By Ifham Nizam

What started 30 years ago as an effort to protect sea turtles has evolved into a community-based economic model that has generated livelihoods, attracted tourists and transformed Rekawa into one of Sri Lanka’s best-known nature tourism destinations.

The Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project, launched on September 2, 1996, by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) in partnership with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Rekawa community, marked its 30th anniversary last week, demonstrating how biodiversity protection can become an economic opportunity for communities living alongside sensitive natural resources.

Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, TCP chairman Thushan Kapurusinghe said the project currently provides direct livelihoods for 28 people, but its economic impact extends considerably beyond those directly employed by the programme.

‘Today, 28 people directly earn their livelihood through this project. But its impact goes far beyond those 28 individuals, Kapurusinghe said.

He pointed to the transformation of the area over the past three decades, arguing that the growth of tourism in the community has been closely linked to the turtle conservation programme.

‘If you travel from Netolpitiya to this area, you can clearly see how much the village has transformed over the years. There is no doubt that the growth of tourism in this community has been driven by the Turtle Conservation Project, he said.

The economic significance of Rekawa lies in its ability to convert the protection of a natural asset into a source of recurring community income.

Tourists do not come to Rekawa merely to see a beach. They come to witness sea turtles emerging from the ocean and nesting in their natural habitat—a tourism experience that depends directly on the continued protection of the nesting beach.

Kapurusinghe said tour operators regularly bring visitors to Rekawa, with some tourists traveling there after visiting major attractions such as the Kandy Esala Perahera.

The model represents a fundamental shift from viewing conservation as an expense to recognising biodiversity as an economic asset that can generate sustainable livelihoods when properly managed.

The 30th anniversary celebration at the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project Information Centre brought together Southern Wildlife Region Director of the Department of Wildlife Conservation Channa Suraweera, government officials, conservation organisations, community representatives and long-standing supporters of the initiative.

Individuals who had contributed to the project over the past three decades were also recognised with awards for their service to sea turtle and environmental conservation.

Rekawa’s experience has attracted international attention because of precisely this combination of conservation and community development. The project has received international recognition as well as the Green Employment Award from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Earlier international recognition included a highly commended ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ award, while the project’s turtle-watch programme subsequently received further recognition in responsible tourism and conservation.

For an evening, the timeless spectacle of the Kandy Esala Perahera unfolded at especially close quarters for a select group of Ceylinco Life’s most valued policyholders and their families, who were hosted to an exclusive viewing experience by the Company’s Customer Relations Division.

Held at the Ceylinco Life Kandy Branch on Kings Street, the annual event coincided with the second Randoli Perahera, bringing guests into the heart of one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular expressions of culture, tradition and pageantry.

As the procession made its majestic passage through the streets of Kandy, guests enjoyed VIP seating at a prime vantage point, allowing them to experience the colour, movement and grandeur of the Perahera up close. The evening offered a fitting setting for Ceylinco Life to celebrate its enduring relationships with its premium clientele.

The experience extended well beyond the spectacle outside. Guests were welcomed with evening refreshments and an exclusive dinner buffet presented by the prestigious Amaya Hills Resort, adding a fine-dining dimension to an already memorable evening.

Families, too, were at the centre of the occasion. A private movie theatre experience provided entertainment for children and adults alike, while each attending family received a beautifully framed family photograph as a personalised souvenir, a tangible reminder of an evening shared together against the backdrop of one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured cultural traditions.

Besides being a much sought-after opportunity to watch the Perahera, the occasion was an expression of appreciation. Through its continuing Customer Relationship Management activities, Ceylinco Life seeks to create experiences that recognise its most valued policyholders not simply as customers, but as relationships to be celebrated and nurtured. And on this particular August evening, the enduring splendour of the Kandy Perahera provided the perfect setting for doing just that.

Toronto-based fashion brand Arvénoir, founded by designer and entrepreneur Anamica Mithila, is expanding its international presence with the launch of its official e-commerce platform, www. Arvénoir.com, in Sri Lanka.

Known for contemporary design, effortless tailoring and conscious craftsmanship, Arvénoir is introducing its premium European linen collections to Sri Lankan consumers. Featuring breathable fabrics, refined silhouettes and versatile pieces suited to warm-weather living, the collection reflects the influence of Sri Lanka’s tropical lifestyle.

Although Arvénoir was founded and developed in Toronto, its design perspective is informed by a range of cultures, environments and lifestyles. For founder Anamica Mithila, the relaxed elegance and tropical character of Sri Lankan life have provided an important source of inspiration for creating collections that balance sophistication with comfort.