Business
The Rise of Aviyana: Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality revolution
By Saman Indrajith
As Sri Lanka ushers in 2025, the nation prepares to unveil a game-changing addition to its hospitality landscape—Aviyana Ceylon, the country’s first seven-star luxury hotel. Situated amid the serene hills of Udispattuwa, Kandy, this extraordinary property promises to set a new global benchmark for opulence and innovation. Spanning 24 acres with a masterfully designed balance of wellness and bespoke experiences, Aviyana offers an unparalleled blend of tranquility and adventure, crowned by breathtaking views of the Knuckles Mountain Range.
“Aviyana Ceylon is not just a hotel; it is a gateway to Sri Lanka’s future as a global leader in luxury hospitality. This year, we welcome the world to discover the extraordinary – a legacy that celebrates both innovation and our nation’s rich cultural heritage,” said Dr. Thisara Hewawasam, Chairman of Aviyana during an interview with the Sunday Island.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q: What inspired you to create Sri Lanka’s first seven-star luxury hotel, Aviyana Ceylon, and how do you see it reshaping the country’s hospitality landscape?
A: Tourism in Sri Lanka dates to the arrival of Prince Vijaya, followed by centuries of foreign visits driven by trade. However, in modern times, there’s been a shift towards offering more than just basic accommodation for tourists. While Sri Lanka attracts around two million visitors annually, spending an average of USD 2,000 each, countries like the Maldives see tourists spending up to USD 5,000. To bridge this gap, I believe Sri Lanka needs a new kind of luxury experience.
We currently lack facilities that cater to high-net-worth individuals. The star hotels in Sri Lanka, typically charge between Rs 15,000 and Rs 75,000 per night, while few top-tier hotels charge over Rs 200,000. To attract ultra-wealthy tourists, we need a seven-star hotel that offers unparalleled luxury, combining all the best facilities under one roof.
Aviyana Ceylon is designed with this vision in mind: to raise the average income from foreign guests and contribute to the local economy. Many feared this ambitious project would fail, especially since most leading hotels here are international chains. However, our focus is on promoting Sri Lankan culture, wellness, traditional medicine, and Ayurveda, which will strengthen our identity in the hospitality industry. This marks a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s tourism.
Q: Aviyana Ceylon, nestled in the hills of Kandy, emphasizes wellness and bespoke experiences. How does the hotel blend Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage with modern luxury?
A: There are two key factors when creating a memorable resort experience: the facilities provided and the location’s offerings. At Aviyana Ceylon, we excel in both. While other hotels, like Mount Lavinia, boast a heritage and coastal view, Aviyana’s location is unique. It offers a sweeping view of one-tenth of Sri Lanka’s land area, spanning five districts. This breathtaking scenery is complemented by a diverse climate, where guests can experience five different temperatures in a single day—something no other hotel in the country offers.
Our surroundings are rich with nature—lush greenery, medicinal plants like Aralu and Nelli, and pure water from the Knuckles range, considered the cleanest in the world. The area also offers activities such as bungee jumping, bird watching, and hiking, all framed by nature’s beauty.
Beyond nature, we bring Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality to the forefront. We celebrate our food culture by serving dishes from King Rajasinghe’s menu, where food offers both nutrition and medicinal benefits. We also embrace customer-centric service, adjusting the hotel’s offerings to suit the guest’s preferences, from security to connectivity.
Aviyana Ceylon will host traditional events weekly, featuring artists from the Dalada Perahera in Kandy. We’re also bringing world-renowned chefs who have not visited Sri Lanka before. Security is a top priority, with advanced systems ensuring the safety of all guests. The hotel includes an on-site hospital, helicopter service, and an underground area for emergencies.
Aviyana Ceylon also stands out by offering unique experiences, such as temporary ordination for Buddhist guests, access to indigenous medicine, and a dedicated hospital and helicopter service for emergencies. This fusion of luxury, culture, and wellness creates an unforgettable experience.
Q: Aviyana’s strategic partnership with the Al Nahyan Royal Family of Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone. How do you see this collaboration enhancing Sri Lanka’s global appeal as a luxury travel destination?
A: When we first approached the royal family, they viewed Sri Lanka only as a country from where they get their housemaids. To change this perception, we showed them a five-minute video showcasing the beauty and offerings of the country, which they found astonishing. This seven-star hotel concept is designed to cater to wealthy clients from Arabic countries, who have long played a key role in international trade, from the Silk Route to modern times. The Al Nahyan family has been instrumental in connecting us with high-net-worth individuals. We plan to expand our partnerships globally, reaching markets in India, the US, Europe, Russia, and other Western countries. Our vision is to host not only the royal family but also former world leaders, renowned sports figures, and artists at Aviyana Ceylon.
