Interview with Hashan Cooray, Director (Marketing and Development) of Jetwing.

How has Jetwing hotels adapted to the international travellers’ expectations?

We at Jetwing Hotels have always been attentive to traveller expectations, and proactive whenever possible. One of the most notable and recent adaptations is the restructuring of our hotel portfolio into four distinct categories: Jetwing Luxury Reserves, Jetwing Premium Hotels, Select Hotels, and Essentials. This reorganization allows travellers to easily choose accommodations that align with their preferences and budgets, whether they seek high-end luxury, cultural immersion, or practical comfort. Each category maintains our hallmark hospitality while offering tailored experiences to suit different travel styles.

In addition to this structural shift, we have placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and service excellence. We pioneered sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka for over five decades, upholding environmental sustainability and social responsibility across all our properties. These efforts resonate well with international travellers who increasingly value responsible tourism and authentic local experiences. At Jetwing Hotels, we take great pride in our commitment to celebrating Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Properties like Jetwing Vil Uyana in Sigiriya and Jetwing Kaduruketha in Wellawaya reflect this dedication, offering our guests immersive experiences that highlight the richness of Sri Lanka’s agrarian traditions.

Jetwing has placed much emphasis on sustainability efforts. Could you name some of the initiatives?

Late Herbert Cooray, founder of Jetwing, always believed that hospitality could not exist isolated from the local communities and the environment. This philosophy has guided us for over 50 years, long before the term “sustainability” became widely recognized.

Our journey began with a strong focus on community empowerment and equitable tourism. In the early 1990s, we expanded this vision to include environmental stewardship, pioneering initiatives such as wastewater treatment plants, and early adoption of circular economy principles across our properties.

As our efforts evolved, we recognized the need for a more structured approach. In 2015, we formalized our sustainability strategy to align our environmental and social initiatives with our broader business goals. Our strategy outlines six key areas of focus: climate action, resource efficiency, heritage stewardship, empowered family, thriving community, and impact sourcing.

Each of our properties, located across the island, are designed to seamlessly blend with their surroundings; the hotels’ architecture embraces green building principles, prioritizing energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste management.

We have endeavored to reduce our carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy initiatives; approximately 24% of our electricity requirement is met through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, while over 60% of the hotels’ energy demand is now being met through renewable energy including solar PV, biomass, solar thermal, and biogas.

To improve circularity across our hotel operations, comprehensive waste management systems are in place. Solid waste is sorted at source, with food waste being used for biogas generation that fuels our staff kitchens or sent for reuse as animal feed, garden waste composted for fertilizer, and other solid waste entrusted to third-party recyclers. Wastewater is treated and reused for on-site purposes such as irrigation, cistern flushing, and as make up water for cooling towers. We take pride in pioneering the use of glass water bottles, filled at on-site bottling plants around the island, as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles.

We actively strive to safeguard our surrounding ecosystems and preserve our cultural heritage, while conducting continuous awareness programmes for associates and local communities about the region’s flora and fauna. Nestled within a man-made wetland, Jetwing Vil Uyana embodies our dedication to conserving biodiversity and preserving our agrarian heritage. A 28-acre degraded agricultural land was restored and transformed into a thriving wetland, fostering a diverse array of faunal species. The lakes at Jetwing Vil Uyana were thoughtfully designed to reflect Sri Lanka’s ancient cascade systems, renowned for their ingenious and sustainable water management techniques.

Our approach to sustainability is people-centric, placing at the forefront our associates, our communities, suppliers, and our guests; with this in mind each of our operations are designed to enhance the livelihoods and living standards of the communities around.

Through the Jetwing Youth Development Programme (JYDP), that has been running for 18 years, nearly 1500 youth across the island have been empowered, by developing skills needed for a career in hospitality. Jetwing Hotels’ Thrive programme is aimed at empowering SMEs around the hotels, through capacity-building programmes and providing a platform for market access.

Hashan Cooray – Director – Marketing and Development

Launched in 2021, during one of the most challenging times for Sri Lanka and the hospitality industry, the award-winning ‘Second Careers’ programme is a pioneering project initiated to provide an opportunity for women aged 45 and above from economically challenged backgrounds, to enter the workforce. The programme targets mid-aged women who have completed childcare responsibilities but now face unemployment due to age-related perceptions and skill gaps. Through capacity building programmes, Jetwing bridges these barriers, equipping participants with the necessary tools for seamless integration into the professional world; by augmenting the existing skills of these women in the areas of housekeeping, kitchen, and garden.

