“There is nothing greater that humans have—for this century, and for this consumer.” So says Dilhan C. Fernando, CEO and Chairman of Dilmah Tea, whose vision for Sri Lanka’s heritage crops goes far beyond commerce. In his impassioned voice, one hears not only the call of a tea planter but also that of a cultural custodian—protecting, promoting, and preserving the sanctity of Sri Lanka’s most prized export: Ceylon cinnamon.

For centuries, cinnamon has seduced the world. But not all cinnamon is created equal. Cassia, the cheap cousin of true Ceylon cinnamon, dominates supermarket shelves globally. Yet it is Sri Lanka’s soft, sweet, and health-rich Cinnamomum verum—once worth more than gold in ancient Rome—that is now making a strong case for a comeback.

“Ceylon cinnamon prevents the initiation and development of cancer in the human body,” says Dilhan Fernando. “That’s with the tea. Strong sedatives. Anti-cancer. Anti-stroke. Anti-stress. It’s a pharmacy in a cup.”

And therein lies the story of value. Not just economic value, but the deeper value of health, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. Ceylon cinnamon has been subjected to centuries of conquest, commodification, and confusion. Today, it stands at the crossroads once more—either to be sold as a cheap commodity or celebrated as the superfood it truly is.

A Heritage Crop with Healing Power

Modern research increasingly confirms what ancient civilizations intuitively knew: true cinnamon holds remarkable health properties. Ceylon cinnamon is rich in cinnamaldehyde, a compound shown to reduce inflammation, improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and even support neuroprotection. “Anti-cancer, anti-dementia—yes, absolutely. It’s amazing,” Fernando says.

He paints the picture with numbers. “Cinnamon per serving, for all these health benefits, is going to be about USD 0.20 per cup. Reducing cholesterol, preventing dementia, reducing cancer risk—that’s phenomenal value.”

Yet, ironically, the global market seems more eager to chase “cheapage,” as Fernando calls it.

 “Cheap is easy. Unfortunately, cheap is also the last refuge of the unimaginable. We need to be more creative and understand value.”

The statistics are startling. Ceylon cinnamon fetches a premium—exported at Rs. 10,000–11,000 per kilogram—but the average Sri Lankan export sits at Rs. 2,800–3,000, barely above the cost of production. “Why waste time trying to sell it cheap?” Fernando asks. “We should be proud about what we have and say, ‘Sorry, this is the most expensive’—and with reason.”

This isn’t arrogance; it’s wisdom. After all, Sri Lanka is home to true cinnamon—a distinction few countries can claim. In markets abroad, Ceylon cinnamon is often marketed as “true cinnamon,” while the more pungent, cheaper cassia is misleadingly labelled as just “cinnamon.”

From Nero to Now: A Spice with a Story

The legacy of cinnamon stretches back into antiquity. Its mystique captivated emperors, poets, and priests alike. “Roman Emperor Nero burnt a year’s supply of cinnamon on the funeral pyre of his wife—whom he had murdered,” Fernando recalls with a mixture of irony and awe. “He was very caring about the ceremony.”

In those days, 325 grams of cinnamon cost as much as a year’s salary for a Roman worker. “Because it came from faraway lands, especially from Sri Lanka,” he adds. But the traders—Phoenicians and Arabs—kept the origin a secret. “They told stories of serpents guarding mystical cinnamon groves. One tale says it came from the garden of the Roman god of wine and orgy.”

If cinnamon was once shrouded in mythology, it is now obscured by economics. That’s what Fernando is trying to change—by demystifying the truth and reasserting the value of what Sri Lanka truly owns.

Cinnamon and Colonialism

Sri Lanka’s cinnamon journey took a dramatic turn when European powers began to fight over it. The Portuguese, then the Dutch, and later the British monopolised the spice trade. What began as a cottage industry transformed into a global commodity—controlled by foreign powers but sourced from Sri Lankan soil.

Fernando is quick to connect that colonial past to today’s market behavior. “The British eventually shifted to coffee after slavery was abolished and West Indian coffee became unviable. But cinnamon remained essential—in food, cosmetics, and medicine. It is the most written about spice in history.”