Q: Sustainability is often a key focus in high-end hospitality today. How does Aviyana Ceylon balance opulence with environmental responsibility, particularly in Kandy’s scenic highlands?
A: At Aviyana Ceylon, sustainability is integral to our design. We only removed 33 trees, leaving much of the 24-acre property untouched. Instead of building a massive 6,000-7,000 room hotel, we chose just eight acres for construction. We’ve also launched the ‘Breath’ project, planting 33,000 trees to date. Acknowledging the impact of carbon emissions, we invite guests to plant a tree during their visit, with their name and GPS location, so they can track its growth worldwide.
Given the hotel’s mountaintop location, we ensure no waste leaves the property. We’ve implemented an advanced Japanese waste recycling system at a significant cost. Wastewater is treated before being released into the ground. Our broader vision is to create a tourism zone in Kandy, linking local attractions like Victoria Falls, the Knuckles Range, and the Dalada Maligawa, positioning the area as a major tourism hub in the next 10-15 years.
Q: As Aviyana prepares for its grand opening, what specific features or experiences do you believe will set it apart from other luxury hotels, and what are your long-term aspirations for the brand?
A: Sri Lanka, known mainly for cricket and Ceylon tea, lacks a strong tourism brand and policy. Despite being one of the best destinations globally, we fail to leverage the opportunities tourism presents. Aviyana Ceylon aims to change that by becoming Sri Lanka’s defining luxury brand, much like cricket. We’re working with top global influencers to promote the hotel, with plans to invite one from each of 160 countries to cover our opening. With social media reach, we hope to captivate millions worldwide, offering a marketing campaign unlike anything seen before.
Our goal is to create a lasting impact not only for Aviyana Ceylon but for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. We plan to introduce a hotline and travel insurance for all tourists to enhance their experience, benefiting the entire industry.
As we near completion of the seven-star hotel, we expect heads of state from Arab countries to attend our opening. With the government’s support, we anticipate a 20% boost in tourism revenue and increased hotel prices in Colombo. Looking ahead, we’re also planning the Aviyana-2 project, with a world-first gem showroom and hospital, bringing Sri Lanka’s pride to the global stage.
Allocates 4% of global sales for their socio-economic empowerment
Sri Lankan tea exporter Russell’s Tea (Pvt) Ltd achieved a historic milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allocate 4% of its international sales revenue from ‘Russell’s Ceylon Ancestral Herbal Infusions’ toward the sustainable development of Sri Lanka’s indigenous community.
The company simultaneously launched five premium tea ranges—Ceylon Health and Wellness Teas, Ceylon Ancestral Herbal Infusions, Ceylon Fine Teas, Ceylon Organic Specialty Teas, and Ceylon Artisan Teas—to the global market, beginning with the UAE.
The MOU, formalizing the 4% revenue pledge, was signed by Russell’s Tea Director Jehan Perera and Vedda leader Uruwarige Wannila Aththo during a ceremony at Colombo’s Amari Hotel on Saturday. This agreement marks the first time the indigenous community will receive dollar-denominated compensation for sharing their ancestral knowledge of herbal remedies, which contributed to the development of Russell’s Ceylon Ancestral Herbal Infusions.
“Our R&D team drew significant inspiration from the Vedda community’s traditional wisdom on natural health benefits,” said Jehan Perera. “We believe it is our responsibility to reciprocate by supporting their socio-economic growth through this initiative.”
He added that the company plans to export the Community’s goods like wild honey in the future, further integrating the community into global markets.
Russell’s Tea has already secured partnerships with major UAE retailers, including the Lulu supermarket chain, with plans to expand across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Europe. All products, targeting luxury and tourism sectors, will be available in leading supermarkets by late June.
Celebrating its 38th anniversary, Russell’s Tea founder Russell Perera reflected on the company’s evolution: “From pioneering Sri Lanka’s corporate outdoor catering service to becoming a forex-earning exporter, this global launch symbolizes our commitment to innovation and national progress,” he said.
By Hiran Senewiratne
Business
Shyam takes helm at Sunshine Holdings as nephew succeeds uncle Vish in leadership transition
Under a Colombo sunset at the Taj Samudra, laughter, applause, and celebratory toasts recently marked the farewell of Vish Govindasamy, who stepped down from his executive role at Sunshine Holdings PLC after 28 years of transformative leadership.