What role does the Jetwing play in promoting Sri Lanka as a destination internationally?

We have consistently striven to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality to the world. Our deep-rooted commitment to authentic Sri Lankan experiences is reflected in our properties, which are thoughtfully designed to highlight regional architecture, local traditions, and immersive cultural activities.

Rather than focusing solely on well-known tourist hubs, we have ventured into less-explored regions across the island, creating unique travel experiences that broaden the appeal of Sri Lanka to international audiences. This approach not only enriches the visitor experience but also supports local communities and promotes sustainable tourism. Jetwing Jaffna was one of the first hotels of its kind to welcome guests to the vibrant city of Jaffna, and our most recent venture Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa is the first luxury hotel to open its doors in the quaint town of Rambukkana.

As global travellers increasingly seek conscious and responsible travel experiences, Jetwing is well-positioned to promote Sri Lanka as a sustainable destination. Having embraced these principles from the very beginning, sustainability is deeply embedded in our operations and philosophy. Our efforts have not only shaped meaningful guest experiences but have also earned recognition from respected international organisations such as the International Centre for Responsible Travel (ICRT), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Skal International. These accolades have helped elevate both Jetwing and Sri Lanka on the global stage, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a destination that values authenticity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

The Jetwing Yala reconnects with nature.What do you offer the national traveller?

Jetwing Yala is nestled between the Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean. The property offers travellers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of Sri Lanka’s southern coastal wilderness. From the moment guests arrive, they are surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, with Yala National Park just minutes away and the Indian Ocean stretching beyond the dunes.

The curated experiences offered at the hotel blend adventure, relaxation, and sustainability. Whether it’s guided safaris to witness Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife, nature walks led by our resident naturalists, or stargazing under the clear night skies, every activity is designed to foster a deeper connection with the environment. Our eco-conscious architecture and renewable energy practices also ensure that guests can enjoy their stay responsibly, knowing their footprint is minimal.

Moreover, we provide warm Sri Lankan hospitality that makes every traveller feel at home, while introducing them to the rich cultural and ecological heritage of the region. Through locally inspired cuisine, community engagement, and personalized service, Jetwing Yala becomes more than just a place to stay—it becomes a gateway to understanding and appreciating the natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

The World of Jetwing hotels – Each has its own story and setting explain?

At Jetwing, we believe that every hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a living story shaped by its surroundings, culture, and community. Sri Lanka, even though a small island nation, is culturally very diverse. The world of Jetwing Hotels is a collection of unique experiences, each property thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of its location. When you visit our hotels, you truly understand that no two Jetwing properties are the same. What unites them, however, are our core values: legendary Sri Lankan hospitality, a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, and a passion for uplifting local communities.

Our architecture plays a vital role in crafting authentic experiences. In Nuwara Eliya and Ambewela, many of our properties are rooted in the colonial period—a defining chapter in Sri Lanka’s history. These hotels preserve the elegance and charm of a bygone era, offering guests a glimpse into the island’s colonial legacy amidst the cool climes of the hill country, and Sri Lanka’s tea industry. In Kandy, the design of Jetwing Kandy Gallery pays tribute to the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural festivals. The architecture and ambiance reflect the artistry and spiritual significance of this event.

Our heritage homes, such as Jetwing Galle Heritage Home, Jetwing Mahesa Bawan, and Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa, are rich in character and history. Each property tells its own story through its architecture, décor, and surroundings—offering guests a deeply personal and historically rooted experience.

On the eastern coast, Jetwing Surf and Safari exemplifies eco-luxury, with its cabanas built using sustainable materials and designed to harmonize with the natural beachside environment. It’s a tranquil retreat for travellers seeking serenity and connection with nature.

Jetwing Vil Uyana in Sigiriya is built around a man-made wetland, inspired by ancient Sri Lankan water systems, offering guests a rare blend of luxury and ecological harmony. In contrast, Jetwing Kaduruketha in Wellawaya celebrates the island’s agrarian heritage, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in rural life while enjoying modern comforts.

In the wild south, Jetwing Jungle Lodge and Jetwing Yala offer immersive experiences in the heart of nature. With earthy tones and structures that blend seamlessly into the landscape, these properties invite guests to explore Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity while staying in comfort. Jetwing Jungle Lodge, with its secluded jungle dwellings, takes this connection even further, offering a raw and intimate experience of the wilderness.

What are your signature themes – like sustainability, Aesthetics, wellness experiences and culinary experiences?

Legendary hospitality, Sustainable travel and accommodation, Architecture, Authentic experiences, and Culinary experiences