Even ancient texts dating back to the 5th century BC praise cinnamon’s flavour and fragrance. Its presence in religious rituals, embalming, love potions, and healing tinctures shows just how culturally integrated the spice has been across civilizations.

Rediscovering the Roots

In today’s wellness-obsessed world, where every ingredient is scrutinized for its health benefits, Ceylon cinnamon is poised for resurgence. And yet, it must fight against a tide of misinformation and cheap alternatives.

That’s why Fernando calls for a revolution—not just in branding, but in mindset.

 “We need to stop selling to the world’s middle class. Stop falling over ourselves to be the cheapest. Instead, we must understand value, and that is the first step to value creation.”

It’s not just about price, he insists. It’s about pride. Just as his father Merrill J. Fernando launched Dilmah Tea four decades ago with the audacious claim that “Sri Lanka has the finest tea on earth,” so too must the country now reclaim its cinnamon crown.

“How can I make you cheap?” Fernando echoes his father’s voice. “We have the best. We should be proud of it.”

A Future in Every Cup

Today, at the intersection of history, health, and commerce, cinnamon offers Sri Lanka a rare opportunity. As global consumers grow more health-conscious and sustainability-aware, they are beginning to look for authenticity, provenance, and natural power.

Sri Lanka can—and must—rise to meet that demand. With its unique agro-climatic zones, skilled peelers, and centuries of tradition, the island remains the undisputed home of true cinnamon.

“Let’s talk about cinnamon in Sri Lanka,” Fernando concludes. “We have so much beyond. This is the story that the world needs to hear.”

And perhaps, in each cup of cinnamon-infused tea, there lies not only relief from disease but a rediscovery of heritage, health, and hope.

By Ifham Nizam ✍️

Sun Siyam Resort Pasikudah

Sun Siyam Resorts, a Maldivian hospitality group, is not only transforming luxury travel but also championing sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka.The Maldivian property, Sun Siyam resort, a beachfront sanctuary on Sri Lanka’s East Coast marks a new chapter in Sri Lanka tourism.

Since its opening, Sun Siyam Pasikudah has brought renewed energy to Sri Lanka’s once quiet eastern shoreline. Under GM Arshad Refai’s stewardship, the resort has positioned itself as more than a luxury escape it has become a cultural bridge and economic anchor for the region. Having managed top properties across Asia and the Middle East, GM Arshad brings a global understanding of luxury standards yet he never loses sight of the local touch. Drawing from his extensive international experiences, Refai has transformed the resort into a luxury haven.

Sun Siyam’s global branding and international clientale have helped put Pasikudah on the map for high end travellers seeking untouched destinations.

How Sun Siyam Pasikudah is leading the East Coast’s Boutique Renaissance

Once considered Sri Lanka’s quiet frontier, the island’s east coast is experiencing a deliberate and meaningful resurgence. With its powdery beaches, cultural depth, and warm waters untouched by overdevelopment, the region is fast emerging as the next chapter in responsible, high-value tourism.

And at the heart of this movement stands Sun Siyam Pasikudah, a resort nestled along the sun-drenched shores of KaIkudah that embodies a new kind of luxury. One that is intimate, sustainable, and deeply rooted in place.

Unlike the mega-resorts that line more commercial destinations, Sun Slyam Pasikudah does not compete on excess. It competes on experience. With just 34 villas and suites, the property offers space, silence, and soulful connection, the kind of refined minimalism that today’s conscious travellers increasingly seek.

Beaches- luxury escape for weary traveller

“Eastern Sri Lanka is no longer just a seasonal detour. it’s becoming a core destination,” says Arshad Refai, its general manager. “What travellers want today isn’t just scenery. They want cultural texture, sustainability, and a sense of discovery. The east offers all of that.”

From Trincomalee’s spiritual energy to Arugam Bay’s surf culture and Batticaloa’s lagoon life, this coast is a patchwork of micro-experiences. Pasikudah, in particular, strikes a rare balance: serene, swimmable waters with proximity to cultural landmarks like the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and wildlife havens like Minneriya.

But infrastructure is only part of the equation. The real difference is in the kind of hospitality that’s emerging, which are thoughtful, boutique properties that don’t just serve guests but immerse them in the region’s story. Sun Siyam Pasikudah is a standout among these.

