. The Uva Ben Head Estate, a 100-acre expanse previously reliant on inorganic farming methods, is undergoing a transformative journey under Jetwing’s guidance. The estate is now a beacon of organic farming, with Jetwing introducing mixed cropping and phasing out chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The estate management has been committed to eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides through a phased reduction, since acquisition in 2022, with the final application of these chemicals occurring in August 2023. The transformation includes the production of organic liquid fertilizers, composting, and the planned introduction of biochar. Additionally, the estate is optimizing water usage through rainwater harvesting.

To inform future decisions, the estate is conducting comprehensive soil and leaf analyses in collaboration with the Tea Research Institute. Furthermore, a biodiversity survey is being undertaken led by Prof. Devaka Weerakoon, Head, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, to evaluate the impact of organic farming and to develop strategies for resource optimization and biodiversity enhancement.

Jetwing’s vision extends beyond agriculture to community development. The estate supports a vibrant community of over 300 individuals, providing employment opportunities and comprehensive training programmes. Health initiatives and financial assistance programmes reflect Jetwing’s commitment to the well-being of its associates and their families.

Currently, the harvested tea leaf is sold to third-party processors; however, plans for an on-site tea processing facility are underway, promising to enhance quality control and minimize environmental impact. The company’s circular approach to sustainability is further exemplified by initiatives that support dairy farming among estate residents, fostering a symbiotic relationship between agriculture and animal husbandry.

Nestled within the estate are the Jetwing Uva Ben Head Villa and Jetwing Welimada Villa, two homely planter’s bungalows, offering guests an immersive experience in Sri Lanka’s renowned tea country and providing employment opportunities for the local community. These villas are a testament to Jetwing Hotels’ esteemed reputation for providing serene retreats that harmonize luxury with nature.

The acquisition of the Uva Ben Head Estate and its subsequent conversion to organic cultivation represents a strategic expansion of Jetwing’s involvement in the tea industry. The estate complements the company’s inaugural venture, producing organic artisanal teas at Jetwing Warwick Gardens in Ambewela.

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) opened Rotation 1 of their new exhibition ‘Total Landscaping’ on 12 September. Curated by Sandev Handy and Thinal Sajeewa, ‘Rotation 1 of ‘Total Landscaping’ is open to the public until 1 December 2024. Entry to the exhibition is free and the museum is located on the ground floor of Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 03.

‘Total Landscaping’ explores the broad, dramatic, and stirring ways in which land has been transformed in Sri Lanka. The exhibition brings together 29 contemporary artists whose works go beyond traditional illustrations of landscapes. Instead, their works register the different ways in which perceptions of land have been constructed and contested. ‘Total Landscaping’ unfolds as a sequence of changing displays that elicit an all-out renegotiation of our relationships to land.

“This exhibition comes at a crucial time when concerns about land occupation, what land belongs to us, and how we belong to these lands have animated conversations both locally and globally,” said Handy, Senior Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka. He added, “This is not a new conversation by any means; rather, this exhibition identifies what has long been an underlying preoccupation for contemporary artists over the past few decades. How might we understand the ways in which land has always coded the story of this nation, and conversely, how political, social, and cultural relationships have coded the land?”

Rotation 1 of ‘Total Landscaping’ features artists Anomaa Rajakaruna (b.1965), Arulraj Ulaganathan (b.1992), Barbara Sansoni (1928–2022), Chandraguptha Thenuwara (b.1960), Danushka Marasinghe (b.1985), Dominic Sansoni (b.1956), Hanusha Somasundaram (b.1988), Jagath Weerasinghe (b.1954), Jasmine Nilani Joseph (b.1990), Jesper Nordahl (b.1969), Pradeep Thalawatta (b.1979), Sebastian Posingis (b.1975), Stephen Champion (b.1959), Suntharam Anojan (b.1991), Thavarasa Thajendran (b.1987), and Thisath Thoradeniya (b.1975).

Sajeewa, Assistant Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka said that,”The works in ‘Total Landscaping’ collectively explore the critical issues regarding land and how these in turn have shaped these landscapes.” He added, “The visual identity designed by Nia Thandapani, and the exhibition design led by Jonathan Edwards and Raeesah Samsudeen, were conceived in relation to the curatorial narrative of the show. Their designs function alongside the curatorial narratives of the exhibition and how audiences will experience ‘Total Landscaping’ across each Rotation.”

He further noted that “The artwork production was taken on by Nishantha Hettiarachchi and Rajendran Soniya, which includes the creation of Danushka Marasinghe’s living paddy field installation titled ‘Walk(er)’ (2016). We are excited for our visitors to see a work that challenges perceptions of contemporary art as well as the idea of landscape.”

Tiesh Jewellery, The Ropewalk, and Fig & Maple come together for an exclusive showcase of luxury, art, and fine dining

In an exquisite blend of luxury, culinary mastery, and timeless craftsmanship, Tiesh Jewellery recently collaborated with The Ropewalk at Galle Fort Hotel and Fig & Maple, India for an exclusive evening of dining, cocktails, and a stunning showcase of Tiesh’s ‘Timeless Elegance’ jewellery collection. This unforgettable event brought together a select group of Tiesh’s clientele amidst the historic grandeur of the iconic Galle Fort Hotel.

Tiesh, renowned for its meticulously crafted jewellery that embodies luxury and elegance, presented a curated selection of necklaces, earrings, pendants, and rings. The ‘Timeless Elegance’ collection, celebrated for its larger, statement pieces perfect for special occasions, captivated guests with its exceptional craftsmanship and use of finest sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

Director of Tiesh, Ayesh de Fonseka stated, “We are thrilled to partner with the Galle Fort Hotel and Fig & Maple for this unique collaboration. As a jeweller hailing from Kandy, it is a privilege to be part of such a prestigious event at one of Sri Lanka’s most historic hotels at Galle. The ‘Timeless Elegance’ collection celebrates the art of jewellery design, with each piece offering an exquisite reflection of beauty, craftsmanship and heritage.”

Set in the heart of the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Ropewalk is Sri Lanka’s first arrack-specialty bar, located within the 300-year-old Galle Fort Hotel. Known for its exceptional culinary experiences and innovative cocktails, Ropewalk has garnered accolades from prestigious publications such as Condé Nast Traveller India.

The evening’s festivities featured bespoke cocktails crafted by Ravish Bhavnani of Fig & Maple and The Ropewalk’s talented mixologists, followed by a multi-course dinner prepared by celebrated Chef Radhika Khandelwal, founder of the Delhi-based, zero-waste restaurant, Fig & Maple. Chef Khandelwal, recognised as one of India’s top 40 under 40 chefs by Condé Nast Traveller, delighted guests with a sustainable and seasonal menu using locally sourced produce.

Managing Director of Galle Fort Hotel and The Ropewalk Amrit Rajaratnam expressed, “We are honoured to have hosted this collaborative event with Tiesh, one of Sri Lanka’s most esteemed jewellers. The evening was a perfect fusion of culinary excellence and timeless artistry, offering our guests a truly unique experience.”

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to an elegant display of Tiesh’s jewellery collection, modelled by Maya and Diandra, allowing them to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of each piece up close.

Timeless Elegance