The event, attended by business leaders, Sunshine’s senior team, and industry stakeholders, honoured his legacy as he transitioned to the Non-Executive Deputy Chairman role, while his nephew, Shyam Sathasivam, assumed the Group CEO position—a testament to the family bond steering this corporate evolution.
Sunshine Holdings announced that Govindasamy would continue in advisory capacity to ensure strategic continuity.
Govindasamy’s tenure which began in 1997 as CEO of Watawala Plantations, saw the Group expand into healthcare, consumer goods, renewable energy and dairy, while launching iconic brands such as Zesta, Watawala Tea, and Ran Kahata as well as Healthguard Pharmacy. Under his stewardship, Sunshine forged partnerships with global giants such as Wilmar and SBI Japan, earned recognition among Asia’s Best Workplaces, and championed social impact through the Sunshine Foundation for Good.
Shyam Sathasivam, Govindasamy’s nephew and successor, joined Sunshine in 2005 and has been integral to its recent growth. Having collaborated closely with his uncle for nearly two decades, Shyam emphasised his commitment to upholding the Group’s purpose-driven ethos: “Mr. Govindasamy nurtured a vision that blends business with heart. I am honored to build on this legacy, ensuring we continue to care for all stakeholders,” he stated at the farewell event.
During his address, Govindasamy observed attendees dispersed across the room and humorously underscored his attention to detail by remarking, “I kindly request everyone to assemble closer to the stage—such nuances catch my eye, a testament to my micro-management tendencies.” The lighthearted comment drew laughter while reflecting his reputed dedication to organizational precision.
Then shifting to the matter at hand and reflecting on his journey, Govindasamy acknowledged the Group’s resilience through Sri Lanka’s civil war and economic crises, expressing confidence in his nephew’s leadership: “Sunshine’s future is bright under Shyam. Our shared values and his forward-thinking approach will drive new heights,” he said.
The transition underscores a unique fusion of family trust and corporate strategy, positioning Sunshine Holdings for its next chapter.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
‘Blog It Symposium’
The ‘Blog It Symposium’ hosted by Union Assurance on March 27 at the BMICH, had drawn writers, students and professionals alongside literary giants like Ashok Ferrey. The event was less a corporate gathering and more a cultural movement, symbolising a quiet revolution in Sri Lanka’s journey toward financial empowerment.
Financial literacy, often confined to jargon-filled pamphlets or intimidating technical writeups, has found an unexpected ally in storytelling with Union Assurance’s Blog It initiative, launched years prior, which recognises a universal truth: people connect with stories, not statistics. By inviting bloggers and writers to explore themes like life insurance, savings, and generational wealth through personal narratives, the initiative transforms complex concepts into relatable tales. A mother’s account of securing her child’s education amid economic uncertainty, a young entrepreneur’s journey from debt to stability, or a retiree’s challenges in the rest of his or her life were the seeds of stories that resonated deeply with the writers in the audience especially because they are writing for a society whose financial planning is often overshadowed by day-to-day struggles.
Ashok Ferrey, the keynote speaker asked the audience,” Why do we write? “We write,” he suggested, “to express ourselves in ways that evade the rigid pathways of ordinary consciousness.” Imagine, he said, slipping into a disguise to go to a fancy dress party; that lets you be someone else. Writing, in Ferrey’s vision, operates similarly—it is a costume party for the psyche. “When we write, we shed the constraints of our daylight selves. The keyboard or pen becomes a mirror that reflects not who we are, but who we might invent,” he said.
“These aren’t just blogs,” remarked Lal Medawattegedara, novelist and symposium panelist. “They’re survival guides written in the language of the people.”
Rather than lecturing, Union Assurance has created a platform for dialogue. Winning entries, published in newspapers and shared across social media, turns anonymous writers into local influencers. A gem merchant from Ratnapura, whose blog on gem buying and selling would go viral, encouraging young people in the area to follow suit. A Colombo college student’s poem about her family’s medical debt would inspire a community savings drive. “Financial literacy isn’t about telling people what to do,” said Union Assurance CMO Mahen Gunarathna. “It’s about giving them the tools to write their own futures.”
As the 2025 symposium concluded, the message was clear: financial literacy is not a solo journey but a shared narrative.
In a world where money talks, Union Assurance has mastered a profound lesson: sometimes, the most powerful currency is a story well told. Sri Lankans are not just learning about finances—they’re rewriting their financial destinies with the support of Union Assurance.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
First phase of the Urban Forest Project under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme launched
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