Business
Luxury meets sustainability: Eastern Sri Lanka’s new approach to high-end travel
By focusing on sustainable luxury tourism strategies, Eastern Sri Lanka can attract a niche market of luxury travelers who value sustainability and responsible tourism. This approach can lead to economic benefits for local communities and the preservation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage, says Chaminda Upul Kumara, Sustainability Project Manager at Sun Siyam Resorts.
“Sustainable luxury tourism is an approach that combines high-end travel experiences with a commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and cultural sensitivity. The goal is to offer luxurious experiences while being mindful of their impact on the environment and local communities,” he explains.
“This approach aims to provide travelers with a sense of fulfillment and responsibility, knowing that their enjoyment doesn’t come at the expense of the planet or local communities. We have observed that this has tremendous potential for developing tourism in the Eastern Province because it also supports community empowerment,” Upul Kumara added.
Key elements of this approach often include: eco-friendly practices of utilizing renewable energy, reducing waste, and minimizing carbon footprints in accommodations and activities; local sourcing by prioritizing locally sourced food, materials, and products to support local economies and reduce transportation emissions; cultural respect to engaging with and respecting local cultures and traditions, often through community-driven initiatives and authentic experiences, conservation efforts to support and participating in conservation projects and wildlife protection initiatives; and high-quality experiences to ensuring that, despite the focus on sustainability, the luxury and quality of the experience are not compromised.
Arshed Refai, General Manager of the Pasikudah property, noted that their resort offers a unique blend of luxury and eco-conscious living. “We employ around 90 percent of our staff from surrounding towns, fostering a strong sense of community and loyalty. The resort is committed to empowering its staff through various training and development programs, equipping them with the skills to excel in their roles and grow their careers within the vibrant hospitality industry. This approach not only supports the local economy but also ensures exceptional service for guests,” Refai said.
“Boosting tourism in Eastern Sri Lanka through sustainable luxury tourism can be a powerful strategy, especially given the region’s unique natural and cultural assets,” he added. Refai also emphasized that the resort’s commitment to local talent extends to community development projects, such as beach cleanups, tree planting programs, and educational workshops on environmental conservation. These initiatives foster a sense of environmental stewardship within the community and contribute to the overall well-being of the region.
“We integrate Lankan culture and traditions into the guest experience. The resort’s design incorporates elements of Lankan architecture, using natural materials and traditional design motifs. Guests can enjoy authentic Lankan cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients and participate in cultural activities such as cooking classes, traditional dance performances, and visits to nearby historical sites.
Locally sourced artwork and handicrafts adorn the resort, showcasing the talents of Lankan artisans and adding cultural authenticity. The resort’s boutique shop offers guests the opportunity to purchase these unique items, supporting local artisans,” Refai added.
The inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025 concluded with industry leaders and regulators establishing two critical national priorities: a bold target to reduce physical cash usage and a push for consolidated regulatory oversight.
In a key decision, participants set a clear three-year goal to lower the ratio of cash in circulation to GDP from 4.5% to 3.5%. The strategy will focus on digitizing high-cash sectors like transport, utilities, and SME payments, while expanding digital access through post offices and cooperatives.
For the long-term health of the ecosystem, stakeholders agreed to lobby for the creation of a single, unified regulatory authority dedicated to fintech oversight. This aims to streamline approvals and provide clearer guidance for innovators.
“Our members needed to leave with concrete action points,” said Channa de Silva, Chairman of the Fintech Forum, Sri Lanka. The summit, designed as a series of closed-door roundtables with regulators including the Central Bank, produced actionable frameworks. “It was about defining KPIs, setting targets, and giving the industry a shared direction,” de Silva explained.
The outcomes signal a concerted shift from discussion to execution, aiming to build a more inclusive, efficient, and secure digital financial economy for Sri Lanka.
By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️
A new force in Sri Lanka’s food industry, Kukus Group, is gaining momentum with a clear vision to deliver authentic cuisine, high hygiene standards, and affordability. Founded by young entrepreneurs Nadeera Senanayaka, Lakmini Gurusinghe, and Randila Gunasinghe, the group has successfully launched its pilot outlet and is now preparing for a significant nationwide expansion.
The inaugural in Kotte has served as a successful proof of concept. Operating for five months, this modern street-food outlet has garnered a strong customer response, confirming market demand and providing the confidence to fund the group’s ambitious growth strategy.
The inaugural in Kotte
“The positive reception has been overwhelming and has solidified our plans,” said Lakmini Gurusinghe and Randila Gunasinghe. “Our Kotte outlet is the operational model we will replicate – ensuring consistent quality, disciplined operations, and excellent service across all future locations.”
The group’s expansion strategy is built on three distinct thematic brands:
Kukus Street: Targeting young urban customers, these outlets offer a vibrant, casual dining experience with a menu of Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, snacks, and BBQ, with most meals priced under Rs. 1,500. Services include dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.
Kukus Beach: Planned for coastal areas, beginning in the South, this concept will feature an urban-style beach restaurant and pub designed for relaxed social dining.
Kukus Bioscope: Celebrating Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage, this dedicated restaurant concept will create a nostalgic cultural space inspired by the golden eras of Sinhala cinema, with the first outlet slated for Colombo.
The immediate plan includes transforming the flagship Kotte location into Kukus Pub & Bar, pending regulatory approvals. The long-term vision is to develop 18 outlets nationwide: 10 Kukus Street locations, 5 Kukus Beach venues, and 3 Kukus Bioscope establishments.
“Kukus Group is more than a hospitality brand; it’s a celebration of Sri Lankan flavors and culture,” the founders concluded. “Our mission is to build trusted, recognizable brands that connect deeply with communities and offer lasting cultural value alongside authentic cuisine. We are dynamic and excited to proceed with this strategic expansion,” they said.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Fcode Labs marked its seventh anniversary by hosting its annual Awards Night 2025 at Waters Edge, celebrating team achievements and reinforcing its organizational values.
The event featured keynote addresses from Co-Founders & CEOs Buddhishan Manamperi and Tharindu Malawaraarachchi, who reflected on the company’s annual progress and future strategy. Chief Operating Officer Pamaljith Harshapriya outlined operational priorities for the next phase of growth.
Awards were presented across three key categories. Prabhanu Gunaweera and Dushan Pramod received Customer Excellence awards for partner collaboration. Performance Excellence awards were granted to Munsira Mansoor, Thusara Wanigathunga, Thushan De Silva, Adithya Narasinghe, Avantha Dissanayake, Amanda Janmaweera, Sithika Guruge, and Sandali Gunawardena. The Value-Based Behaviour awards were given to Thilina Hewagama, Udara Sembukuttiarachchi, and Kavindu Dhananjaya for exemplifying company values.
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