Built with a philosophy of less is more, Sun Siyam Pasikudah doesn’t try to replicate five-star opulence. Instead, it offers something rarer: considered luxury. Large freestanding bathtubs, handwoven textiles, open-air courtyards, and coastal colour palettes bring the outdoors in. But the real indulgence? Space, calm, and a sense of home.

Guests aren’t herded into pre-set itineraries, they’re invited to shape their own. Whether it’s learning to weave thatch with a local artisan, taking a cooking class using regional produce, or sipping wine in the largest cellar in the region, the experience is less about ticking boxes and more about meaningful connection.

The dining is another expression of this ethos. From poolside plates to elegant diners under the stars, menus at the resort are ingredient-led, seasonally responsive, and rich with Sri Lankan heritage. The on-site Latitude restaurant leads the culinary offering, supported by private dining options and curated tea and wine experiences that draw from both local tradition and international finesse.

“Luxury is changing,” notes Refai. “It’s no longer about abundance; it’s about intention. Privacy, slowness, sustainability, and emotional connection are now the markers of an exceptional stay.” It’s a

shift that Sun Siyam Resorts has embraced wholeheartedly. The brand while known for its properties in the Maldives has brought a uniquely Sri Lankan depth to its east coast outpost. And that includes a strong sense of responsibility.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah is proudly Travelife Gold Certified, one of the most respected sustainability accreditations in global hospitality. But beyond certification, the team practices what it preaches. Solar energy powers much of the resort. Single-use plastics are actively eliminated. Local sourcing is a priority—from seafood to spa ingredients. Even experiences are curated to benefit the wider community, ensuring that tourism growth is shared and regenerative.

Boutique properties like Sun Siyam Pasikudah aren’t just redefining hospitality, they’re reshaping regional development. By embedding sustainability and community engagement into their operations, they demonstrate that high-end tourism doesn’t have to be extractive. It can be inclusive.

In Pasikudah, this shows up in subtle ways: training local youth in hospitality, sourcing handmade decor and crafts, supporting local fishers, and creating platforms for cultural exchange. Guests are not just observers, they’re participants in a shared narrative. “People remember how a place makes them feel,” says Arshed. “Here, it’s calm, it’s real, and guests feel like they’re part of something more meaningful than just a holiday,”

The future of tourism in Sri Lanka’s east is promising but only if it is stewarded with care. Mass development may bring short-term gain, but it risks diluting the very character that makes the region special.

Boutique, sustainability-led properties like Sun Siyam Pasikudah offer a blueprint for how it can be done differently. By focusing on quality over quantity, experiences over amenities, and people over profit, they are helping shape a future where tourism uplifts both guests and communities. And for travellers? They offer something even more valuable: a stay that means something.

As the face of the Sun Siyam Pasikudah the GM ensure the resort reflects the group’s luxury brand bbvalue, grace excellency and authencity. (ZC)

Namaste Manchester: IndiGo announces its long-haul debut with non-stop flights connecting Mumbai and Manchester starting 01 July 2025

IndiGo is the only airline to offer direct connectivity between Mumbai and Manchester• Complimentary hot meals on-board for all customers on this route

Upgrading its in-flight dining experience, IndiGo also announced that complimentary hot meals and beverageswill be served to all customers on this route. The airline will use its Boeing 787-9 dreamliner aircraft to operate thrice weekly flights on the route. This will make IndiGo the only airlineoffering direct connectivity between India and the Northern UK.

The flights are open forbookings across channels, including IndiGo’s official website www.goIndiGo.in, mobile app,and authorized travel partners.Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo’s long-haul foray marks a pivotalmoment in our global expansion journey.

We are very proud as well as excited to open the sale ofour first long-haul service connecting Mumbai with Manchester, a very special route in manyways. Celebrating India and its unique cuisine, we’re thrilled to announce that specially craftedcomplimentary hot meals and beverages, by iconic home-grown Indian brands, will be served toall our customers on this route.

The new route will provide seamless connection to a vast majority of 90+ Indian destinations on IndiGo’s domestic network benefiting customers travellingf rom Manchester to Mumbai. This service by IndiGo will thereby further enhance connectivity between India and the UK, fostering stronger economic, educational, and cultural ties.